Jane Bodensteiner '24

Program: Austria Semester

Major: Accounting Finance

Minor: Data Analytics

Athletic Team/Club: Tennis

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you decide on this program?

I chose to study abroad in order to learn more about myself and the world around me. I wanted to branch out of the Minnesota bubble and make connections with people from all over the globe. I chose Austria because I hadn't heard one bad thing about it and Salzburg provided the best mixture between city life and nature.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your program that made a lasting impression.

One cultural experience is German class. Taking German in Austria was an interesting experience as it was almost full immersion and you really had to work in order to speak and understand the language.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

I loved it! I did not want to leave. The classes provided were so different than the ones I take usually at CSB+SJU. I made amazing connections with other fellow classmates from all over the U.S. and abroad.

Based on your experiences abroad, what are some of the benefits of spending a semester abroad? How has studying abroad contributed to your personal, academic, and professional development?

You are able to travel anywhere by train or plane. Everything is mostly reasonable which is also extremely nice as most students have budgets. Studying abroad has taught me to never stop reaching out of my comfort zone. To continue finding ways to step through my personal boundaries as I continue to learn more.

What advice can you offer for CSB+SJU students who are considering or planning to study abroad?

DO IT!!! Everyone's scared to leave home, but you will never regret it.