Michelle Orso, ’25
Program: Italy
Major: Theology
Minor: Psychology
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you decide on this program?
I wanted to explore the world and travel, and studying abroad was the perfect opportunity for that! I chose Rome because I really wanted to learn more about the Italian culture, be close to the Vatican, and discover more about Italy!
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your program that made a lasting impression.
One of my favorite things to do was to walk the streets of Rome to just soak up the culture! There is so much life and beauty in Italy, and I loved meeting Italians and other students to tell me about their experiences and life stories while in Italy! It was truly a gift to meet and have conversations with Italians on the streets of Rome.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Studying abroad was truly the best experience of my life! I feel like it opened my eyes to so much, and I grew so much as a person! I loved every minute of it and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study abroad! I have so many memories and made so many lifelong friends that I will never take for granted!
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?
Living in a foreign country for 4 months kind of just makes you grow naturally because of how you are completely packing up your life and starting a new adventure in another country! The amount of growth and confidence that I feel in myself from being able to do this is just so incredible!
What advice can you offer for CSB+SJU students who are considering or planning to study abroad?
It may feel incredibly scary to be abroad and away from home for a semester, but you will learn to adjust and adapt! Homesickness abroad will happen, but you will also have so many memories that you'll make while abroad! Soak up every moment, take all the pictures, and say yes to the adventure!