Natalie Williams, ’25

Program: Italy

Major: Elementary Education

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

I chose to study abroad because of my love for new experiences. I had been set on studying abroad since I was in high school. The many study abroad options were one of the reasons I chose CSB+SJU. I decided on Rome for Fall 2023 because it was the program I could see myself on. The more research I did into each program, the more I felt pulled towards Rome. Plus, I have family origins in Italy.

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

The cultural experience that made a lasting impression on me was the relationship I formed with my Italian professor. She was a local Italian woman who taught at the university we studied at, and she was my favorite professor. In addition to making my study abroad experience so much more enjoyable, she helped me communicate in Italian with the local people around me.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

I had a really good study abroad experience. By staying in Italian apartment complexes and having to go to the market to get our own groceries, it was very immersive, which is something I valued a lot. Italy has to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The ability to develop my independence and confidence while abroad was amazing. Overall, I would not trade studying abroad for the world!

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?

Studying abroad helped with my personal development by building on my independence, confidence, and ability to travel with ease. It assisted my academic development by pushing me to take classes I otherwise would not have chosen for myself. It also challenged me to accept a different school structure than I was used to. Lastly, it helped my professional development by teaching me how to interact with people who have different societal norms and values than Americans are used to. It also helped me learn how to network.

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

If you are even considering studying abroad and it fits into your four-year plan, do it! It may seem daunting, but if I can do it, you can do it. The experiences you will have and the friends you will make outweigh the fear of what is holding you back.