Annika Anderson ’25

Program: Spain Semester

Major: Biology

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

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to gain the independence I sometimes lack at a small school. I saw my two older brothers study abroad when they were in college, and ever since, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I wanted to expand my knowledge of other cultures and have the opportunity to fully immerse myself in a new one for four months. I chose Spain because this program caught my eye. I thought the aspect of living with a host family and having to speak another language would allow me to get a larger grasp of a new culture. I also heard many great things about the program from past students.

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

A specific cultural experience I had on my program would be living with a host family. The dynamic of living, family, and everyday life was so different than my experiences back home. This allowed me to dive deeper into the culture since I was able to eat home-cooked Spanish meals every day, use my rusty Spanish to converse with my host family, and enjoy Spanish TV and activities.

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?

I personally feel like I have matured and grown immensely from studying abroad. I have become much more independent and brave in situations I may have walked away from in the past. I also have found some amazing new friendships from my experience and I know these are people I will connect with forever and without this experience I may have never had the opportunity to meet them. Academically, I was able to fulfill a couple of my Integrations Curriculum requirements, which was very helpful since I am a biology major and have my STEM classes to focus on when I am here at CSB.

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

The advice I would offer students who are wanting to study abroad is that this experience is once in a lifetime. It will go by so fast, so go and do everything you want to and everything you can. Studying abroad will open your eyes to a whole new world, and your perspectives on things will grow and even change. Although nerve-racking, it is so exciting to immerse yourself in an experience that will change your life for the better.