Julia Keiffer, Dec. ’25

Program: Italy Semester

Majors: Psychology & Strategic Communication Studies

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

I chose to study abroad because of its ability to totally push me out of my comfort zone. By experiencing new things everyday, one can grow more than they thought was even possible, and I feel this experience gave me that.

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

In Italy, we were able to take Italian from great professors. For one assignment we went to the Trionfale market in Rome, and this had a lasting impression on me. We learned the customary ways to buy goods and interact within the market, and learned so much about traditional foods and dishes the Italian people enjoy.

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 gain independence that allows you to explore and make your own decisions that will ultimately change your life. You need to look out for yourself and learn how the way of life in your country operates. These experiences make you intelligent and more adaptable to adversity. Studying abroad has allowed me to be more confident in my endeavors and believe that things will work out for the best.

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

Take every opportunity to experience something new, and don’t take any part of it for granted. At some point in the semester I realized how much I’d seen and how much I’d changed. Even on days where I missed home or felt unsure of myself, I grew exponentially. Every experience abroad allows you to become a better person and genuinely have so much fun.