Karissa Willette ’25

Program: Australia Semester

Major: Chemistry

Minor: Theater

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

Growing up, my mom always told me stories of her study abroad experience, and I knew for such a long time that I wanted to make my own memories through study abroad. Since I was little I had a love for Australia and had wanted to visit the country someday. So while applying for college I made sure to look at their study abroad programs to see if they offered an Australia program. When I saw that CSB+SJU offered an Australia study abroad program, it was a no brainer that I would attend here as my mom went on the Austria program and had only ever said incredible things about it.

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

While in Australia, one of our excursions was taking a tour of the Fremantle prison. Prior to moving into our accommodation, I had stayed three nights in the hostel located in the Free prison, so going back a couple months later to take a torch light tour was an incredible experience. Throughout the tour we were told many facts about the prison and the history that lives there. They even had actors who played various prisoners and told the specific stories of their lives. In one of our classes, we had learned about the prisoners who had been brought over from Europe, and being able to walk through the same halls as them is something I will never forget.

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?

Spending a semester abroad had so many incredible benefits for me. The biggest one I can pin point is the opportunity to meet people from your host country and being able to share experiences with them. I became so close with my Australian roommate, and we did nearly everything together and are still super close despite living 10,000 miles apart from one another. As for contributing to my personal, academic, and professional development, I was able to take a variety of classes that are not offered here at CSB+SJU to further my knowledge in different areas.

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

Get to know the people in your host country and become friends with them. You will build lasting relationships that will benefit you greatly.