Mathea Jorgenson ’26

Program: Greece Semester

Major: Biology

Minor: Nutrition

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

Studying abroad had been a goal of mine for many years. I’ve always loved traveling, and I realized that studying abroad would be the perfect opportunity to combine my love of exploring with the chance to learn and grow in a new country and culture away from home. I wanted to challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone of small town life and discover how much of the world I haven’t explored yet. I knew studying abroad would be one of the best opportunities to learn how to travel more efficiently and gain valuable life experiences. Another important reason was my desire to build lasting connections with new people and make new friends based on the shared experiences we would have together.

I ultimately decided to study abroad in Greece after I attended both the study abroad fair and another study abroad event during my first year. I remember walking around, exploring all of the booths, but Greece stuck out to me the most. I received a lot of useful information about the program, and I was drawn to the beauty that Greece offered as well as its rich history. At the other event, I had the chance to speak with a wonderful alum who raved about her experience while abroad in Greece. This conversation gave me a clearer picture of what life abroad would be like, and I was convinced that Greece was the perfect choice for me.

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

In Greece, it’s common to eat late at restaurants and stay for hours, enjoying long conversations before leaving. This is quite different from American culture, where we tend to eat earlier and often spend less time at restaurants. I’ll never forget one night when my friends and I ate out at a restaurant on the island of Paros. We stayed out a bit later and talked for hours, fully embracing the laid-back Greek way of life. It really made me realize the simplicity of living in the moment and enjoying the company you have around you. It was a moment that made me realize the importance of living in the present, enjoying the time with those around you. It’s those moments when you check your phone and can’t believe how much time has passed that truly remind you to appreciate the little things in life.

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?

One of the best benefits of studying abroad is the people that you meet and form connections with. Some of these relationships could turn into lifelong friendships from the strong bonds you create through shared experiences together. Spending an entire semester abroad is especially unique because it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, giving you the opportunity to truly understand the country and its people. It also provides more time to explore not only the host country but also other destinations during your four-month stay, giving you the opportunity to broaden your horizons and experience more of the world.

Studying abroad has contributed to my growth in many ways. I’ve gained confidence in my ability to face unexpected challenges and learned the importance of flexibility, especially when traveling. I’ve adapted to new environments and navigated difficulties far from home. I also adjusted to taking courses outside of my major while balancing my time between studying and traveling. Despite the changes in my classes, I still had the opportunity to learn from amazing professors who are deeply passionate about their work. Over the course of four months, I enhanced my skillset, improving my communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and organizational abilities. These skills will be essential for my future career and help me as I prepare for what’s ahead.

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

Go into the experience with an open mind and don’t limit yourself. At the end of the day you only live once so don’t let your fear stop you from experiencing opportunities of a lifetime.