Michaela Clark ’26

Program: Greece Semester

Major: Computer Science

Minors: Political Science & Data Analytics

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

Greece has been my #1 travel destination for as long as I can remember. It probably started out with the movie Mamma Mia, one of my favorites as a kid. Studying abroad was one of my main criteria when it came to choosing a university, and is one of the top reasons I ultimately ended up at Saint Ben’s! One of my friends told me that when she met me freshman year, she was pretty certain I told her I was going to study abroad in Greece before I even told her my name.

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

One of the most impactful places to me during my semester was, oddly enough, a coffee shop. I went to Kekkos nearly every single day I was in Athens. I asked myself many times if I would regret not branching out more and trying other places, but I never did. I became really close with the welcoming staff, improved my Greek by conversing with them and other customers, and it was one of the places that really felt like a home away from home. For multiple classes, we had assignments to go interview locals, and I always approached people at Kekkos. They were the most friendly individuals I have ever met, and we would speak for about an hour after the interview just learning about one another and our different cultures and perspectives. I also became good friends with one of the employees there who was around my age, and we keep in touch even now! Being home now, that is the place I miss the most.

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 was extremely nervous about going abroad for a whole semester. I am very much a home-body. I am very close with my parents and family and go home often on the weekends. I cried the entire way to the airport due to my anxiety of the unknown. Little did I know, this would be the best thing that had ever happened to me. I gained so much independence and confidence in myself. I learned to budget, problem solve, and to go with the flow so much more than I could have 6 months ago. I am forever grateful for the best decision I have ever made, and I have grown so much.

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

Do everything you can, while also taking time to check in on yourself. You are thrown into an entirely different world, and it will feel overwhelming, scary, lonely, but also exciting, and all of those things are normal. I experienced this, and so did everyone else, though people show their feelings and emotions differently. I promise you everyone was feeling all of the emotions. I can’t guarantee everything will go smoothly, or you won’t get homesick, or it’s the best experience of your life. The one thing I can guarantee you is you will leave having gained something, you will learn more about yourself, and you will be happy you did it.