Olivia Louwagie ’26

Program: France Semester

Major: Elementary Education

Minor: Psychology

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

I chose to study abroad because I knew I wouldn’t get another opportunity like this again. I wanted to explore different cultures and immerse myself in the language. I chose France because of the language and the education track the program offered.

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

A cultural experience that I had was not only the difference in the French culture but also between the other American students in my program. Since people were from all over the United States, I often found myself discussing differences between states and regions of the U.S. This included climate, language, food, and really any similarity or difference we could find.

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 have come back from studying abroad as a more confident person. Studying abroad stretched my comfort zone, and I am also willing to try anything, whether that be food, an activity, or a new opportunity. While taking classes abroad, I have expanded my knowledge in those areas, but also added a global perspective to my thinking. Not only will studying abroad be good for my résumé, but it will also help me as a professional by expanding my thinking and connecting to my future students. I see everything I have learned while studying abroad as a benefit of spending a semester in a foreign country.

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

Say YES to everything. Whether it is small or large or if it makes you a little nervous because it is new. The times you least expect it, you will have your best memory or your biggest learning opportunity.