Parker Hoiosen ’25

Programs: South Africa Semester & Zambia: Global Health Embedded

Major: Biology

Minor: Psychology

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

I wanted to study abroad to immerse myself into a new culture as well as learn about the history of a new country that I have never been to.

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

During my program abroad in South Africa, I met so many other international students. I still continue to stay in contact with these other international students. So, in my classes not only did I learn about South Africa, but I also learned lots of history of various European countries as well.

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 believe studying abroad on a semester as well as an embedded program has helped me grow so much as an individual. These programs have helped me build confidence in who I am as a person as well as taught me how to be more independent. Through these experiences I feel more comfortable engaging in a conversation with people who are different than me.

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

The advice I would offer to other CSB+SJU students would be to just go for it! Don’t worry about the other students signing up for the program because everyone on the program has a similar interest as you for going on the same program. You will find your people as the program goes on and always remember that everyone on the program is in the same boat as you and will need to make friends as well.