StellaRae Ambord ’26

Program: Greece Semester

Major: Psychology

Minor: Art

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

I chose to study abroad because of the many opportunities it offers for both personal and intellectual growth. Being able to learn from renowned professors who bring unique perspectives from their home country, and who are leaders in their fields, is an incredible advantage. Additionally, studying abroad provides the chance to travel not only within Greece but throughout Europe, enriching my cultural experiences and broadening my horizons. Its people who are rich in love and history and the beautiful land guided me to the Greece program.

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

A cultural experience that made a lasting impression on me during my time abroad was the approach to meals and the overall pace of life. Living there and trying to embrace their way of life, which emphasizes taking time to enjoy meals and prioritizing comfort and a slower pace for themselves and their families, was incredibly refreshing. It offered a sense of balance and mindfulness that contrasted with the faster, more hectic lifestyle I was used to.

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?

The benefits are endless. Being able to leave and see a variety of lifestyles not just outside of the more isolated liberal arts school, but from different countries, has given me a lot of insight. In particular, the people and the way they perceive themselves and their culture fascinated me as they had such pride and love for themselves and their country and they loved to share it. These observations and interactions with different people and its landscapes gave me wisdom, perspective, and a passion for exploration in the world. I will now take what I learned back to campus and in my future profession with mental health.

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

I would recommend to breathe. There is so much happening all the time and it is only chaos which makes it hard to be more center and better take in the opportunities.