Wyatt Robertson ’26

Programs: Italy Semester & Ireland Semester

Major: Global Business Leadership

Minor: Creative Writing

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

Study abroad is something that broadens your worldview, an accessible opportunity to experience and explore another culture. My alumni mentor was who spurred me on into choosing study abroad and it will be something I will be forever thankful for, as that has led to so much growth and so many beautiful memories.

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

Italy is different in innumerable ways from the USA, but it never ceased to amaze me how jovial the people are, how much energy could be thrown at you from something as simple as ordering coffee. It was enthralling to see people so happy to work and living life so vibrantly abroad and to make those connections with these local workers and get to know them on a first name basis even if I did struggle to stumble through their native language.

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?

People grow the most when out of their comfort zone, and I think that is why it is all the more important to emphasize the importance of study abroad, especially at a college like CSB and SJU where it is easy to fall into the routine too deeply. Study abroad is a way to propagate that growth, and it allows for students to truly experience how much we truly misunderstand about our world and other cultures, while separating us from all that is familiar, new people, new settings, new perspectives.

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

Take the leap, you will not regret it. This is a pivotal time in all our lives, so what better time to teach yourself how to adapt to unfamiliarity?