Wyatt Robertson, ’26
Program: Ireland
Major: Global Business Leadership
Minor: Writing
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you decide on this program?
The Emerald Isle has always encapsulated me, from the mythology of the Fae realms, the concepts of the original Pagan beliefs, the Dolmens, and the overgrown buildings of the ages of yore, I love it all to get to experience the true beauty that comes with a world of the most vivid greens along with the daily rainstorms kept an ever-present smile upon my face.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your program that made a lasting impression.
On an excursion to Galway, we boarded a small ferry and made our way towards the Aran Island Inis Mor, and in the bowels of the vessel next to the saran-wrapped milk jugs I met a man. Words flowed from his lips like water, the stories of how he heads home every year to his family of fishermen, and how he still maintains that tradition despite moonlighting as a musician and how despite seeing the outside world the silence the sea provides is the only thing that he can truly associate with home.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Immaculate. There were challenges, but that allowed me to grow. I was forced to manage my own trips and finances, how to cook and prep for my meals, and how to advocate for myself because there wouldn’t always be someone right next to me. It was a beautiful experience that taught me how to manage myself and a path that allowed me to explore a future career path I never thought possible.
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?
Through this program, I was able to make connections, learn new skills, and learn the intricacies of a different culture's work ethic. It allowed me to not only learn more when it comes to my field of expertise, but to learn the value of culture and background when seeing how people act towards one another. Coming from Ireland it would be ignorant to ignore the impact that Britain has had on the land, and how many people still hold on to their grudges and how the past still impacts relations today within their own lands. Take Northern Ireland, although technically united under Britain, tensions still remain so high. The experience also taught me a lot professionally to a point where I am at an impasse as to whether or not change my trajectory towards working in events for Sotheby’s because I enjoyed working with the company so much. The experience as a whole allowed me to flourish as an individual and showed me how much my individuality mattered when thrust into a foreign environment.
What advice can you offer for CSB+SJU students who are considering or planning to study abroad?
Walk everywhere...the first month before you have homework, whenever you have downtime you need to learn the city. A semester may feel like a long time but it’s not, it’s gone in the blink of an eye. The cities have so much beauty to offer, and it allows you to meet so many more people and learn so much more about the culture you have to see as much as you can.