Gabriel Wight, ’25
Program: Italy
Major: Global Business Leadership
Minor: Accounting
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you decide on this program?
I chose to study abroad to grow as an individual and to be immersed into a different culture. I chose Italy over the others because I have never been to Europe, and I wanted to learn more about the culture and architecture that Italy had to offer.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your program that made a lasting impression.
A cultural experience that I had on my program was integrating myself into a culture that had different forms of transportation. Trying to understand public transport was difficult at first, along with understanding what routes to walk on.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
My overall study abroad experience was amazing. I learned more about myself than I ever have, and I was able to meet so many different people from all over the world.
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?
From my experiences, I think one of the most beneficial things for me was meeting others. I met people from all over the world throughout the different countries I traveled to, along with the students I met at CEA in Rome. Studying abroad contributed to my personal, academic, and professional development by providing me a different form of networking and a different way to learn information due to the different teaching styles. I was able to grow personally by becoming more extroverted in order to grow friendships with other students who were studying abroad.
What advice can you offer for CSB+SJU students who are considering or planning to study abroad?
I would tell them to go into it with an open mind. At first, I was stressed and worried that it was going to be difficult to live with 6 other guys that I didn't know very well, but I was wrong. I gained some very valuable friendships abroad which made it an extremely valuable experience.