Gavin Stadler ’24

Program: Austria Semester

Major: Accounting/Finance

Minor: Econ & Data Analytics

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

I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. Austria offered a great way to do that without needing a language requirement.

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

Being able to live with university students allowed us to talk to people who we could relate with but also learn a lot from in terms of culture.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

I had a blast. I was able to grow a lot not only as a person but as a student as well! I got to make new friends and form relationships I will have for the rest of my life.

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?

You learn how to be independent. I was able to really feel comfortable asking questions to complete strangers. I also learned how to be more creative with my work. Projects in Austria don’t offer much guidance, so you have a lot of freedom to do what you want.

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

Do it! I wasn’t really planning on studying abroad but I had some friends convince me and it ended up being the experience of a lifetime. I was also nervous about how full my schedule was, but it is 100% doable if you put the time into figuring it out.