CGEE

Studying abroad is a very unique experience. It is not like traveling independently or for leisure, and it is not like the time you have at your university. Therefore, I felt motivated and inspired to go abroad, knowing that it would be like nothing else I would or could ever experience, especially at that time in my life.

I have participated in two study abroad programs. The first time I studied immigration and globalization in London. The second trip was through CGEE Central America. After my first trip abroad, I knew I wanted to pursue future study in the field of anthropology, with a focus on immigration. As an anthropology major, I love learning about different cultures and that sparked a serious desire to travel in me. I had never been to Central America before. I also wanted to improve my Spanish language skills, and there is no better way to do that than to go abroad.

Since my first year at St. Olaf College, I have been inspired by the many students who have gone abroad. I knew that my college actively supported students interested in a global education, whether the program was sponsored through our college or another undergraduate program. I realized that as a Spanish major, it was not enough to merely develop my language abilities in a classroom setting; I also wanted to learn from the cultures and people who shape the language.