Students reflect on studying abroad.

Hanna Neece ’19

Semester Abroad in Chile

January – July 2018

Q: How has your perspective of the United States changed?

A: One of my Argentinian friends would always say, “All the Americans here, all so cold, don’t ever talk to anyone, like you just talk to yourselves.…” We kind of live in our own little bubble, and we don’t think about the world outside even though the United States does a lot of things to impact it with our foreign policy.

Interview by Alex Ventola ’19

Carter Todd ’19

Semester Abroad in Denmark

August – December 2017

Q: How did your time abroad affect your view of the United States?

A: A lot of people go away and realize America is not the center of the universe. At the same time, you realize what an impact the U.S. social and political structure has on the rest of the world because everyone is talking about it.

Interview by Erin Breen ’19

Mike Iovanne ’19

Semester Abroad in Italy

January – May 2018

Q: How were you viewed as an American in Italy?

A: I think [Italians] see us as having this sense of entitlement. I think that stems from us being in their country. We don’t speak the language, and we are expecting them to know where everything is and help us out.

Interview by Cara Smith ’21

Kevin Duncan ’20

SJU Study Tour in Ireland

May 2018

Q: What was the top political story while you were in Ireland?

A: When we were over there, there was a big referendum about legalizing abortion in Ireland.  That was what everybody was talking about. There were people lining the streets, handing out pamphlets, handing out flyers, trying to get people to vote one way or the other. It was interesting to see how politically active everyone was.

Interview by Joseph Panichelli ’20

Carly Montecalvo ’19

SJU Summer Program in South Africa

May – July 2018

Q: How has your view of the United States changed after your experience in South Africa?

A: When I’m eating at a restaurant and people leave half their plate of food, I feel like I’m more conscious not to do that. I’m conscious of water, especially not having the sink on while I’m brushing my teeth or taking shorter showers. It’s just certain things that you’re more conscious of, just how wasteful people are here.

Interview by Alysa Bainbridge ’21