Study Abroad Student: Lauren Hagen

Imagine summoning the courage to travel to a different country and going to school where you don’t know anyone.

That is exactly what Lauren Hagen, a management senior in SDSU’s Fowler College of Business did.

It turned out to be one of the best experiences in her college life.

“One of the biggest challenges for me was stepping outside my comfort zone,” Hagen recalled. “When it was over, I realized it was definitely one of the highlights of my time at SDSU.”

Hagen embarked on a 7-week English-taught study abroad program at John Cabot University in Rome during the summer between her sophomore and junior years to experience personal growth and to immerse herself in a different culture. She chose Rome specifically for the “history, the culture and access to other cities.”

“I initially thought my schedule was too busy for a study abroad program,” she said. “But doing a summer program made it completely manageable.”

Hagen also noted that enrollment in the study abroad program was easily accomplished.

“The process was pretty straightforward: I applied through the Aztec Aboard database and to John Cabot University,” said Hagen. “Both SDSU and JCU did a great job communicating expectations and next steps, which made me feel prepared.”

Besides having a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and study in Rome for seven weeks, making new friends and earning academic credit, Hagen said she gained something she can use for the rest of her life.

“I went into the program not knowing anyone, which pushed me to become more independent and open to new experiences,” said Hagen, who will soon be embarking on an operations/logistics management career. “Because of my study abroad experience, I’ve gained a lot of confidence in my ability to adapt to new environments and it added a completely different perspective to my overall college experience.”