Celeste Swanson is a senior, triple majoring in Agricultural Business, Economics and International Agriculture. She has worked in the CALS Study Abroad office as an Student Travel Consultant (STC) for two years. After graduating in May, she will be working for John Deere in the Construction and Forestry Division as a Marketing Field Representative. During her 4 years at Iowa State she has been on 5 study abroad programs. All five experiences have been travel courses to Spain, England, Scotland, Netherlands, UAE, and Argentina. Check out Celeste’s Senior Spotlight below to learn more about her adventures at Iowa State.
What has been your favorite study abroad program and why? It is hard to say what my favorite program has been, as they have all been amazing in their own ways. Traveling to the UAE though, was a part of the world I never thought I would get to experience. It was such an unique opportunity and I am very grateful I got to learn about the Arab culture.
Why do you believe having international experience is important to students? Traveling abroad allows students to see new perspectives while visiting many different parts of the world. It has made me more of a confident person and I have gained a new appreciation for other cultures, mindsets and leadership styles. Every student should have these experiences to grow as a person and a leader. Studying abroad truly sets you up for success!
What is the best food that you have tried while studying abroad? So hard to pick just one, so here is my favorite from each trip!
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Spain: Any and all of the Tapas
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UK: Fish and Chips
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Netherlands: Poffertjes
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UAE: Shawarma
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Argentina: Beef Empanadas
What has been your favorite part of being a Student Travel Consultant? My favorite part of being a STC is having the opportunity to share my travel experiences with other students. I have loved interacting and helping students interested in studying abroad find their perfect trip.
What advice would you give to someone who is trying to decide on a study abroad program? Just do it! Study abroad is a once in a life time opportunity for many people. It is important to get out of your comfort zone in college and gain new appreciations for cultures, language, food and more. If you are nervous, try a shorter travel course at first. You most definitely will not regret it.
What will you miss most about ISU after you graduate? I will definitely miss all of the great people I have met during my collegiate career. I have met my best friends and role models at Iowa State. It will just not be the same when we are all in different places around world and not in Ames.
If you could choose one trip to do in the future where would it be to and why? I would love to travel to India, China, Japan, and Singapore. These countries are so different to the places I have already traveled. I would love to experience a new adventure, but still see how the agricultural sector plays into each of the countries.