National Study Abroad Day Spotlight: Lindsay Mathison in Italy

By: Marissa Burian

On National Study Abroad Day, the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration recognizes students who are expanding their education beyond the classroom and across borders. Senior marketing major Lindsay Mathison is currently doing just that, studying abroad in Torino, Italy, and gaining a global perspective that is shaping both her personal growth and professional goals.

A Hastings, Minnesota native majoring in Marketing with minors in Graphic Design and Professional Sales, Lindsay will graduate in December 2026. Her decision to study abroad was intentional and long planned. Having limited opportunities to travel internationally growing up, she set a goal early on to pursue an experience that would allow her to learn and explore at the same time. She ultimately chose Italy for its cultural depth, accessibility to other European countries, and ability to keep her on track with her UND degree plan.

The Value of Studying Abroad

For Lindsay, the value of studying abroad goes far beyond academics.

The process of preparing to go abroad can be long and at times stressful, but she believes the experience becomes worthwhile the moment you arrive. Living in a completely different environment builds independence and reshapes how you approach the world.

As she shared, “Studying abroad enhances the future career opportunities from an international perspective as well as increasing personal independence, in a completely different environment.”

She encourages students who may have never considered studying abroad to explore the opportunity at least once. The impact, she says, is difficult to fully describe because it is experienced differently by everyone.

                Immersion and Perspective

Being immersed in Piedmontese and Italian culture has changed the way Lindsay views everyday life. From observing how locals navigate public spaces to understanding differences in transportation, food culture, and daily routines, she has learned to adapt quickly and approach new situations with openness.

She has developed a habit of watching and learning first — paying attention to how others operate in their own environment and respecting that she is a visitor. That mindset has influenced how she plans to approach unfamiliar experiences in the future, both personally and professionally.

A Global Business Lens

As a marketing student at Nistler, studying abroad has broadened Lindsay’s understanding of business operations and branding in a global context.

Through her coursework and internship with a marketing firm in Italy, she has observed differences in how businesses operate compared to the United States. Many local businesses prioritize efficiency in inventory and operate at a slower pace. Branding tends to be more traditional, with limited use of modern “Gen Z” marketing strategies and minimal social media presence beyond platforms like Facebook.

These contrasts have expanded her perspective on communication and strategy in international markets. She believes that learning only how business operates in the United States can limit one’s thinking. Studying abroad adds depth to decision-making by exposing students to different processes, priorities, and cultural expectations.

Why Every Student Should Consider It

Lindsay believes studying abroad provides an incredible learning environment both personally and professionally. It offers exposure to new cultures, new ways of thinking, and new approaches to business.

She also emphasizes that the experience builds independence in ways that cannot be replicated at home. Choosing to go abroad alone has been especially transformative for her, teaching her more about herself, her emotions, and how she handles decisions in unfamiliar settings.

On National Study Abroad Day, Lindsay Mathison’s experience reflects the broader value of global education. Studying abroad is not simply about travel. It is about expanding perspective, strengthening independence, and gaining insight into how the world — and business — operates beyond one’s own borders.