With six study abroad programs under his belt and one more to go, business administration major Luke Martin has made the most of the various education abroad offerings available at Colorado State University.
Martin’s journey began in 2020 when he joined CSU as a student-athlete on the track and field team. Inspired by the university’s diverse offerings, he left the team in 2022 to explore other programs and opportunities.
His first foray into education abroad was the summer World War II history program in Europe. Since his initial program in London, Normandy and Paris, Martin has embarked on other education abroad journeys in Ecuador, Portugal, Thailand, Japan and Mexico.
He is slated to participate in one final program in Italy over the summer before graduating in August 2024.
Balancing multiple study-abroad experiences within the final two years of his degree required program meticulous planning. However, Martin’s achievements extend beyond sheer logistics, as he has successfully navigated strict food allergies throughout his journeys.
Allergic to dairy, wheat, fish, nuts and shellfish, Martin approached his travels with caution, carefully selecting destinations and communicating with program leaders to ensure his safety.
On the ground, Martin honed his self-advocacy skills, particularly in cultures where food sharing is a cornerstone of hospitality and respect. Negotiating his dietary restrictions with chefs and locals became a means of forging deeper connections.
“It [food allergies] creates a deeper level of connection between me, the food and the chef…it’s a beautiful aspect of different cultures where they’re able to show their love through food by making it safe for me,” Martin said.
Martin’s passion for travel stems from his family’s influence. Growing up with parents who were avid travelers and witnessing his older siblings’ global adventures fueled his own wanderlust. Through his experiences abroad, Martin gained a fresh perspective on the world, particularly in contrast to the individualistic culture of the United States.
Immersed in countries with a more collectivist mindset, he learned to further appreciate the present moment and the human experience.
A significant source of joy for Martin is the relationships he forms with people he encounters on his travels. He attributes his ability to connect with others to his need to advocate for his allergies. Communicating effectively and finding understanding with others has been essential to ensure his health and safety navigating his allergies abroad.
He’s put this into a larger application of relationship-building thanks to the teachings of CSU’s College of Business, which emphasizes self-awareness and the power of helping others. Whether bonding with hostel mates, fellow commuters or concertgoers, Martin finds fulfillment in learning from the diverse individuals he meets along the journey.
Martin’s advice to students who are on the fence about an education abroad program is more of a promise of what they’ll find. He believes that when you give yourself these experiences, you’ll feel a shift from “it’s no longer people telling you who you are, it’s you going out and seeking who you want to be.”
