CARMEL, INDIANA – Joey Sawtelle, an undergraduate brother of the Zeta Psi chapter at the University of Colorado Boulder, spent a transformative semester studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, an experience that became one of the most defining experiences of his college career. Knowing he didn’t want to miss an opportunity many graduates regret, brother Sawtelle committed to four months overseas, stepping into a new environment that would challenge and shape him in unexpected ways. 

While based in Barcelona, brother Sawtelle quickly embraced both structure and adventure. His weekdays were rooted in immersive coursework, commuting across the city by metro and taking culturally focused classes. Outside the classroom, he built connections with local members of the community and fellow students, even forming a routine at a neighborhood coffee shop where he became a familiar face despite navigating a language barrier. 

Nearly every weekend, however, turned into a new adventure. Joey traveled across Europe in cities including Budapest, Prague, Amsterdam, and even Morocco, often making plans spontaneously with friends he met abroad. This constant exploration not only expanded his worldview but recreated the excitement of freshman year, where new friendships formed quickly and experiences were shared in the moment.

Even while abroad, brother Sawtelle remained committed to Zeta Psi, serving on the Grand Conclave Nominations Committee and adjusting to early morning calls to stay involved. Balancing responsibilities across time zones while adapting to a new country pushed him to grow in independence, resilience, and confidence; while learning how to navigate unfamiliar situations without letting challenges overwhelm him. 

What began as a decision to study abroad ultimately became a journey of self-discovery. From navigating daily life in a new language to reflecting on future goals, Brother Sawtelle returned with more than memories. His semester abroad not only took him across continents but helped him better understand who he is and who he hopes to become.

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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY

Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920. Since its Founding, the organization has called 197 campuses home and has more than 77,000 initiated Members. The Headquarters, which is home to the Fraternity, Foundation and WPN National Housing Company, is located in Carmel, Indiana. Visit https://sigtau.org for additional information.