Study Abroad Spotlight: Nicolas Glawe (Toledo, Spain)

The NIU Study Abroad office has asked study abroad alumni to be guest bloggers, and share their experiences abroad. Our Guest blogger for this week is Nicolas Glawe!

Photo credit: Jessica Yandun, Toledo, Spain, Summer 2015

1.    Where did you Study abroad, and how long was your study abroad experience? 

        I studied in Toledo, Spain for 5 weeks.

2.     What was the one thing you were most worried/thought about the most while preparing for your trip?

       I was most worried about how my host family was going to be!

3.       What type of housing did you stay in? Would you recommend this to others studying abroad?

        I stayed with a host family. I definitely recommend this to others. It helps you thread yourself into the culture so much more than living in a residence hall.

4.       What do you feel was the most beneficial part of your study abroad experience? 

The most beneficial part of my study abroad experience was definitely living with a host family. I was open to more of Toledo culture than I would have if I lived in a residence hall. 

5.       What are a few unique cultural things that you learned in the country where you study abroad?   (This could be traditions, slang, common sayings, cultural norms, etc.) 

I learned a lot of the Spanish slang. I also learned about Spanish cuisine, television, and middle school and high school culture. I learned about gender inequality regarding sports, professions, and everyday life.

6.       Were classes different or similar from your classes at NIU? 

The classes were similar, but very different all together. With my classes, I learned about the culture and literature of Toledo, Spain, but was able to experience all of it first hand, as my class toured local museums, cathedrals, etc.

    

Thank you Nicolas for sharing your experience abroad, and for all the great insights you provided for prospective study abroad students!