Emma Nelson's first study abroad experience was a freshman seminar that went to Toledo, Spain during spring break of 2021 called Eat, Write, Learn: Creative Writing in Spain. She went back to Toledo, Spain for a full semester in fall 2022 on the Study & Intern in Toledo program. Finally, she took an honors seminar called Leonardo da Vinci: Between Art and Science, History and Myth that went to Florence and Milan, Italy during spring break 2022.
What were the highlights and takeaways of these experiences?
The part I really enjoyed about studying abroad is getting to engage in a different culture, and learn the customs and traditions. Specifically after my semester abroad, I felt like I understood Spanish culture a lot better, and had fun experiencing it first hand, instead of just learning about it in the classroom.
I definitely discovered my independence. I always felt very independent growing up, but didn’t really have a chance to put it to the test before studying abroad. It was neat to see how much I could do on my own, and it gave me a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities.
What were the biggest challenges you faced? How did you overcome them?
One challenge in Toledo was the language barrier. I speak Spanish but am still learning, so I’m always nervous to talk with native speakers. It was hard at first, but I learned that the best way to get over that was to just do it. Every time I ordered something at a restaurant, or needed something in a store, I would ask in Spanish. Doing this helped me feel more comfortable speaking both in my classes and out in the community.
