• John W. •
• International Program in Toledo •
• Studio Arts and Spanish Majors

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“I was able to get out into the community, and it was definitely a better way to see how life in Spain actually is, what the workplace is like, how people interact.” —John W.

John studied on the International Program in Toledo, Spain. Apart from his studies, he had an internship with the local newspaper, where he wrote a feature column. Upon returning from Toledo, John decided to add a Spanish major to his studio arts major, and is now interested in developing his language skills in a career or through volunteer opportunities.

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In his coursework, John explored the art and history of Spain, as well as developing his ability to speak the Spanish language. He felt that the courses were very helpful in that effort, and finds that his level of understanding in current Spanish courses at the University of Minnesota has increased. The immersion experience helped him increase his vocabulary and grammar, as well as the speed at which he could speak the language. During his time in Toledo, John decided to start a Spanish minor. By the time he returned, his interest in the Spanish language led him to declare it as a major.

Study abroad has also expanded John’s career options. Before going to Toledo, he was focused on a career as an art teacher. Now, John is considering teaching Spanish at the high school or undergraduate level. He is also interested in volunteering, perhaps with the Peace Corps, in Latin America. Without his experience in Toledo, he feels that he would not be thinking about and pursuing these new options.

John had an internship at La Tribuna, Toledo’s local newspaper, in which he wrote a feature column on cultural insights, news, and travel. "It was good that I was able to get out into the community, and it was definitely a better way to see how life in Spain actually is, what the workplace is like, how people interact.It definitely helped me to get into the Spanish culture,” he said.

Outside of the internship, John found other opportunities to integrate into the culture. He enjoyed spending time in local cafes and plazas (squares). He said, “Most people would be interested to talk to us, because we were from the US. They’d want to know what it’s like, what we think of Spain. Quite a few people were amazed at how well we spoke Spanish, I was kind of proud of that.”

Last modified on November 21, 2008