Growing up, I won’t say I was bull-headed, but I think I could have easily been described as stubborn. I tended (and still do) to think that my opinion, whether it was well documented or not, was always clearly the right one. I entered Gustavus as a first-year in the fall of 2013. I remember my dad telling me that I “had” to study abroad. … Continue reading Tales from Abroad – Ben Keran
Selamat Pagi! This past spring semester, ten Gusties, including myself, were met with this Malay morning greeting as part of our Semester in Malaysia: Living Diversity study abroad program. No matter where you go in Malaysia, locals will greet you with the warmth typically reserved only for morning greetings. Hospitality is Malaysia’s specialty, as is food. I had the good fortune to eat a lot … Continue reading Tales from Abroad – Carl Cusack
How many people can say they have traveled to Cuba? I am so grateful to be able to say that I have, especially in light of the 2016 presidential election, the results of which will be pivotal in determining future U.S. relations with Cuba. I spent two weeks in the controversial country during J-term with a class called Cuba: Religion, Culture, and Identity. I know … Continue reading Tales from Abroad – Rachael Manser
How’s India? This is a question I’m still not sure how to answer. In fact, the longer I’m in India, the less certain I am of my answer. The JPSC India program is not a typical study abroad experience. I am not traveling around the country or continent each weekend. I am not taking classes solely focused on the local customs, food, or language. I … Continue reading Tales from Abroad – Madeline Aberg
Hey there, fellow Gusties! I will be honest and admit that I am not sad about missing the freezing weather at Gustavus. I do miss you all, and I am really looking forward to seeing you kids in the Spring! But, what am I doing for my January term? I’m in Sweden! Why would I choose another cold place to be for my January term? … Continue reading Tales from Abroad – Bryden Giving
India is such a beautiful place; it is really hard to write down all of my thoughts about the last few months I have spent here. From rickshaw rides to the market, trying to figure out how Indian traffic works, drinking chai and hearing the call to prayer from a nearby mosque; it is difficult to pull out separate events to share with you. It … Continue reading Tales from Abroad – Allison Hosman
An Open Letter to First-Year International Students, There goes another summer. But this time it is different, because this time I was in the United States. I chose to stay and work on campus for many reasons: to make some extra money to set aside for the new school year, to enjoy the local cultural events in summer, and just to avoid the excruciating heat … Continue reading Tales From Abroad
Sending a “hej” from the great Swedish lands! It seems like just yesterday I hopped on the plane and flew to Sweden to begin my adventure abroad. Before I knew it, Spring Break arrived and I was reunited with my mother and grandmother who flew overseas to visit me. We shared laughs, tears, wine, stories and memories all week long; which made me realize how … Continue reading Tales from Abroad (4/17/15)
Tales from Abroad is an ongoing section in which Gustavus students share the highlights of their study abroad experiences. Every morning as I lay in bed, I am awoken by the friendly banter between two shop owners, which always begins with a “Ciao! Boungiorno!” They continue on loudly for a few minutes as they unlock their gates and sweep their front steps. A succession of noises … Continue reading Tales from Abroad (3/20/15)
Tales from Abroad is an ongoing section in which Gustavus students share the highlights of their study abroad experiences. Hey everyone! My name is Ashley Eickhoff and I’m a Junior Spanish major with a LALACS minor, and am currently studying abroad in Guanajuato, México. Every local I’ve met is friendly and always willing to help—which was great in the times I’ve gotten lost. My host family … Continue reading Tales from Abroad (2/27/15)
