I loved exploring my host study abroad city of Amsterdam and the surrounding cities of the Netherlands, but a benefit of its location is how close it is to so many other countries. During my time abroad I was able to visit five other countries that I never would have imagined being able to see in person. I got to expose myself to different cultures, cuisines, and landmarks and grow my world knowledge.  

I visited Copenhagen, Denmark, and got to climb up the Round Tower and walk past the colorful buildings of Nyhavn.  

Traveling down an Amsterdam canal  

Trying Dutch poffertjes 

Frederick’s Church, Copenhagen 

I spent St. Patrick’s weekend in Dublin, Ireland, and got to see the city turn green and fill with live music. I even got to explore Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains and revel in their breathtaking beauty.  

Nyhavn’s colorful buildings 

Visiting Dublin Castle with friends 

I went to Split, Croatia, with its beautifully clear beaches that reminded me of my own home which I was so desperately missing.  

From Amsterdam a train ride to Paris is not so far away and so worth the trip. Paris is not just a city full of monuments and history; there is something at every turn and while I couldn’t do it all, I will always reminisce about the Louvre and seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.  

Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains  

Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) in Venice 

I spent my spring break in Italy, a sentence I never thought I'd be able to say. I will never forget walking through St. Mark’s Square and visiting Doge’s Palace in Venice, then spending the next day on a boat tour to Murano, Burano, and Torcello, each so rich in history.  

A Venetian canal and gondola 

Then we took the train to Rome to explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and eat so much good food and gelato. We even ended up attending a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City that was given fully in Italian—so much experience at such a young age that I am just so grateful to have gotten.  

The Pantheon 

I have so much love for Amsterdam and everything that I was able to see and learn there but being able to visit so many other countries was definitely an added benefit! Now I have forever keepsakes of each place in the form of film photos that captured the beauty of each place and the people I got to experience it with!