Reflections

Ladies ready for the Opera!

The semester in Vienna was amazing. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I've traveled so much and learned so much about myself and the people who I am living with. As the semester went on I learned to love Vienna more and more. Everything from the language to the rooms and cafeteria. With only 8 days until my return to the United States I am going to miss Vienna and all of Europe so much.

This opportunity has giving me the ability to travel to so many places. I've been to Rome, Prague, Paris, Athens, Salzburg, Munich, Innsbruck, and even an all day layover in Serbia. Having been able to travel to all these places has made me become a more confident traveler. I can't reflect on one trip because each one had its own ups and downs and exciting new things to do. Some trips were down on a personal level and others on a class level. Though each were different they were all amazing.

I think that coming here has shown me that I can do things that I never thought I could do। It also taught me to not take things for granted। When I first arrived I only thought wow 3 months is a long time to be here, but its really not. It flies by and I feel I made the best of every opportunity given to me. Getting over the fear of getting lost and just exploring was something that I enjoyed doing.

Something that I thought would never happen was when traveling in other non German speaking countries I started to miss German and Vienna a lot. Now that I will be returning home in a week I wonder if I'll still miss the German language and Vienna.

If someone asked me today would I recommend this for them I would say yes. No matter who you are or what is going on going abroad was the best decision I have ever made. Yes it gets stressful and things can get a little crazy but I wouldn't trade any of it. I had the time of my life here and I hope one day that I can return. I can't seem to say it enough one of the BEST decisions I have ever made was going abroad to Vienna!

Final Thoughts

Before I came to Vienna I had this idea in my head of what a semester in Europe was going to be like. I thought that I would spend a lot of time traveling and that it would be this magical experience where I learn more about myself and the world. I feel like I did travel as much as I could and learned quite a bit about Austria and a little about the rest of the world. We went on three class trips to other places that were fun. I liked places that I had not ever thought about going more then I would have expected. When we went to Paris, I was really excited to go to Paris for the first time ever. I am glad that I went and glad that I saw it. I went to Rome with two other people in class and it was an amazing experience, we walked most of the city and went to every site that was recommended to see. It was a ton of fun and really enjoyable.

I some good experiences and saw some amazing cities and basically saw part of seven countries in three months, which is an experience most people can’t claim to have. I went to the Opera, saw the Coliseum, climbed the first level of the Eiffel Tower, stood inside the Sistine Chapel, went to an old Monastery in Spain, took a tour of the Salt Mines in Salzburg, saw a few castles, visited a concentration camp in Dachau, took a bus tour through Copenhagen, and saw a show that was a bit like a ballet but not quite in a country that used to be Communist. I did a lot more then that but those are some of the highlights and when all is said and done I feel like I did and saw a lot.

This trip and experience is something I would not take back if I had the chance. I don’t know if I will ever get the chance to live in Europe for three months again but I know now that I do really enjoy being in Europe and I want to come back someday. On most of the trips we took I thought I’m going to come back here some day when I have more money. There are things I would like to go back and see and new places and activities that I would like to experience and this trip helped me learn what it is that I do want to see in Europe and what it is that I probably will not want to do again. I had a lot of good times in Europe and intend to come back but right now I am ready to go home and see my friends and family, and enjoy my upcoming senior year.

Reflections on My Semester in Vienna

It is hard to believe that in less than two weeks, I will be back home, in my own country, my own town, my own home. After being in Europe for twelve full weeks already, it would be misleading to say that I am not excited to get back to the United States, but I leave this continent with the confidence and hope that I will one day return to continue my travels. The memories made during these past three months will long remain with me, and as I continue to grow and develop, I know that my experiences here will serve me very well in the years and decades to come.

Spending a semester abroad is a chance that far too few people take advantage of, and in spite of my early hesitancy at leaving my home and family for so long, I am happy that I decided to travel to Vienna to continue my education. My eyes have been opened to new and different ways of living, to a different culture with different norms and values. While my German still may not be as great as I originally hoped, I cannot help but be impressed at the journeys-- both geographical and intellectual-- I have taken these past several months. From Vienna, Rome, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague, I have been exposed to the best that Europe has to offer. Whether it was looking down at the gladiatorial ring in the Colosseum or up at the Soviet War Memorial in Berlin, I often found myself in awe at the history and culture of a continent that was, for most of human history, at the center of the world. Yet it was not only the traveling and the history that made this semester so memorable. I have been fortunate enough to meet a talented (and above all fun) group of eleven other students who have made my time in Europe exciting and go by all-too-fast. The laughs and memories that we have made since arriving will never be forgotten, and I hope that they have enjoyed my company as much as I have enjoyed theirs.

At the same time, it was not only my fellow students that have impacted me. I was lucky enough to go to Europe with a family that has been very accommodating, kind, and fun-loving. Professor Tullio has enhanced my love for film for example, and now I am seriously considering doing something with film studies for graduate school. Our Program Director, Tom, was always prepared and on top of things; I never got lost while following him (in fact, it seemed as though I had difficulty when he wasn't around!) on our excursions, and he often went out of his way to ensure that our class trips went as smoothly as possible. Last, but certainly not least, there were two young kids that I have shared many fun times with. Whether it was playing Star Wars on the computer (and around town too!) with Oliver, or trying to "escape" from the blockades that Lilly often set up, I always found myself with a smile on my face when I was around them. I hope that as they grow older they remember the fun times we had together; I know I will.

Though it is hard to peg down the things that I liked "most" and "least" about my time abroad, I feel that I should, in accordance with our culture's fondness for rankings, talk about the places and events that were my favorite. Though I liked all the cities I visited, Berlin, Germany is definitely my favorite. It is the city I would be most likely to return to next time I visit Europe. My love of history found much nourishment there, especially in terms of the history of the Third Reich. Germany itself is a country that has done much to remember and preserve its past, and consequently, there is so much to see. Visiting the Olympic Stadium, House of the Wannsee Conference, The Brandenburg Gate, and the countless memorials, I was completely absorbed. What is more, Berlin is a city that is always moving; there is always something to see and somewhere to go, even after the museums have closed in the evening. In terms of Vienna, the city where I spent the majority of my time while in Europe, I have much praise to give as well. It is one of the cleanest major cities I have ever been to, and the history, as in Berlin, is well-preserved. Having a local professor, Heinz Kröll (who is without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable men I have ever met) to take us on excursions around the city helped to unlock the secrets of Vienna, many of which I would otherwise not have known about.

The Soviet War Memorial in Berlin, Germany

In conclusion then, it is obvious that my time in Europe has been overwhelmingly positive. The people, professors, and places that have formed the core of these past three months have made this experience one of the best of my life. As I am graduating in less than a year, I can confidently say that my time spent abroad is the best semester I have had in my undergraduate career. While I am ready and excited to return to the American culture and way of life (and I return with a stronger and more firm love of my country than before), I look forward to the next time I travel to a foreign country. While I may not travel alone, however, it is unlikely that my next trip will approach this one in terms of how much I get to do or see. And even though this is the end of one journey, it is also the beginning of another, as I prepare for graduation and my entry into the so-called "real world." In closing, then, it seems appropriate to cite a quote (one of my favorites) from Winston Churchill, who said:

"Now this is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

Semester in Vienna: Reflections

I do not even know how to start when reflecting on my semester abroad in Vienna, there is so much that I have done and there are so many amazing things to think about! I think that my favorite part of the semester has been the simple fact that I have been in Europe. I grew up moving all over the United States, so I have already travelled quite a bit, and I now go to school in NH while my family lives in California, so I have been fairly independent for awhile now. Therefore the newest thing for me was being able to travel so easily between such unique countries. I really feel like I took advantage of this since I was able to go to Italy, Greece, France, Germany, Hungary, and all over Austria.

The most unique part about this semester has simply been that I have been experiencing so many new and exciting cultures and languages that I was never exposed to before. As an Anthropology major this is especially interesting for me since I have studied quite a bit about cultures. As an Anthropologist I also know that I cannot make generalizations about the people I met in the various countries because I would hate to stereotype people when I did not do any formal work, but I feel like a did learn a little bit about each culture I visited. For example, I made an effort to try new foods in the countries I visited and my new favorite is Gyros from Greece. I also enjoyed the sites in the various cities of course, my favorite being the Archaeological Forum in Rome which was absolutely astounding. I was most flattered by the kindness I found in the people of Athens who were also willing to lend a helping hand, not only to their own people but to the tourists around them as well. I learned a good deal more about the history of the various countries, and I was especially interested in the new aspects of Austrian history that I learned.

Another really great thing about this semester has been the friends that I have made. From meeting some really great people who live and work here, like my friend Kate who is from Britain but is currently working in Vienna, to becoming close with the people who came here from FPU. Being in a country where you do not speak the language and living with only eleven other people who speak english, for the most part, can be very difficult. But it also brings you close together. Living in a confined space and being limited to such a small group really limits how you can interact with them. Since I did not come abroad knowing anyone too well I am very lucky that I ended up with two great roommates who I was able to travel with and get to know. The trip certainly would not have been the same without them, or without everyone else here, and I think it is so great that I was able to meet them all.

Overall when I look back at this trip I can honestly say it is one of the best experiences of my life. I have been wanting to study abroad since I was high school and the semester has met all of my expectations. I really feel like I got to do something unlike anything I have ever done before and I truly got to experience Europe in a way that you can never experience it after college. I really believe this was the opportune time for me to come to Europe and experience these intriguing cultures and learn more about the lives of those who were unknown to me before. This is most certainly the trip of my life.

Natalie, Me & Alison on the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg, Austria.

The music here is incredible. I enjoy the music scene around here. There are a few different live music clubs that typically allow anyone to get in on the action. This is great, I really recommend people coming to check them out while they are here... and if you're a music major... definitely consider coming here

Von Steves Perspektive, die Pierce auf Österreich Wien erfährt.Von Steves Perspektive, die Pierce auf Österreich Wien erfährt.

Yea, it has been an amazing experience so Far. Being able to walk around in another country much different than America. Also walking through and visiting many other surrounding countries that are much more different than America, and Austria.

The snow boarding has been amazing, and I recommend this journey to anyone who has a desire to learn from a new perspective... Different than the standard American views of issues, and life.

The journeys that have been set out by the teachers have offered many things. Great experiences, times for students and teachers to bond, Much learning, frustration, problem solving, the entire works. Everything that comes with great knowledge.

The expeditions which the students are allowed to create and explore on their own, are also priceless experiences. Being able to go out and meet people who have seen much of the world. Being able to relate and understand that everywhere you go people are still people, and there is a lot to learn.
Many students have learned that a great time is not just going out for a beer, but learning as much as they can over one beer.

Cheers.

Salzburg, Innsbruck, Venice, Munich, Bavaria, and Dachau

Wow, what a week! It's so amazing how much of Europe you can fit in only 7 days, and yet feel like you were on the road for weeks. At first we went to see if the hills were really alive with the sound of music and maybe see high on the hills that lonely goat... but the rain must have scared the goat away and took the sound with him. Despite the weather, I really enjoyed Salzburg very much. When we first got there we walked around and saw the old town, the beauty of the Alps, Mozart's birthplace, a few places where the sound of music was shot at, and the Fortress at the top of the hill. The next day we went to the Salt Mines, which were really sweet (errr...salty?) I liked them. Then the day after we took the Sound of Music Tour! Which brought us to all of the outside locations the film took place in: The Gardens, the streets, the churches, Captain Von Trapp's mansion, and the gazebo. The rain kind of made everything a little less enjoyable, but it was still fun.
Then we went off to Innsbruck, Austria to meet up with the Spring Breakers from Franklin Pierce. Some of us went up the mountain and took a lot of pictures, after the whole group of Vienna students took a tour of the city.

The next day was a free day, and I went to VENICE, ITALY! W00T!
Venice was amazing. We left at 5am, got there at 11am, went to a glassblowing place and watched some guy make cool things out of glass, and then we were left to wander on our own at noon. I walked all around and took many pictures and got many souveniers. Venice was just beautiful. I loved it. We left at around 4pm and that pretty much sums up the day.

The next day we left for Munich and did our art presentations and then go to the Hofbrauhaus! Which is where I believe Oktoberfest is held. The next day we went to Bavaria and saw CrAZy Ludwig's Castles. One of the castles gave Walt Disney the idea for the castle in Disney World, so it was cool seeing what inspired him. Overall though, I wasn't too impressed. That night i walked around the city and went to the Hard Rock Cafe and other places around town.
The next day we went to the Bavarian Film Studios, which was cool because we saw the sets of many European films and even acted in our own =) I was the purple guy from Star Trek. We even got to see Falcore... from the Never Ending Story. After that I saw something that wasn't something I was enthusiastic to see, but something I had to see, and that was Dachau Concentration Camp. It was so overwhelming that I didn't know what to feel because I felt angry, sad, depressed, free, and about 10 other feelings at the same time. I went to the memorial there and payed my respects to the 7 children my grandfather lost in the Holocaust. The hardest thing was seeing the Krematorium and walking through the gas chamber and seeing the ovens. It's something I hated to be put through, but I wanted and needed to.
That night we left back for Vienna and it ended our 1 week on the road. While it was very tiring and fast paced, it was so worth it.