My study abroad experience changed my life. I can’t remember who I was before this program. It opened my eyes to the globality of our world and the differences in culture and experiences. Before going to Europe, I assumed it would be similar to the U.S. Boy, was I wrong! The architecture, customs, food, traditions, and history shocked me. In a good way of course!

My program focused on education and the school systems in the European Union. Through school visits and professional lectures I learned a lot about how education varies in different countries and how students and community members view their education system. However, if I had to choose one experience that really stood out to me, it would have to be visiting the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam. I’m extremely interested in history, especially World War II history. I read The Diary of Anne Frank in middle school and learned a lot about the Holocaust at MSU in my History of the Holocaust class. Walking down Prinsengracht approaching the house and looking at the canal to my left gave me chills. Seeing the bookcase and walking up the steep stairs of the Annexe put me in the shoes of the people who hid there. Standing in Anne’s bedroom looking at the pictures and posters she pasted on her walls and hearing the bells of Westerkerk brought tears to my eyes. Being in this poignant historical place was a life changing experience for me.

There’s so much history in Europe and its crazy being in the places that I’ve read about in textbooks and heard about in lectures. It was so different seeing these historical things right in front of me and around me. Seeing them mixed in and juxtaposed with the modern world was very thought-provoking. Similarly, I found it very interesting to analyze the way we remember and educate others about history. 

My study abroad provided me with experiences, memories, and thoughts that I will keep with me forever. I learned so much and this program taught me in ways that simply sitting in a classroom could not. I am so grateful for this opportunity and to all the donors, faculty, and people who made this opportunity possible. I recommend that everyone studies abroad so that they too can learn something new about themselves and the world around them.  

Name: Sarah Westman
Status: Junior
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Program: Learning, Technology and Culture in Europe