Studying abroad for three weeks in Europe was an experience I will never forget. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant cultures of Vienna, Austria; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Milan, Italy; and Rome, Italy. The program opened my eyes to the cultural differences between Europe and the United States, and I had the pleasure of learning alongside an amazing group of individuals who made every moment memorable. The fellow students on the program truly made the experience much better, and I’m thankful for the connections we made and the shared moments of fun, laughter, and learning.

One of the highlights of the program was our in-depth tour of a porcelain factory. It was both heartening and funny to interact with the local sculptors and workers as they went about their daily tasks. The experience felt so authentic, and it made me appreciate the artistry and skill that went into each piece. I’ll also never forget the cultural dinner where we got to dance traditional dances with the locals which many of us from the group joined and it was an absolute blast.

A personal milestone I will always cherish was running a half marathon in Milan. It was my first time running an international race and crossing that finish line reminded me of how much training and dedication I’ve put into running over the years. I was even lucky enough to set a new personal record, which made the experience even sweeter.

Throughout the program, I noticed the stark cultural differences, one of the most notable being the dining culture. In Europe, paying for water is standard at most restaurants, and service charges are often added just for sitting down. Tipping, too, is much less common than in the US, which made me rethink my own habits. These little differences, though, only added to the charm of the experience.

Overall, this study abroad program was incredibly eye-opening, and I feel lucky to have had such an enriching journey with such wonderful people. The memories and lessons learned will stay with me for years to come, and I’m grateful for the chance to be immersed in the beautiful cultures of Europe.

Name: Ashton Holland
Status: Senior
Major: Finance
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Program: International Business Studies in Europe