Interested in studying abroad in the near future? If your answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place. If your answer is no, it’s time to change your mind! I’m Izzy, Her Campus Emerson’s International Correspondent blogging all the way from the Netherlands.
For any of you who don’t know, Emerson has an amazing study abroad program called Kasteel Well, which is located in a small town called Well. Eighty-five students go to the Netherlands for 90 days and live in a 14th century castle. I have been here less than four weeks, and have already traveled to three amazing cities. Oh, and I am taking four classes, too. Can’t forget about school!
Here are some recommendations and tips from the cities I have been to:
On our first weekend trip, all 80 students and some professors traveled by bus to Amsterdam (approximately a two-hour bus ride). Then, we were divided into groups of 10 for a walking tour of Amsterdam, which was absolutely beautiful. It was so interesting to see how old the city is and to learn about its history. The next day, we all visited the Rijksmuseum [https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en], which we walked through with my Art History class and professor. Later on, I was lucky enough to see the Anne Frank house.
If ever traveling to Amsterdam, I would highly recommend the Rijksmuseum, the Foam Museum (which is a photography museum), walking through the Red Light District at night (where prostitution is legal and controlled by the government), and definitely trying the French fries Amsterdam is famous for.
The following weekend, I traveled to Bruges, Belgium. I had never been before, so everything was new and an adventure. In Belgium, I would very much recommend eating as much chocolate and waffles as possible! That’s what they’re famous for, right?? Also, what is so remarkable about traveling to a new city every weekend is getting lost in a new city. This way you get to see so much in such a short amount of time. I would also recommend walking up the Bell Tower in Bruges. This old Bell Tower was made very famous in a movie called “In Bruges” (2008). Definitely a workout! I went to Bruges with seven other people and we rented an apartment through AirBnb.com. It’s a great website to rent apartments for the weekend if you don’t plan to stay in a hostel.
Last weekend, I went to London. I had been before, but traveling with friends instead of your family is such a different experience. In 72 hours, I went everywhere. The National Gallery and the V&A museums were amazing, both of which I praise (and both are free!). Walking around London, you see so many fascinating things and interact with so many interesting people. My favorite part of London was the outdoor market in Notting Hill. This market is open every Saturday morning – just as it has been for hundreds of years. They sell antiques, tea, jewelry, food, everything! My friends and I also walked through Hyde Park, which was beautiful, and then we walked to Harrod’s, a high-end department store, for some fun window shopping.
After only being abroad for less than a month, I have experienced more than I could have possibly imagined. If I were to give someone advice about traveling abroad now, it would definitely be to bring VERY comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot. Also, don’t over-pack…under-pack if possible, and be sure to get enough sleep during the week, because the weekend are truly exhausting. Until next time, I encourage all of my readers to travel!