Category: Europe

Submitted by Carson McClung on the 2025 Winter program in Budapest, Hungary…

When I first arrived in Budapest, the first thing I noticed was how beautiful and historic the city was. Shops and restaurants surrounded the apartment complex I lived in. That first night, we went to Menza, a Hungarian restaurant close by. We got to try several dishes including langos with sour cream and cheese, accompanied by a delicious garlic soup, and a lava cake. I enjoyed trying the new foods, but the first few days in Hungary were more difficult because of the culture shocks–the locals were more reserved. As an introvert, going into my first study abroad experience was both exciting and nerve-wracking.

As time went on, things started to get easier for me and I noticed some personal growth. Going into the program, I was already friends with one person in the group, but I didn’t know the others. After the first week, I started branching out and talking to the other people more. I went out with them, grabbed food, and got to know them more. My social skills have improved dramatically, which is amazing considering my past struggles in group settings. Because of this trip, I feel more confident in group settings and maintaining relationships with people. We also went on some fun excursions, such as touring the Parliament and participating in a cooking class. I learned how to make local Hungarian dishes–I cooked baked meatloaf with eggs–and got to try them! I not only explored Budapest but also went on a hike and a day trip to Vienna, Austria via train. Being able to travel abroad and explore Central Europe is a privilege I’m immensely grateful for.

Towards the end of the program, I was super sad to leave. The two and a half weeks spent in Budapest were some of the most transformative experiences of my life–I am so glad I followed through! On our last night, we had an amazing dinner where we reminisced about our time abroad. I almost cried after our dinner–I didn’t want to leave and I’d do this all over again in a heartbeat! I will forever remember this experience and how it shaped me as a person. My self-growth over the break has me feeling confident enough to pursue new activities this semester, such as musical theater or acapella group auditions. I learned so much about myself and the world around me through this study abroad experience, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the winter session. Thank you to my amazing group and faculty director, Dr. Tóth, for supporting me and bringing me out of my shell.

Submitted by Devin Diodato on the 2025 Winter program in Rome, Italy…

During our first week in Italy we have traveled to 2 different cities. We started in Rome for 2 days where we took a tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Wish we had more time here, cant wait to be back! We then headed to Perugia for a few days where we did even more sight seeing!

After a few days in Perugia, we headed to Sorrento where we will be staying for two weeks. Our hotel had the best view of Mt. Vesuvius! While we are here we are taking many day trips: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Caserta, and a few others. Cant believe we are already half way done!

For one of the days of our free weekend we decided to hike a trail called the path of the gods along the Amalfi Coast. We saw some of the prettiest views ever! We headed back to Rome for our last weekend. Cant believe its almost time to go home, it really flew by. While we were back in Rome, we toured Vatican City: Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica, and the museum. (Submitted January 29, 2025)

Submitted by Nathaniel Burlew on the 2025 Winter program in Italy…

Over the past few weeks we got to visit some of the major cities in Tuscany. Notably we got to see Florence, Pisa and Siena. It was so surreal to see these places in person. The cathedrals were absolutely massive, the pictures can’t even do it justice. On the inside, every single square inch of the walls and even ceilings are detailed with gold or paintings. Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa had my group feeling like we were going to fall off, we did not think we were going to feel the tilt as much as we did. The trip has been great so far, making new friends, seeing historic places, and not to mention, eating amazing food.

With my study abroad experience coming to an end, we got to visit cities like Venice and Verona. Venice was just as beautiful as you could imagine. The canals were woven between the beautiful and bright colored buildings. The seafood was some of the best I ever tasted. Verona, known as the city of love, was a cool experience. We got to see a colosseum, not quite like the one in Rome, and also got to see iconic buildings from Romeo and Juliet. This trip is winding down and it has been a life-changing journey. Being able to immerse yourself in a culture that is different than the one you are used to, is an opportunity that you won’t take for granted. I am so thankful for my time here, making 30 new friends and our fantastic instructors, Charlene and Tim! (Submitted January 27, 2025)

Submitted by Saniyah Norwoodon the 2025 Winter program in Paris, France…

I have been in Paris for almost 3 weeks now! I have been enjoying it so far. I have approximately one week left here. I am excited to see my family and friends back at home. However, I love Paris and don’t want to leave. So far, I have visited the Louvre, Versailles, Sorbonne Nouvelle University, Montmarte, and many other monuments and institutions. Being in Paris for study abroad was not only a great academic opportunity, but a great chance to live life with a new perspective. I’ve met so many great people on this trip and can’t wait for what the rest of the trip brings me! (Submitted on January 23, 2025)

Submitted by Molly McGuigan on the 2025 Winter program in Venice, Italy…

This past weekend we traveled to Venice and had the opportunity to stay overnight. This was by far the best part of my study abroad trip so far. Venice is a beautiful city filled with local people and great food. Venice made up of over 100 little islands having its visitors walk over tiny bridges around almost every corner. There are no cars on the island of Venice, but there are water taxis you can take to move around more efficiently. My favorite part of Venice was taking a gondola ride around the city at sunset. You could see all of the colorful buildings and their lights with a great view of the sky as well. I plan on returning to Venice this upcoming weekend during our personal travel time! (Submitted on January 20, 2025)

Submitted by Eden Goldstein on the 2025 Winter program in Florence, Italy…

“You are about to embark upon a life-changing experience. Walk it well, knowing that your life will be enriched through the study of foreign nations and that there are more similarities among the people of the Earth than there are differences. Have fun, be careful, and come home safe.” My grandma had said this to me before I arrived in Florence, Italy, for the University of Delaware’s Winter study abroad program.

My entire life I have dreamed of traveling to witness the beauty of immersing myself in a culture that was unfamiliar to me, and of being able to absorb firsthand the differences that set us apart from one another. Using only my imagination of what it could be like from the stories I have been told growing up by my parents and grandparents of the magnificent world that exists beyond what is familiar to me, I craved an experience that would teach me to thrive within my own uncomfortability. Never did I think my expectations would exceed my imagination the way that it has, in such a short amount of time. Our differences are what makes us unique, and our individuality is what makes us as people so incredibly special both collectively and on our own. Appreciating the characteristics that we each carry is often taken for granted. In just one week in this unforgettable program, this concept of noticing the traits that set us apart from one another, I have found to be in contrast with an overwhelming amount of similarities, as my grandma had said and of course, she is always right.

I have always gravitated towards engaging in my own creativity, and with no surprise ever since I was young, I became connected to not only the art that I can construct but learning about the art that makes up our world history. Guided by my interest and curiosity I have studied the intricacy of the iconic European artists, architecture, compositions, statues, and all of the culturally impacting phenomena that have existed in this region for as long as I can remember. This program has allowed me to come face to face with some of the most important works of art in the world, and what a beautiful thing that is! Within the past week, my class and I have been on guided tours of the Galleria dell’Accademia, Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, and both Siena and San Gimignano, Italy. The historical significance of these castles, galleries, cities, and monuments is beyond mesmerizing. The precision and commitment to detail are not just inspiring and beautiful, but impactful and influential.

Along with the many tours and time I have spent here appreciating the art that fills this wonderful country, I have noticed something even more important in the mists. While I had been focusing on the art on the walls, I took a moment to watch everyone around me, as they watched the art on the walls. Each of us standing in the same place, at the same moment in time, all coming together to admire the same thing. None of the differences between us mattered at all, because it was our similarities that brought us all here. The universal language of art is something that connects every one of us, regardless of our age, gender, culture, religion, social class, or anything else that stands in the way of our individual or societal biases. I will forever be grateful for this program for allowing me to be reminded of how necessary it is to come together, set aside our differences, and be present in the moment, whatever that moment may be. (Submitted on January 14, 2025)

Submitted by Molly McGuigan on the 2025 Winter program in Italy…

So far throughout my study abroad trip, we have traveled to three different cities in Italy: Siena, Florence, and Pisa. There has been great sight seeing, shopping, and eating. Going into this trip, I didn’t know anyone, but I now have 30 new friends. We all eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner together, and have planned a trip together during our personal travel time. This has been a great experience so far and I am so happy I decided to study abroad! (Submitted on January 14, 2025)

Submitted by Gabriel Fennemore on the 2025 Winter program in Schoelcher, Martinique…

I selected some of the most beautiful pictures I’ve captured so far in Martinique, l’île des fleurs (“the island of flowers,” as it is nicknamed.) But paradise is not just a good climate.

Expecting a bus that had forgotten its schedule, I spoke a long time with the old woman that waited beside me. When she asked what I thought of her country and I called it beautiful, her reaction surprised me: “C’est mon pays, faut parler franchement. Pour moi, ce n’est pas l’île des fleurs. Ça c’est pour les touristes. Mais c’est l’île des poubelles.” (“It’s my country and I must speak honestly. For me, it’s no isle of flowers. That’s what tourists call it. It’s an island of garbage.”)

She referred to all the litter in the roads, the noisy cars, the poverty of the neighborhoods on the other side of the hill. Everything being imported, the cost of life becomes unmanageable. The French government ignores its responsibility toward its territories, maintaining them as vacation spots. “Mais la nourriture n’est pas mal, hein ? Vous aimez le boudin ?” (“But the food’s not too bad, hey? You like boudin?”)

I still find the island beautiful. But the stories of photographs and the stories of people living here are very different. I am reminded I am only a visitor. (Submitted on January 13, 2025)

Submitted by Abigail Bienkowski on the 2025 Winter program in Paris, France…

Within my first week or so here in France, I have seen many museums, architecture, and historic places that I have not been exposed to in America. The city is rich with love, history, and stories, and getting to experience them has been an honor. Every corner you turn is as beautiful as the last, and the city has a surreal feeling to it. To top off the beautiful sights, the culture is nothing short of wonderful. The city of Paris is just as beautiful and welcoming as the people within it. This city has opened my eyes and this experience is truly a blessing. (Submitted on January 13, 2025)