VCU Study Abroad Blog

June 14, 2007 – an incredible day of many firsts in my short life of 21 years. On Thursday, June 14, I traveled to Washington D.C., for the first time, in order to board my first flight to travel to London, England, for the first time. This day began my traveling study abroad program. I chose the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) for my study abroad experience because they offered a course that is relevant to my chosen field of study, but more importantly, AIFS offered a traveling program where I would be able to visit and experience as much of Western Europe as possible during the summer semester.
I began my study abroad experience in London, and remained there for nine days. From London, our AIFS group traveled via Eurostar to Paris, where we resided for four days. Next, we were off to Brussels, Belgium, for three nights. Then to Strasbourg, France for a two-night stay, and off again for an overnight stay in Frankfurt, Germany. Our penultimate stay of three nights was in Prague, Czech Republic. Our trip ended in Berlin, Germany, where we stayed for four nights. Overall, the trip gave an amazing sample of Western and a small bit of central Europe. The meetings that AIFS arranged with businesses that were relevant to our course work, for example British Parliament, the Coucil of Europe, and Lloyds of London along with tours of each city determined the amount of time spent in each city.
A typical day included waking up at 7 A.M. to breakfast (which was included at each hotel) and dress, then off to a class for a lecture, a meeting with a business, a tour of a city, or any combination of these. The organized aspect of our days would last until early afternoon, usually between 2 – 3 P.M. then we were left to occupy the duration of the day. Most would grab a bite to eat for lunch at a pub or a sandwich shop and head off to tour museums, national landmarks, or tourist sites before they would close (most businesses closed at 6 or 7 P.M.). Afterwards, dinner was an event all its own because you are not rushed to order, eat, and leave in Europe like you are in America. Once seated, you would talk to your server perhaps three times – once to order drinks and food, then to receive food, and lastly to receive the cheque. In the meantime, you would remain seated at the table for at least two hours between ordering food and receiving the cheque. After dinner, we went out to sample the pubs, clubs, and bars – your typical college student night scene – and back to the hotel around 2 A.M. and then repeated it all over again the next day. Food, aside from continental breakfasts, and transportation to and from the hotel was left to your own means. You had a plethora of options for transportation that ranged from the underground/metro to the bus system to cabs to walking.
Overall, my trip to Europe was simply amazing! I met some of the greatest people from all over the United States as well as fascinating people in Europe. I was able to enlighten myself on cultures that make America look juvenile; to learn, not only about the European Union course work, but about current issues that were unique to each city, such as London’s public buildings going smoke-free July 1, 2007; and to also learn about and challenge myself. I chose to throw myself into a situation where I was uncomfortable and unfamiliar. It was either sink and not use the experience to learn or I could flourish and absorb all that was surrounding me to broaden my mind and to expand my horizons. I chose to go on the trip, knowing I would not be acquainted with a single person; knowing I would be traveling constantly and living out of a suitcase; knowing I would be challenged academically; and knowing I would not have a restful summer. All the sacrifices I had made, all the challenges I faced, were more than worth it! I will not forget a single moment!