Why would I want to study abroad?

It’s all about the experience. I have been to Europe, and loved it!  It is so cool to see all different places and the way the locals live. Last time I want to Europe, I had to complete boot camp first. Then all we did is worked. There was not much time for sightseeing. Going as a student would be a nice change. My number one priority would be taking in the views and absorbing the different cutlers, finding my way to fit into the new atmosphere.

                Going with a seasoned veteran of the places we would be visiting, would have advantages.  This person will know about the best historical sights all the way to the coolest beer joints. A guide will be able to tell you where it is safe for Americans and where it’s not. Not everybody likes us, you will find that out. The next time I go abroad I would like to go with a group of people that won’t to go and explore the word, a grout that is excited to learn and experience new cultures.

Belgium

The first place of Europe that we saw was Belgium.  There are many major cities in Belgium including, Antwerp, Brussels, Brugges, and Ghent.  Most of us went to all four cities and had a wonderful time.  There are a lot of things to do and see in each of these amazing cities.

On the 5 week study abroad program, the first stop we took was to Antwerp.  This is where we stayed for 3 weeks in a flatt apartment.  In Antwerp, there are very historical things to look at. First is the main cathedral you can see for a long time.

This Antwerp Cathedral is a main attraction site in the city. 

This cathedral is located in the center of the town. 

As you can see by this picture that the cathedral is very tall. We took many pictures by this cathedral and of it.  This is the most photographed cathedral in Antwerp.

This is the downtown area of Antwerp. Many major buildings are in this square of downtown.  The government buildings are there and other main political buildings. 

 This picture is taken in a alley way where you can still see the cathedral.  Almost every street in Antwerp you can see a part of the cathedral.

Another great scenery site in Antwerp is the castle near the Schelde River. 

The first week of the 5 week program, you will study at the University of Antwerpen.  You will learn all about the European Parliament.  This picture was taken inside the courtyard at the University. 



















There are many more things to see but these are the main ones that you will see on your stay.  Having Antwerp be your main location, you will discover many different buildings and sites to see.  You will meet a lot of new people from the town and become very comfortable in the town and learn to call it home. 

-Sara

Off On Our World Wide Adventure

Going to the airport we checked our bags and went through security.  Emotions were high as we left our loved for 5 weeks.  As we all gathered in front of the gate we were taking off at we decided we should become friends.  We figured since it was only going to be the 14 of us for the next 5 weeks we should learn a little about each other.  We loaded the very tiny plane to go to Chicago, Illinois. The flight only took about an hour and half.  When we got to the O'Hare International Airport we grabbed our bags and walked a mile to the next gate we would fly out of. The moving sidewalks were a hit in the airport as most of us played on them.  It was time for our departure and we loaded the massive plane to take us to Brussels, Belgium.  The plane was seven seats across and 40 rows back.  Meaning it was huge compared to what we were all used to.  We had a pretty interesting flight attendant on the way over there.  They wouldn't leave us alone as we tried to sleep.  All in all they were friendly and interesting to talk to and made the flight go faster.

After eight hours on the plane we landed in Brussels where we got all of our luggage and hauled it to where Dr. Wright was going to be waiting for us.  After we found him and Jim Kelly, we loaded the bus up and headed for our future home.  Driving and hour to our destination which was Antwerp, Belgium, we got our first glimpse of a foreign country.

We got to our flatts (apartments) which we would call home for the next 3 weeks.  We were all dead tired from traveling and staying up way longer than we are used to, we all wanted to take a nap.  However, Dr. Wright had other plans for us.  We went on a tour of the big city of Antwerp.  We found out where to do laundry, shop for clothes, groceries, and other things that we may need on our trip.  After taking our tour around the town, we went and ate at a pizza place.  Most people go pizza with different toppings on them others got pastas.

After dinner we walked back to the flatts where we all called it a night and decided to go to bed.  Looking forward to the days ahead of us.

Sara

Stay charged and connected when abroad

You can buy adapters at most electronic stores. They are still available at Best Buy.