Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

I’m writing this note about halfway through my four-month study abroad program in Berlin, Germany. It feels all at once like I’ve been here forever and like I’ve barely spent any time here at all. The experience so far has been absolutely incredible. Berlin is a city with a long and complex history, and it is visible in every area of the city. There is an insane amount to see and do here—the number of museums alone is enough to fill up a few weeks’ worth of visits. There are also restaurants with food from all over the world, massive flea markets, interesting bookshops, cafes, and bars, and a renowned techno club culture.

There has also been so much to do and see outside of Berlin. I have had the chance to travel extensively during this program, thanks to Berlin’s central location and Europe’s train system. Already, I’ve used the train to travel to Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and other cities within Germany, and will soon be travelling to Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and even more German cities. In each place I’ve found completely different experiences, and I look forward to continuing to do so. One last unforgettable part of this program has been the number of interesting and different people I’ve had the chance to meet. Inside and outside of the program, I have met so many people who I’ve been able to share experiences with and learn from, from all over the world. I’ve found this time abroad freeing, challenging, and very much worth it. There’s nothing like it.  

I would like to sincerely thank the Donor, William H. Toner, for providing the means to pursue the opportunity to study abroad through the Mary Anne Pickett Toner ’65 Study Travel Fund.   

View from the Cologne Hohenzollern Bridge (Germany):

Arken Museum of Art in Copenhagen, Denmark: