Tag: Europe

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener

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One of the most fantastic things about studying abroad is the opportunity to travel (besides the academics of course, Mom). The year that I spent in Switzerland was by far the most incredible year of my life, and a great deal of that had to do with all of the amazing places I was fortunate enough to see. It seemed like nearly every weekend, I was hopping a plane to Lisbon or Budapest or Cork. Airfare was shockingly inexpensive and the idea that it would only take me an hour to get to Amsterdam was just too good to be true. By the end of my year, I had traveled to a dozen different countries, kissed the Blarney stone, seen the Pope give Easter mass at the Vatican and set foot on the Asian continent for the first time. My head was positively spinning.

However, once I returned to the states, people started asking me about Switzerland. They wanted to know how beautiful the Alps were and whether or not I had found Heidi. They asked me about fondue and watches and chocolate. They asked me what the best things about Geneva were. And yes, after a year, I had spent some time around the city and the countryside, but it became very apparent to me that after having lived there for a year, I knew relatively little about Switzerland. I could tell you all about easyJet and what the best airports in Europe were in terms of efficiency, but I realized that I hadn’t gotten to know Switzerland as well as I should have, and that perhaps I had passed up a great opportunity.

If I could do it all again, while it’s hard for me to say that I would travel less, I would certainly make a more concerted effort to get to know my host country better. The places that I went in Switzerland were absolutely incredible (including the Valley of the 72 Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen, pictured here) and are places that the average visitor never gets to see. That’s the really wonderful aspect of studying abroad: it’s not about being a tourist. It’s not about being the average visitor. It’s about being a resident of that country and getting to know it on a much more personal level. I had friends who went to tiny Alpine villages for the weekend while I was traveling to Athens, and on some level, I am envious of them. They know Switzerland much better than I do, even though we both studied there for the same amount of time.

Travel is absolutely an important element of studying abroad. However, it’s important to remember that this may be the only chance to actually live in a different country, and get to know it on a native level. So, by all means, adventure off to a different country when the chance arises, but don’t miss out on the chance to become immersed in the host country and city in the name of putting more stamps in your passport.

– Kat Cosgrove, DUSA Graduate Peer Advisor

10 Best Free Things To Do in Europe

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1)      Florence: Catch a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo—Located a swift twenty minute walk from Florence’s city centre, Piazzale Michelangelo affords anybody who goes there one of the most breathtaking views in the whole of Italy. It’s also where you’ll find one of the city’s ‘fake Davids’.

2)      Paris: Visit the Louvre for free—If you’re under the age of 26, good news – the Louvre is free for you to enter! It’s also free to everyone on the first Sunday of the month.

3)      London: Enjoy the choir singing in Westminster Abbey—While visiting one of London’s most famous attractions may cost £16.00 during the day, if you leave your visit until ‘Evensong’ takes place every evening at 5.30pm you won’t have to pay anything. Not only that, you’ll be treated to the sounds of the Abbey’s choir too!

4)      Granada: Enjoy the view at Mirador di San Nicolas—If there’s one thing not to miss in Granada, it’s the Mirador de San Nicolas and the spectacular views of Alhambra afforded from its lookout. By day you’ll be accompanied by musicians and can grab some food and drink in nearby cafés, but it’s in the evening that is especially recommended. The sunsets here will blow you away!

5)      Prague: Walk through the grounds of the Prague Castle—Overlooking the Czech capital and the River Vlatva, the Prague Castle is the city’s number one tourist attraction. Walking the grounds is free of charge and if you visit around noon, try to catch the elaborate changing of the guard.

6)      Budapest: Stroll over Fisherman’s Bastion—Found up on the Buda half of the Hungarian capital, Fisherman’s Bastion is a short terrace on Castle Hill. Taking no more than five minutes to walk from one side to the other, you’ll find yourself spending much more time there thanks to be unforgettable views of the city.

7)      Munich: Catch the ‘Glockenspiel’ show—Catch the amusing 15 minute show twice daily at 11am and midday at the New Town Hall, located in one of the city’s most notable squares, Marienplatz. This local tradition attracts a crowd and features 32 life-size figurines acting out the ‘Cooper’s Dance’.

8)      Milan: Chow down on some free food—Buy a drink at any number of bars across Milan and help yourself to plate upon plate of finger food. Nachos, sausages and much more are offered, during what is known as Aperitivo time. The all-you-can-eat bonanza begins around 6pm every evening. Two top spots offering this free food are Le Biciclette on Via Torti and Bar Brera on Via Brera.

9)      Brussels: Embark on a comic strip walk—Without a trained eye you may miss some of Brussels lesser known attractions. Stop into the city’s tourist office at Hotel de Ville in the Grand Palace and request either the Comic Art Walk or the Art Nouveau Walk. The Comic Art Walk is especially interesting, taking you to over 30 walls that have been transformed into story book comics!

10)   Athens: Climb Filopappou Hill—Located just 15 minutes from the gates of the Acropolis, Filopappou Hill is the best place in Athens to get a view of the Parthenon, meaning it boasts the best view in the city. Entrance to the site is free and the climb isn’t that strenuous.