I recently reached the midterm point of my second term, and during the university’s reading week I took the opportunity to travel and explore more of continental Europe. I embarked on a train trip through Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. This was my first experience traveling across continental Europe by train and also my first time traveling solo within Europe.
Each city offered something unique. I especially loved Amsterdam and Vienna, where the architecture and art were incredible to see in person. Visiting Berlin and Prague was also meaningful because those regions connect to my ancestral heritage, which made the experience feel especially personal.
One of my favorite moments from the trip was experiencing Vienna’s coffeehouse culture. People spend hours in these beautiful, glamorous cafés enjoying great food and coffee, and even today many sit and read physical newspapers while they relax and socialize. It was fascinating to see how such traditions remain an important part of daily life.
Being able to experience cultures where English is not the primary language was something I had hoped to do while studying abroad, and it felt like a true bucket-list experience. Traveling solo also gave me time to reflect and pushed me outside my comfort zone. The experience strengthened my confidence and helped me become more comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations independently.
I am very grateful for the opportunity your support has given me to study and explore while abroad. Experiences like this are helping me grow both academically and personally.
Thank you again for your continued support.
