Pre-Departure
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With just under a week to go, I am very thrilled to embark on my European adventure. I feel so lucky and grateful to be afforded this experience. To prepare, I've been getting my things in order and packing. I have spent quality time at home in Texas with family and friends. I am so excited to explore Belgium and other countries, including France and The Netherlands. I don't know much about Brussels and Belgium in general, besides that French and Dutch are the common languages spoken, and that Brussels is the headquarters of the European Union. I have a background in French, so I'm looking forward to becoming more fluent. I expect living in Brussels to be a mix of bustling city life with a quaint-town environment. I have visited France in the past, so I expect the people in Brussels to share similar mannerisms to French people - though, I may be wrong. I have heard that Belgian chocolate and beer is phenomenal, so I'm hoping this stereotype rings true! I am looking forward to taking two classes that will delve into European Union studies, while learning from every individual I meet. I hope to come out of this experience as a far more well-rounded person, equipped to achieve her goals post-college.
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Realities in Belgium
Belgians interact with each other in cordial, kind ways, from what I have observed. There is little havoc and chaos, and if something does go amiss, Belgians keep their head on their shoulders and find a solution. I have made friends from Sweden, Italy, South Africa, and Germany during my visit, and although they aren't Belgian, spending time with them furthered my assimilation into Brussels society. My European peers talk about, and value, different things than a majority of my American peers, but that does not necessarily mean either group is better than the other; it simply highlights the differences in our societies. Belgians perceive the US as being a bit ridiculous, yet they respect Americans and engage in kind interactions. I traveled to France and the Netherlands while living in Brussels, and did not find much of a difference in interactions - although Parisians can be a bit more rough, but I attribute that to the extensive amount of tourists they face every day. Belgium does have similarities with the United States, including the seemingly fast-paced professional life in Brussels. Just as in any large American city, people are constantly milling around, on the move, while still finding time to relax at the end of the day and enjoy friends' company.
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Post-Program Reflection
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The opportunity to study in Brussels this summer is one I will never take for granted, and that I will cherish for years to come. This summer has shifted my perspective about day-to-day life in other cultures, and has introduced me to a whole new subject I've come to adore. After taking the EU in the World class with Dr. Kreppel and Dr. Selden, I am highly considering working on an EU certificate when I return to UF! The thought of taking more EU classes in the future excites me. Coming into the program, I knew very little about the EU, with the extent of my knowledge being the basic facts concerning Brexit. Now that the program has come to a close, I am leaving Europe with an abundance of knowledge. I truly learned so much this summer, ranging from the different institutions of the EU, the origins and history of the Union and continent, and the modern day functions and dilemmas the EU confronts. I have never had the chance to study topics such as international security, so learning about this, among other fields, greatly intrigued me.
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I now understand much more about European politics and international affairs, and its relation to American politics. With the upcoming change of leadership in Britain, much more is up in the air than ever before, and I am looking forward to reading about it with my newfound knowledge. Spending my entire summer abroad has enabled me to travel to cities and countries I wouldn't have otherwise. Traveling to these places introduced me to new cultures and peoples, and I absolutely adored every minute of it. Although travel can be exhausting, it has opened my eyes to other ways of life, and I believe that differences in cultures do not equate to one being better than the other. Differences are beautiful, and highlight the uniqueness of peoples all around the world. UF in Brussels changed my life for the better. I'm leaving Europe with new best friends, increased knowledge, and a new passion; I couldn't have asked for anything more from this program.
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