I can't believe it, but I've already been here for two weeks. I won't lie, though, it wasn't that easy to adjust at first. I'm living in a dorm that's similar to Hill but with twice the rules. I've basically just realized how privileged we are in America. Europeans are so much more environmentally conscious. For example: you have to pay for bags at the grocery store. This policy encourages consumers to reuse bags, which is good for the environment, obviously, but a bit of a pain to remember. Also, there are definitely fewer cars here and most people bike to work/school. It's definitely something to get used to.
I actually just completed my intense Dutch final which was surprisingly difficult. I think Penn students generally view Study Abroad courses as a joke, but that definitely wasn't the case, at least not in regards to Dutch. Everyone was basically studying non stop for the class. Hopefully the rest of my classes aren't as difficult. I don't start till the 23rd, though, so I don't know yet. Also, unlike Penn, grades here are based solely on one exam at the end. Definitely nervous about that, but we'll see how it goes.
I think the best thing about studying in Belgium is the opportunity to travel. Belgium is definitely the heart of Western Europe so I look forward to many weekend trips.
Here's what my next few weekends look like:
- Sept 13-16: Madrid, Spain
- Sept 19-21: London
- Sept 26 wknd: Munich for Oktoberfest
- Oct 3 wknd: Greece
- Oct 10 wknd: Paris
- Oct 18 wknd: Amsterdam
- Oct 25 wknd: Dublin, Ireland
- Nov 1: Possibly Barcelona
- Nov 9 wknd: Possibly Italy
-Saara
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