It’s hard to believe that four weeks of navigating canal-lined streets, studying 17th-century anatomical art, and figuring out Amsterdam’s tram system have already come to an end. When I think back to the beginning of this experience, I’m struck by how much has changed and not just in what I’ve learned academically, but in how…

Studying abroad is easy to measure by the places you go and the things you learn. You remember the museums, the train rides, the cities you visit, the essays you write, and the readings you finish. But looking back on my time in the Netherlands, I think the part that will stay with me most…

“Hustle Culture” vs. “Doe Maar Gewoon” One of the biggest differences I’ve observed is the difference between the American hustle culture and the Dutch emphasis on balance. In the United States, success often feels tied to constant productivity. Busy schedules, late nights, working through the lunch break, and always working toward the next accomplishment are…

From the moment I arrived, I noticed Amsterdam’s transportation. Cobblestone streets, rows of bicycles, dedicated bike lanes, and canals filled with boats all work together to keep the city moving. Coming from Pittsburgh, the difference has been impossible to ignore. At home, most people get around by driving or taking the bus. Whether I’m catching…