As this program wraps up, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons that shaped me the most—and interestingly, they didn’t come from textbooks or lectures. They came from the places we visited, the people we met, and the stories we listened to along the way. This experience taught me that sustainability is far more complex—and more…
Tag: Plus3 The Netherlands
My “Wow Moment” in The Netherlands: Matthew Thiel
When I first left for the Netherlands, I wondered when it would hit that I really was in a different country, an entire ocean away from my family back home and in abroad without them for the first time. In the first few days, I felt myself getting caught up in the excitement of being…
Challenges with Assimilating into and Understanding Culture in the Netherlands: Matthew Thiel
Given that my Plus3 trip took place in major cities the Netherlands, a notably international country with a very high rate of English proficiency, it can be easy to assume that there would be no difficulties assimilating or understanding elements of Dutch culture. While there was quite a bit on the trip I was familiar…
Setting Goals and Achieving Them: Growth in the Netherlands Matthew Thiel
When I learned I was going to be traveling to the Netherlands through the Plus3 Program, I was curious to see how the trip would shape the direction of the massive personal and professional growth I have experienced in only a short year at the University of Pittsburgh. I have met so many new people…
Final Netherlands Reflection
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the wonderful students on this past Plus3 program to the Netherlands. It has been a valuable experience that I believe has made me both a better student and a better traveler. This trip was a growing opportunity in many areas for us as students, both academically…
Urban Jungle: Nature in a Dutch Urban Setting
One of the areas that I felt drawn to as a comparison to Pittsburgh quality of life was the ease of access to green spaces and the common incorporation of the environment in an urban setting. For major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Pittsburgh, it can be difficult to maintain a level of balance between…
My “Wow” Moment in Amsterdam: A Wake-Up Call in the Heart of the City
When I first arrived in Amsterdam, it felt like stepping into a postcard. I had spent weeks looking at photos online, watching videos, and imagining what it would feel like to finally be there—but nothing could prepare me for the moment I stepped off the metro at Central Station. The air felt crisp, the architecture…
My Journey to the Netherlands: Embracing Growth Through New Experiences
Hello! My name is Emily Angelo, and I’m about to embark on a journey that feels both exciting and a little daunting. This summer, I’ll be traveling to the Netherlands – my first time flying and my first experience outside the United States! As someone who has never traveled internationally, this adventure is both thrilling…
Dank je wel, Netherlands! Looking Back
After two days of being back in Pittsburgh, I’m really starting to miss the Netherlands. I miss walking through the city and seeing beautiful aquamarine canals lined with historic homes and cute cafes with every turn. I miss the level of quiet that can only be achieved by replacing cars with bicycles. I miss hearing…
The Netherlands: What’s New!
It has been a little over a week since landing in The Netherlands, and I have had an amazing time. Our schedule consists of a lot of cultural and professional site visits. So far, we have visited companies such as Cacao and Spice, Nouryon, Floraholland, and Henri Willig. Cultural visits have included canal cruises, the…