One of the most notable cultural differences I’ve observed in the Netherlands is the remarkable tolerance of the Dutch people. From religion and ethnicity to soft drug use and even legal (albeit highly regulated) prostitution, it seems the Dutch keep an open mind about most things. What is really interesting is how this attitude seems…
Tag: The Netherlands
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…
Until next time, Netherlands!
As the past two weeks in The Netherlands have come to an end, I have been able to reflect on the amazing experiences I was able to participate in. This opportunity was a major learning opportunity for me, in more ways than one. In traveling to a new country, I was able to build new…
Navigating the Netherlands
Hello again! My name is Rhoslyn, and I participated in the Plus3 trip to The Netherlands where we traveled to Amsterdam and Rotterdam, as well as many cities in between. I had many new experiences throughout this opportunity, and I think my biggest “aha” moment was that I didn’t really have one. Now, this is…
Reflecting on Cross-Cultural Collaboration
After two weeks of studying abroad in the Netherlands, I have gained a different outlook on topics like sustainability, city design, and work-life balance. Beyond these observations, I have realized the importance of global collaboration and learning from other countries by spending time abroad. The United States is a global powerhouse, but there are still…
Life Before Work in the Netherlands
One major difference I noticed between Dutch and U.S. culture is work-life balance. Many Dutch people have a four-day work week with limited hours. Culturally, personal and family life is valued above one’s accomplishments in the workplace. As a visitor, I noticed this difference just based on when stores and restaurants are open. Many businesses…
Comparison of Transportation in the Netherlands
Hi! Over these past two weeks, I have been studying abroad in the Netherlands. This country is remarkable, and I have loved being able to study sustainability in Holland. During our time in the Netherlands, we got to see many cities. We stayed in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, but we also got to see The Hague,…
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…
Saying Goodbye to the Netherlands
As Pitt Plus3 Netherlands comes to a close, I have really enjoyed reflecting on everything I have gotten to do in the past 12 days. Throughout the program I got to see new places and make new connections, all while learning about sustainability. As I return to the United States, I have started to think…
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…