In May 2026, I had the amazing opportunity to go on a study abroad trip during the May mini-term and explore parts of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. I took a three-credit course titled International Study: Design Thinking Through the Lens of Gardens and Culture (PLSC 491). This course focuses on a hands-on learning experience, allowing students to explore gardens, arboretums, and landscapes run by local professionals. We were never in a formal classroom, instead we treated the gardens as our classes and were allotted free time to explore the cities we were in. As an engineering student, this course allowed me to take a break from my technical coursework and focus on topics that are related to my minor in plant sciences.
Since we used the gardens as our classrooms, most days had two to three planned outings in local gardens, museums, or landscapes. During these visits, we would go on guided tours, learn how the landscape was designed and maintained from local professionals, or be allowed to explore freely. Since it was not a traditional classroom setting, our “classwork” was keeping a journal of each day and following the required prompts for the day. We would write down what we did that day, what we learned, what we were excited about for the next day, a challenge we faced and how we overcame it, or even a word to describe the day. Outside the classroom, we were allowed to explore the cities that we were staying in at the time, either as a class or in small groups. We went on a group boat tour in Bruges, explored the Cologne Cathedral, took a walking tour around Brussels, explored Flanders Field Memorial Cemetery on Memorial Day, and saw some of the most beautiful landscapes that I have ever seen. I went to a Harry Styles concert in Amsterdam, sat on a beach in Bruges by the North Sea, ate chocolate and waffles in Brussels, and explored the streets of Antwerp.
I gained lots of knowledge and experience on this trip, and I found out more about myself and what I am capable of. Learning to navigate new cities and countries in a short amount of time, engaging with different cultures and languages, and making new friends with the twenty other students on the trip made me step out of my comfort zone. I gained valuable perspective on things that I had never seen before, and a new appreciation for the things that I tend to take for granted. Studying abroad helped me gain independence, appreciate the things around me, and look for adventure in unlikely places. The worldview and perspective that I gained on this trip will be something that I carry with me for the rest of my life.
I truly think that all students should consider studying abroad. As an engineering student, it is especially rewarding to pursue your academic goals in a unique way. Going across the world and experiencing new countries reminded me that education is not just about the technical knowledge I gain in a classroom, but what you learn outside of it as well.
