Somehow, today was already the last day of our trip. Time really does fly when you’re having fun. Even though our time in the Netherlands was coming to an end, we still made the most of the day as we traveled to The Hague, the political capital of the Netherlands, for one final day of learning and exploration.

After taking the metro from Rotterdam to The Hague, we began walking through the historic city while learning about both its past and the structure of the modern Dutch government. One of the most interesting things I learned was just how many political parties exist in the Netherlands. Unlike the United States, which is largely dominated by two major parties, the Dutch system includes 19 different political parties, each representing specific groups, beliefs, or priorities within the country.

While the Dutch government still includes parties comparable to American conservatives and liberals, it also gives smaller communities a much larger voice through more specialized parties. There are parties focused on the rights of farmers, pensioners, Christians, environmental issues, animals, migrants, and many other causes. This system is designed to ensure that a wide range of perspectives is represented in government, allowing more people to feel heard. Once again, the Dutch demonstrated how they approach modern challenges with innovative solutions. Even though we did not have as much time to study their political system as I would have liked, it was clear that they have built a government that highly values representation and cooperation.

Later in the afternoon, we made the mile-long walk to the Peace Palace. Unlike a traditional courthouse, the Peace Palace serves as a center for resolving international disputes and promoting global justice. One of its most well-known cases involved the Bosnian Genocide, when Bosnia and Herzegovina brought a case against Serbia and Montenegro over allegations of state-sponsored genocide during the Bosnian War. The Peace Palace itself was funded by Andrew Carnegie and, despite being over a century old, remains active today.

As our trip finally came to a close, I found myself reflecting on just how much we experienced in such a short amount of time. From learning about sustainability and innovation to exploring Dutch history, culture, and government, every day offered a new perspective. This journey not only taught me more about the Netherlands, but also challenged me to think differently about how societies solve problems and support their people. While I’m excited to return home, I know the lessons and memories from this trip will stay with me long after we leave.