Dutch D.C.

Day 13 May 14th During our visit to Den Haag (The Hague), we explored the political center of the Netherlands and learned about its government and international importance. One photo I took was of the Peace Palace, a well-known building where many important international agreements and legal discussions have taken place. It stood out because…

History lesson From survivors

Day 12 May 13th During this day, we visited Dakakker and the Watersnoodmuseum, which both focused on how the Netherlands deals with water and flooding. One photo I took at the museum showed a long list of names of people who died during the 1953 flood, along with short descriptions of their lives. Seeing all…

Protection against nature

Day 11 May 12th During our visit to the Delta Works, I got to see one of the most advanced flood protection systems in the world. One photo I took was of a model of the Delta Works, which made it easier to understand how all the different barriers and gates work together. Seeing the…

labs by the shore

Day 10 May 11th During this part of the trip, we visited a floating farm and the RDM campus, both of which focused heavily on innovation and sustainability. One photo I took shows the student side of RDM, where many STEM labs are located. The area had a modern, industrial feel and demonstrated how education…

German culture

Day 9 May 10th During my visit to Münster, Germany, I explored the city’s rich religious and historical background. One photo I took captured an important church, reflecting the strong role religion has played in shaping the city’s identity. The architecture was detailed and impressive, showing how much importance was placed on faith and community…

Rave Time

Day 8 May 9th During my time in Enschede, I experienced both everyday Dutch life and a major student event that brought the community together. In the morning, we visited a local farmers market where I explored fresh, locally produced food. One photo I took shows a lower, recessed area in the city designed to…

Windy Power

Day 7 May 8th During another day at the University of Twente, we explored both the campus and a nearby windmill farm, giving us insight into modern and traditional energy systems in the Netherlands. One photo I took shows a large windmill up close as it was being turned to stop producing power. Seeing the…

Twente experienced

Day 6 May 7th During my visit to the University of Twente, I got a firsthand look at Dutch student life and campus culture. One photo I took shows three connected ponds on campus that are used for natural water filtration. The ponds were surrounded by greenery and demonstrated how the university integrates sustainability into…

Dark History

Day 5 May 6th During my visit to a traditional Dutch village near Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, I experienced what life in the Netherlands might have looked like centuries ago. The day was filled with learning about local traditions and industries that shaped Dutch culture. One photo I took shows a marshy landscape, with flat land…

Farming abroad

Day 4 May 5th Today began with a bus journey to a tulip farm, where we learned about sustainable farming practices. Because much of the Netherlands lies below sea level, farmers can conserve thousands of liters of water by utilizing seawater and managing irrigation through artificial canal systems. We then visited a floating housing community,…

Clean clothes

Day 3 May 4th Today began with an engaging and informative scavenger hunt. The first clue focused on the city’s central train station and elements of its personal and historical significance. Although we needed to research some of the answers, exploring the surrounding area led us to discover a nearby mall, which added an unexpected…

First of Many

I’m from Owings Mills, Maryland, and I’ve always been someone who learns best by exploring how things work and trying to understand the systems behind them. Outside of school, I spend a lot of time on hobbies that keep me active and curious, like guitar, archery, and skiing. I’m majoring in Materials Science and Engineering…