Today, we explored two standout examples of sustainability and innovation in Rotterdam: the Floating Farm and RDM Rotterdam. Each, in its own way, offers a glimpse into how cities can adapt to climate change while rethinking how we grow, build, and live. Our first stop was the Floating Farm, a floating dairy facility docked in…

As part of our journey through the Netherlands, we visited DakAkker, one of the largest rooftop farms in Europe. Perched high above the streets of Rotterdam on top of the Schieblock building, DakAkker isn’t just a quirky green space—it’s a living, growing example of what urban sustainability can and should look like. What makes DakAkker…

On Day 10 of our trip, we visited Delta Park—a fascinating blend of museum, aquarium, and coastal engineering hub. Though the weather kept us from enjoying the water slides, the real highlight was our tour of the Delta Works: a massive flood defense system that reflects the Dutch commitment to long-term sustainability and climate resilience….

Nestled within the campus of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Green Village is a pioneering living lab dedicated to sustainable innovation. It provides a real-world environment where researchers, students, and innovators develop and test sustainable technologies and practices. Here’s a closer look at some of the unique and impactful sustainability initiatives taking place…

As a public health student, I’m always interested in learning how communities cope with natural disasters and their aftermath. During my recent visit to the Netherlands, I took the opportunity to explore the Watersnoodmuseum in Ouwerkerk. This museum is dedicated to the devastating North Sea flood of 1953, which claimed over 1,800 lives and reshaped…

During my recent trip to The Hague, I visited one of the most iconic places dedicated to global peace and justice—the Peace Palace. As a public health student interested in international affairs, I was curious to learn how this historic building, home to the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, has…

During my visit to Nouryon, I learned about the innovative ways the company is addressing sustainability in the plastics and polymer industries. One of the most striking facts shared during the presentation was that only about 14.6% of global plastic waste is recycled. The majority either ends up in landfills or gets burned for energy,…

Visiting the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam was an unforgettable and emotional journey. Located in Amsterdam, this historic building was the secret annex where Anne Frank, her family, and four others hid during World War II. Walking through the narrow hallways and climbing the steep stairs, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history…

During my trip to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, I visited the Henri Willig cheese manufacturer, where tradition meets modern values. The village, known for its iconic windmills and Dutch heritage, offered a perfect setting for learning about cheese-making. I also discovered why modern wind turbines have three blades: more blades would be expensive and less efficient,…

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Royal FloraHolland, the largest international floriculture marketplace in the world. Located in the Netherlands, this marketplace is a bustling hub where flowers from countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Israel, Colombia, Ecuador, Belgium, Italy, and the UK are bought, sold, and transported to their next destination. As someone…

Our day in Amsterdam started with a buzz of excitement as we gathered for breakfast, eager for the adventures ahead. After fueling up, we met at 9:15 to catch the metro, ready to dive into the city’s unique blend of history, flavor, and culture. First on the agenda? A chocolate tasting at the charming Cacao…

Landing in Amsterdam after an eight-hour flight felt like stepping into a new world. The city’s charm hit me right from the start as I navigated the trains and metro, getting acquainted with the local public transport system. Our destination was Amstelstation, where we dropped off our bags at the hotel before diving into the…

Hello, my name is Emily Angelo, and I am a passionate and well-rounded individual with a strong background in academics, athletics, leadership, the arts, community service, and work experience. Throughout high school, I was an active member of the cross-country and track teams, where I developed perseverance, teamwork, and leadership skills, eventually becoming the captain…