Blog Post #2 – Claire Poulter

Studying abroad has taught me so much, both in and out of the classroom. Visiting places like the ancient amphitheater in Verona and hearing nuns sing in the actual Sound of Music abbey made history feel incredibly real and personal. I’ve also found myself thinking about my faith more deeply, especially while standing in places that are tied to early Christianity. Our business visits have been surprisingly engaging—I really enjoyed learning how cities like Innsbruck market themselves and how tourism can benefit local communities in ways I hadn’t considered before. At Riedel, we learned how the shape of a wine glass actually affects the way wine tastes, which was something I’d never thought about before. The Swarovski museum also stood out to me, especially the Grief Chandelier, which was a really moving piece. Even small moments, like climbing a foggy mountain or biking through Salzburg in the rain, felt like meaningful experiences that I’ll remember for a long time. I’ve grown a lot on this trip—academically, culturally, and personally. I’m very thankful I had the chance to come and learn in such a hands-on, unforgettable way.