I truly learned so much and enjoyed every second of my study abroad experience. I was able to visit so many amazing places and made memories I’ll never forget. Our first stop was Strasbourg, a charming town that looked like it was straight out of a fairy tale. It taught me a lot about French culture, especially their strong sense of collectivism and unique mannerisms. I quickly realized how important it is to say bonjour when first meeting someone—whether it’s a friend or a stranger—it’s a small gesture that means a lot in their culture. This really shifted my perspective and made me realize how important the little things are. I also understood pretty fast that they like more of a quiet environment and we’re more loud. Some of the things in American culture are exactly the opposite for the French. It was fascinating seeing people acting completely different than what we’re used to especially when it comes to restaurants and shops a lot of times it’s very relaxed there we even saw waitresses and hostesses sitting down or going on a long smoke break to talk with friends; these types of things are frowned upon in the United States because we’re all about productivity. Next, we visited Luxembourg, which was incredibly peaceful and scenic. I felt so connected to nature there, and I noticed beautiful flower shops scattered all across Europe. One of the highlights was visiting the European Parliament. It was so cool to see where representatives from all 27 EU countries gather to propose and debate legislation. We also got to see the European Commission, which is equivalent to the executive branch, so what our White House would be, and that was really cool!! We even found American food at a place called PNY, and it was delicious! I ordered a milkshake that had a healthier, more bitter taste than what I’m used to in the U.S., which was so interesting and definitely a surprise. In Colmar, we got to ride little boats through the “Little Venice” area. It was stunning. Many of the restaurants and shops we visited throughout the trip were run by just one person, giving them a warm, personal touch. One crepe shop in Paris was run by an older man who was so kind—it made the experience even more special. I completely fell in love with the ice cream in Strasbourg! They shaped it into little flower petals, and the hazelnut and chocolate flavors were incredible. Switzerland was absolutely breathtaking. My only regret was not bringing a swimsuit—the water was so clear and fresh, and the mountains surrounding the city (some even snow-capped!) made it feel like a movie scene. In Paris, we found the shiniest, freshest cherries at a local market, and the Louvre was unbelievable. It had endless floors filled with everything from sculptures and paintings to fashion exhibits. We also visited Carette, a famous little café, and it totally lived up to the hype, the strawberries and chocolate milkshake were amazing! The Palace of Versailles might be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The gardens were stunning, and walking through the forest paths felt like stepping into a dream. And finally, seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night was truly the highlight of the entire trip. There was nothing quite like sitting on the grass, watching it twinkle, and hearing the cheers from the crowd around us—it was pure magic. I’m so incredibly grateful for this trip and the opportunity to explore and experience so many new places. I already miss it!!!!