Europe Innovation Blog 1 – Madison Page

My first initial impression of Europe was so many things. Most of those things were dreamy and positive concepts such as beauty, richness, and culture. Those are the many things you think of when going on a vacation. However, this was so much more than a vacation for me. A vacation lasts around one to two weeks. My trip on the Europe Innovation Summer Abroad lasted one month. I saw more than the basic positives and even got to see deeper characteristics of Croatia. Going from feeling like it was a vacation to feeling like it was my home for the month was a big change. I experienced frustrations. For example, how much longer it takes to get your food here than it does in America and how people don?t hold the door open for you. I even got the door slammed in my face one time. Those are things that I didn?t expect. I already expected the natural beauty, the rich history, and the dun activities. I got those immediately the second I arrived in Croatia. The more I stayed here the more I realized that this city isn?t just a vacation spot, it was a forever home to many. I got to know a handful of the locals and learn about their life. For example, I got to know a good friend Marissa at a local Caf? Bar across from the dorm we were staying at. She told us many stories of her long time spent here in Dubrovnik. She also told us about so many tips on how to get around efficiently here. I couldn?t have asked for a better mentor aside from the professors and API people that traveled with us. I didn?t just vacation in Europe, I lived in Europe like an actual student that goes to school here in the dorm. I?m proud to say that I experienced that specific way of life. It was not only a great academic opportunity for me to learn, but a great cultural opportunity to expand my emotional maturity.