Corban Junior Katharine Hormann studied abroad in Europe last fall through Corban’s Ambex program. She traveled to 11 countries, and learned something different in each one. Hormann’s passion and enthusiasm for travel spill into the lives of other students as she constantly urges them to try Ambex. Hormann offers tips and encouragement to visit different countries here in her top 11 reasons why you should study abroad:Junior Katharine Hormann traveled to 11 European countries while studying at Ambex last fall.
Germany- I spent most of my 3-month stay in this amazing country. The people there are a very unified people. For example, when Oktober Fest came around, they ALL wore traditional garb, and I mean ALL of them. It is country where the people and their history are vibrant and rich. With Germans like Beethoven, Bach, Martin Luther, and Einstein inhabiting the rich cultural background, the cities are bursting with museums and monuments that showcase the impact these and many others have had on the world.
France- I have been to Paris a few times, but sadly it is the only taste of France that I have gotten.. But the food there is to die for! If you go, you MUST try a real Creme Brulé. It is also an AMAZING city for art and architecture, with highlights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Be nice to the Parisians, even if they hate you. If you go, spend a few days and visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and Versailles.
England- In London you can see the Queen! I did once- no really–I did! Anyways, England and the UK are the greenest places in the world. You think that it rains a lot here in Oregon–wait till you go there. The historical sites in London are incredibly accessible, and you get a kick out of the people! They are very kind-natured and always looking to help. If you go, make sure to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and attend its “EvenSong” at 5 o’clock everyday. You will sit and enjoy a scripture reading by the men and boys choir. It’s breath taking!
Scotland- Along with being part of the being green thing, Scotland is BEAUTIFUL! And I am hoping to live there someday. I have never met people so genuine and true. In Edinburgh you can go on a free tour of the city and see a lot of places that inspired author J.K. Rowling to write the Harry Potter series. It is now one of my favorite cities, but not just because of that…
Sweden- I was able to spend a week with my long-lost family of cousins in Sweden. While I was there, I stayed at a house on one of their many lakes and explored castles, forests and cities! I also sat in the Prime Minister’s chair in the Swedish Parliament building in Stockholm!
Czech Republic- Kristen McMillan (a fellow Corban student), Kacey Parks (George Fox) and I took a day trip to Prague to explore another culture. At this point in the semester we thought that we had seen it all.. But oh how we were wrong! The architecture of some of the churches struck my wonder like no other churches did, and I had seen quite a few at this point. Prague is one of the most famous cities for hand-made jewelry with a very distinct style and an affordable price! If you go there, head towards the St. Charles bridge (which happens to be the very one from the first Mission Impossible if you care) and you will see booths and stands that stretch the entire bridge.
Belgium- I was only here for a few hours, but I know that their chocolate is one of the best in the world (Trust me, I am a chocolate expert!)
Italy- Where do I even begin with this place? The art, the buildings, the FOOD!!! If you ever get a chance to go here, make sure to visit Venice. The churches and museums have so much history and art, and the shops sell hand-made masks and glass jewelry. I felt like I should have gone to a Masquerade! In its own way, Florence is an amazing city, home to one of the best art museums in the world, as well as the Duomo, a unique cathedral made from the most beautiful white, green and red marble stone.
Greece- If you go to Greece make sure you talk to the people. They are so genuine and kind, you might even be able to learn a family secret for how to make the best Greek dishes out there. The must-see city in Greece is of course Athens, because to walk where thousands of years ago, Greek rulers walked as well, feels so surreal, and it is worth the thousands of “opas!” you hear walking around.
Austria- This country is not to be mistaken as Germany. They are very proud to be their own. Much more than the “Governater” comes from this place. The Sound of Music was filmed here and you can go to many of the locations where it was filmed. If you notice in the movies the front of the house the Von Trapp family live in is different than the back. That is because the film used two different houses in the movie: one house for the backyard scenes and one for the indoor scenes. You can also see where Mozart was born AND the Alps! Wow those Alps!
Denmark- This was the country that I was in for only a moment and I really didn’t get to see much of it.. But if you ever go you should definitely try a Diam bar. It is an amazing Swedish toffy bar that is 10 times better than a Heath bar.
So there you have it! If you want to experience mind-blowing adventure, exploding taste buds, and true genuine people, travel Europe!
