Study Abroad: Europe in May

The U.S., Europe, and the Second World War- Interactions in the 20th Century Program is a month long study abroad trip geared toward understanding the effect World War II had on international relations and foreign policy. Throughout the month of May, I traveled to England, France, Poland, and Germany visiting museums, monuments, and other important national landmarks. I immersed myself in many different cultures and learned a lot about what makes each country’s experience with WW II unique and ongoing.

 While abroad, I was struck by many differences in each of the countries I visited. However, the thing that surprised me the most about Europe was the change of pace. Living in the U.S. my entire life, I have become accustomed to the hectic, busy lifestyle that most Americans lead. I am used to fast casual dining places and restaurants that seat customers quickly and try to feed them, bus the table, and welcome a new family as fast as possible. I am used to walking down the street and seeing everyone’s faces in their phones, always trying to keep up with the latest gossip, news, and current events. In Europe, restaurants placed an emphasis on relaxing, enjoying friends’ company, and taking time to really savor each meal. It felt odd but refreshing to not be offered the bill immediately upon completion of a meal, and I felt at ease as I sat and just enjoyed the scenery or chatted with other people in my program. Until I got to Europe I had not realized that I was racing through life, barely giving myself a chance to reflect on what is constantly going on around me, but as soon as I got back to Ohio (even when I was in the Boston airport), I felt my blood pressure go up and the familiar feeling of holding my breath as I tried to complete as many tasks as possible.

I was also very surprised at the differences in people skills that each continent possesses. As I walked through the streets of France, or people watched in Germany, I noticed that almost no one was in a hurry or using their phones. When I got lunch or dinner, I noticed that locals actually took the time to look at their companions in the eye, didn’t interrupt the conversation to answer a phone call, and weren’t scrolling through Twitter as they waited for their food to arrive. This took a couple of days to get used to, but after I did, I realized how much I was missing out on. With the constant interruption of a cell phone, I had not realized that I was missing out on making deep connections with those around me, and that I was hardly having conversations with new people. Europeans consistently emphasized the importance of hospitality, and usually went out of their way to help me with directions, offer good restaurant suggestions, or just ask how my trip was in general. Since coming back to the U.S., I have made a real effort to minimize my cell phone use while in my friends’ company, and I have noticed a huge (very positive) difference in how our time is spent with one another.

This trip completely opened my eyes to how massive the world is. Before embarking on this journey, I thought of Europe in the abstract; I though of each country as having one culture, one demographic, one language, and one way of doing things. I realize now how narrow-minded that was, because after immersing myself in what each country had to offer, I can see that every city has its own wonderfully rich history and culture. The difference between Bayeux and Paris was astounding, especially because they are only a couple of hours away from each other. Meeting some of the local people also helped me understand the different impact that WW II had and continues to have on each country. I was born on American soil over 50 years after the war ended and had no relatives fight in the war, and therefore remain relatively unaffected by what occurred in Europe from 1939-1945. However, seeing the grave sites of soldiers buried in different memorial gardens, listening to the more personal stories of locals and my classmates alike, and planting flags at the graves of former Buckeyes really put into perspective just how devastating WW II was for most families.

          While sightseeing in each country, I couldn’t help but notice how different museums seemed to focus on different moments of the war than I would have expected. Although museums tried to tell a complete picture of the war, I noticed that each exhibit seemed to have a separate agenda that catered to its own achievements and own contributions to the war. This is obviously to be expected, but it definitely reminded me of the power of persuasion. I felt my points of view changing as I left each museum and am very thankful that I was able to receive an international education. My classmates and I also noticed this bias when it came to talking to tour guides, locals, and even waiters that had a specific interest in the war. It was a reminder of human nature, and how everyone wants to feel that they, or their country, was hugely successful in winning a battle, influencing a decision, or introducing a treaty.

The different perspectives, educational outlets, and comradery that I found in Europe made this experience unlike any other. As I was exposed to new things, I was able to learn a lot more about what I like and dislike, about how I interact with new people and cultures, and about how I respond to adversity. I came back to the U.S. more confidant and comfortable with myself, knowing that I can handle anything life throws at me. This trip has definitely re-fueled my desire to travel and learn, and has allowed me to grow and mature in a very natural, exciting way. I came back to the U.S. overflowing with stories to tell my family and friends about all the spectacular things I had seen and done while abroad, but also made me extremely thankful for the place I get to call home and for all the people I have in my life.

My study abroad opened my eyes to how much of the world I still have to see, how many lessons I still need to learn, and how a different perspective can make all the difference. After a challenging semester, diving into something new and experiencing so many informative and exciting things, meeting so many new people, and making so many amazing memories was exactly what I needed to re-energize and re-focus on my remaining two years at Ohio State. Traveling Europe was an experience like no other, and I am still in shock over how many quintessential landmarks and monuments I was able to see in person. I am also very appreciative of my deeper, more comprehensive understanding of WW II and the impact it continues to have on the world. Seeing the damage and hurt that still lives in the corners of Europe was a stoic reminder that war is a very horrible, ugly thing. I know that this lesson will serve as an ever-present reminder to choose peace and love over hate and bigotry as I eventually take on the professional world. I am so thankful for this opportunity and for everyone I know that helped make my dream a reality. This truly was the experience of a lifetime.

Linked are blogs that I wrote during my time abroad:

http://u.osu.edu/wwiihistorytour/author/Harriman-27/