Author: Ian Olive

Program: Reutlingen, Germany – Study Center

When I graduated from high school I remember receiving a book written by Dr. Seuss from my then girlfriend. Titled Oh the Places You’ll Go, it is on29364853380_12c3a1ce49_oe of his most famous works, full of color and poetry. Originally I passed that gift off as simply a kind present with an inspirational, if metaphorical, message. I had always professed a desire to travel, wanderlust if you will, but I never imaged the opportunities that would soon be presented to me a few years later.

In the last few weeks, I have traveled all the way from Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany to the tip of southern Sweden with an extended stop in the German capital, Berlin. I’ve taken a variety of transportation from cars to buses to trains and boats. At one point in my journey, the train I was aboard even took a boat of its own while crossing the Nordsee from Sweden to Denmark.

While staying in Berlin, our group took a series of small day trips to significant historical areas in the region. Probably the most 29144322024_c8b63ce458_obreathtaking and emotional site was Sachsenhausen Concentration camp about 40 kilometers from Berlin. The camp was established in 1936 and became one of the largest in Germany with an estimated 200,000 prisoners detained. Visiting the camp was a hallowing endeavor- just imagining the horrors and atrocities that were committed at this camp.

Being a city of culture and historical significance, Berlin attractions range from the Brandenburger Tor, to the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie to Tempelhof Flughafen, the center of the Berlin Airlift, there is no shortage of interesting sites. I rented a bicycle for the day and was able to see so many historical sites that I often read about in history books. If you have the chance to visit Germany, Berlin should be at the top of your list!

28966223923_851f62996e_oAfter returning back to campus, I was able to reflect on the amazing journey that I have been having so far. I couldn’t but help think back to that Dr. Seuss book and marvel at how far I’ve come in such a short time. I’d recommend a semester abroad to anyone without a hint of reservation. It has been one of the biggest highlights of my life. Don’t hesitate to apply now!

– Ian