Visiting salt mines, walking through cities, and taking trains up the mountains, my trip to the Alps was absolutely amazing. Due to it being my first time out of North America, I wasn’t sure what to expect. This trip and the memories I gathered will be with me for all of my life. This trip will definitely be my highlight for 2022.

 I’ve lived in Florida for over 5 years now, so the snow was something I forgot about! Taking the train up to the Alps was my favorite activity. Not only did we get to ride a boat across the lake to get to the train, but we also got to ride a skyline! I learned a lot about the cities and the mountains we went to that day. It also wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be! The view from up there was breathtaking! I think everyone had an amazing time up there, and we would all do it again. I think my favorite activity was building snowmen and sliding down ice slides!

The cultural shock was also something I had to overcome. The money difference in two different countries and overall etiquette is so different to America. For example, tipping isn’t a common thing, while in America it’s expected. There were also a lot fewer cars and more people on bikes in Austria. The cities that I saw had more parks and more greenery. They also had more historic buildings!

Another thing I really enjoyed was walking around the cities. Not only were they absolutely breathtaking, but the tour guides were amazing. I learned so much while walking around, and got to see famous churches, palaces, houses, and so much more. Vienna was one of my favorites, and the traditional food we ate was delicious! The Lindt factory in Switzerland was also an amazing experience. It was so much hung learning while also tasting chocolates with friends, and I want to go back with my family!

The 8 days I got to experience in Austria and Switzerland were amazing, and I would do anything to go back. We had the chance to experience things that changed our view of the world, and each city we visited had such a different, but amazing, atmosphere. Not only did I learn so much about history, but I also made good friends along the way! If you have to opportunity to go on any study abroad trip, 100% go for it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance and it was so much fun!

-Noela, SPC Collegiate High School Student, Alps Program, March 2022