While on our study abroad trip to the Alps, one of our excursions took us to the beautiful city of Kufstein, which is a beautiful city located in the district of Tyrol, Austria. Our excursion was to visit the old fortress that rested on top of the mountain. During our trip up, we were able to secure a spot on one of the elevators that would take us up to the entrance of the fortress. Luckily, the elevator was surrounded by thick glass that allowed us to look out on the beautiful city view and the many architecturally splendid houses and buildings that lay within the city. After a short trip, the elevator took us up to the fortress and our guide explained what it was used for and how important it was to secure the safety of the city during the time of its usage. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip for me personally. The fortress was exquisite, ancient, and held many historical surprises such as the jail housing Marie Antoinette when she tried to escape France. Overall, the view from the lift up to the fortress was beautiful and I am so honored to share it with you.
-Mia, SPC Collegiate High School Student, Alps Program, March 2022
I have always wanted to travel abroad and experience Europe, especially so for the countries of Austria and Germany. It has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, and I am happy to say that SPC’s Study Abroad in The Alps fulfilled my dream more than I ever could have imagined! The program was beautifully designed to minimize jet lag and had plenty of well-made tours, sightseeing opportunities, and adventures planned. Some of my favorites included scaling Alpine mountains, such as Mt. Rigi in Switzerland (where I am pictured above), and delving into the salt mines of Berchtesgaden, Germany. I loved all the cities we visited, including Vienna, Innsbruck, Lucerne, and Zurich, and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the different sights and foods each offered.
If I had to choose a favorite part of my trip, outside of what I already mentioned, I would have to say it was the SPC faculty and our tour director. Professors Earl Fratus and Kelly Rich were awesome during the trip and made the experience much more fun! Also, SPC’s study abroad staff were super responsive to questions and changing policies due to COVID-19, and they made the process of preparing for the trip simple and completely streamlined. Lastly, our tour director Raffaele Marmo was one of the coolest people I have ever met! He was very knowledgeable of the places we visited and had a wonderful personality; he was as important to my enjoyment of the study abroad trip as the countries we visited.
I had some of the most fun in my entire life on SPC’s Study Abroad in The Alps! To anyone who loves traveling, I would 100% recommend this program or others offered by SPC!
-Cade, SPC Collegiate High School Student, Alps Program, March 2022
On March 11, we explored the Lindt Chocolate factory in Zurich, Switzerland. We had limitless amounts of chocolate at our disposal! The state-of-the-art museum was built by world famous architects Christ & Gantenbein. When you walk through the door the first thing that your eye catches, is the chocolate fountain sitting 30 feet high! After you consume all the free spoonsful of all three kinds of chocolates and the free Lindt balls on your tour, you have the enormous chocolate shop waiting for your arrival. It is the largest Lindt chocolate shop in the world, and you can buy all the goodies you want. If you’re anything like me, I saved up my stomach and my wallet to splurge that afternoon. It was so delicious; I tried every free sample flavor they provided. It was if I was living in the real-life movie, and I was Charlie!!
The history of Lindt chocolate and chocolate in general goes back to 1845 when confectioner David Sprüngli-Schwarz and Rudolf Sprüngli-Ammann, his son, had a novel idea. They created the first solid form of chocolate in Switzerland. After David passed away, he divided the chocolate shop and chocolate factory between his sons. His younger son David Robert became the owner of the chocolate shop (patisseries) on Marktgasse and Paradeplatz, while his older son Johann Rudolf received the chocolate factory in Horgen. Johann Rudolf was a visionary and knew the chocolate business he once started with his father would become very successful. Johann acquires a small chocolate factory in Berne, a famous one from Rodolphe Lindt for 1.5 million Gold Frances. Which is where the name Lindt is now derived from.
Today Lindt chocolate is a household name all around the world and to some it is the most famous chocolate brand to ever exist. Before I went on this trip and the tour itself my favorite chocolate was Ferrero Rocher. Yes, I’m aware close competitors, but after March 11th I’ll certainly say I have changed sides. Certainly, for the better for my tastebuds!
I would love to go back to Zurich not only for the outstanding history and gorgeous scenery, but for some Lindt chocolates straight from Switzerland. The chocolate factory tour by far was my favorite part and I’m going to reminisce about it until I see it again.
-Cooper, SPC Dual Enrollment Student, Alps Program, March 2022