Travel Adventures

Saturday, November 8th

One of the exciting things about being in the Netherlands is all the opportunities I've had to see new places. I've gotten to visit Rotterdam with my host family, explore Utrecht with a friend, and learn some history at Kinderdijk. I have also gotten to travel to the small town of Buren, seeing an old fortified city and ro

de the ferry across the Waal River at Tiel. Another great travel opportunity I recently had was to visit Brussels.

After arriving at the school, I was asked if I would accompany some students on an excursion to Brussels. While hesitant to make the journey initially, I agreed to go and embrace the opportunity to see another new place.

In Brussels, the students learned about film, and how the history of the city was connected with film. They also voted on and presented the youth award for best film of 2025. It was a pleasure to see the students dive into their interest and connect with the international film community.

While I was in Brussels, I also learned a lot about filming and the work that goes on behind the scenes. I learned some new skills about evaluating a film that I hope to take back with me, incorporating them into my art classes. I discovered film as a form of art, so I am thinking about how I could use the medium in my classroom.

As I have travelled, I have learned a few things that I would like to share with anyone else interested in visiting the Netherlands.

1. Travel with a Local

When traveling anywhere, being with someone who is from the area is not only incredibly helpful, but also gives you insight into what life is really like, beyond what you see. Navigating transportation smoothly, knowing where the best food is, and seeing hidden gems of the country all come from traveling with someone who knows the area. When you see a historical site, a landmark, or even the everyday a local friend can explain the significance to them and what these things mean to the people of the country. You may find that a historical site is seen as a mere tourist destination, whereas a town you've never heard of is valued for its beauty and authenticity by locals. Stories can bring so much more meaning to a place, so if you can, find someone you can tell you about their home country.

2. Get on a Bike

I've mentioned it a few times, but definitely find a bike if you are staying in the country for more than a couple of days. Suddenly you have access to the foggy sunrises over the fields and can navigate around small towns or big cities. The distance between towns is not far, and it allowed you to experience the beauty of the country as you travel from place to place.

3. Step into a Church

Many towns have old church buildings with beautiful paintings, sculptures, and stained glass inside. It's worth stepping inside to experience the grandness of their height and see what art pieces are inside.

4. Use the NS App

If you are doing any longer distance navigation, you will want to have the NS app on your phone. This allows you to easily map out a route from town to town using the railway system. It shows exact times of trains and what platform to wait on and transfer to. You can also often buy your tickets a few days ahead for a large discount.

I've enjoyed this opportunity to both travel and work abroad. I hope that some of the things I have learned so far can be helpful to your own travels!

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