Canals to Cathedrals: A Spring Break of Culture and Connection

The University Honors Program takes pride in providing numerous opportunities for cultural exploration, and spring break 2025 was no exception. Over 50 students, representing various academic departments and varying prior travel experiences, embarked on an unforgettable journey to two of Europe’s most renowned cities, blending education with cultural immersion.

Students began their experience in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam, colloquially known as the “Venice of the North,” is characterized by a deep network of canals, stunning architecture and an overall relaxed atmosphere.

Jordan Crumpton, a third-year student in industrial engineering, appreciated the travel culture in Amsterdam, citing the mixed use of comprehensive public transportation networks, boats and bikes.

While the city’s charm was readily apparent, it is also the setting for The Diary of a Young Girl, the journal of Annelies (Anne) Marie Frank, who documented her experiences amid Nazi persecution during the German occupation of the Netherlands.

During their time in Amsterdam, students visited the Anne Frank House, the preserved hiding place where Anne and her family lived in secrecy for over two years, thanks to the bravery of some close family friends, until they were discovered by the German police.

For Bridgette Pullium, a fourth-year student majoring in accounting and finance, the visit to the Anne Frank House was a personally and academically impactful experience. Despite having already read Anne Frank’s book, having the opportunity to experience the space allowed her to gain a more realistic understanding of the environment in which Anne Frank and her family lived. Pullium stated that the experience was “surreal and very eye-opening.”

Students had the opportunity to visit several other major historical landmarks in Amsterdam, such as the Van Gogh Museum, which Adrianna Sanchez, a senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, identified as one of her favorite museums on the trip.

Having some familiarity with Van Gogh from a previous experience, Sanchez said that the opportunity to see his original work was “life-changing.” She found the museum very heartwarming, especially when she understood the stories behind paintings like “Almond Blossoms” and got to read letters between Van Gogh and his brother, Theo.

The students also visited the Rijksmuseum, which Pullium considered her favorite museum on the trip. She appreciated that it offered “more than just art,” unlike museums focused solely on portraits.

The Rijksmuseum features a variety of collections, including ships, Chinese artifacts and wooden armor, which she had never encountered in an art museum before. Pullium genuinely enjoyed her time there from start to finish, finding each collection unexpected and providing a great cultural experience to learn more about the history of the area and what was important at various times.

After spending three days in Amsterdam, students departed by train for Paris, France. Paris, unlike Amsterdam, was busy, filled with the hustle and bustle of a major metropolis. Like Amsterdam, however, the city was rich in culture and featured some incredible architecture.

Upon arrival, many students took the opportunity to visit several popular sites, including the Place Dauphine, Place Louis Lépine and the recently reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral. Pullium and Sanchez both expressed a love for the architecture, stained glass,and the history of the cathedrals.

While in Paris, students also had the opportunity to visit the Louvre, one of the world’s most renowned museums, and the Musée d’Orsay, which houses the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the world.

Sanchez described the Louvre as a remarkable experience, admiring its “gorgeous” displays of statues, including the Venus de Milo, as well as large paintings. Seeing the Mona Lisa was also a notable experience for Sanchez. Crumpton and Pullium enjoyed the extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that the Musée d’Orsay had to offer.

Paris also provided the perfect opportunity for students to explore the beautiful city on bikes. Students had the chance to cycle in various locations, including the Hôtel des Invalides, Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower. For many trip participants, including this author, riding along the Seine, catching glimpses of iconic landmarks and even seeing the structures left behind from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics was an unforgettable experience.

The trip had profound impacts on the students across personal, academic and professional dimensions. Firsthand experiences allowed students to gain a nuanced understanding of European life and culture, including differences in urban environments, public safety and attitudes towards historical preservation. 

This spring break experience is a prime example of the impact of cultural exploration trips as high-impact experiences. Students on this trip not only expanded their global awareness but also deepened their academic understanding through firsthand encounters with art, history, and local culture while making memories that will last a lifetime. For many participants, this journey was more than a trip; it was a transformative chapter in their undergraduate experience.