Emma B. Field School Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"These types of programs really bring your learning to life when you get to participate hands-on outside of the classroom. Learning is FUN on a field school!"
EMMA B.
Netherlands Field School participant
Duration of Field School: 2 weeks
Summer semester
Studying Child Studies, minor in Psychology
- What did a typical day in this Field School look like?
We woke up and got breakfast in the hostel we were staying at. Then, we would depart as a group to the morning activity. Each day we would have 1-4 excursions planned for the group to learn about the topics of the field school: culture, identity, migration, nationalism and differences. After the day's planned activities were completed (usually by mid-afternoon) we had the rest of the time to explore on our own!
- What did you have to do for the course component of this Field School? How did it impact your degree?
Before the trip, there were a few in-person seminars at U of G. There are two mini-assignments completed in groups; a component is completed in the Netherlands and is then finished once arriving back home. After the trip, there is also an individual essay assignment to be completed. It is a lengthy essay, but totally worth all the amazing experiences you get to experience while away on the field school.
- What did you think of your Field School coordinator?
Professor Simmons was an amazing guide in the Netherlands since she has previously lived there. She supported us through the assignments, as well.
- How many other U of G students did you travel with? And what did you think of travelling with other students?
There were 13 other U of G students who travelled with me on the field school. It was really great to meet new friends, and many of us still get together long after the trip is over. During the trip, we spent a lot of time together exploring the cities we were travelling in once the daily activities were completed. It was an awesome experience to travel with other like-minded young adults.
- How did you interact with the local community during your Field School?
One experience that has stuck with me is exploring the Hague Market. This is a market often used by immigrants to the Netherlands. It gave us a high-level understanding of the conditions recent immigrants endure upon their arrival in the Netherlands. I also really valued the conversations with the Royal Canadian Legion branch 005 (located in the Netherlands). They shared with us their deep gratitude for Canadian soldiers during WWII for saving their town of Lochem. We also got to experience the Remembrance Day ceremony at one of the Canadian war cemeteries, which was a remarkable experience.
- What influenced your decision to participate in a Field School opportunity?
I really love travelling, but I did not want to be away for an entire semester or year. The field school really intrigued me because it was shorter in length and I got to travel with other U of G students.
- Where was the coolest place you traveled to during your study abroad experience?
I really loved seeing all the little towns. We visited Gouda, Lochem, Delft, Holten, and they all have a very different feel than the big cities we stayed in. The cobblestone streets, old buildings, and country charm were awesome. I also loved seeing all the tulip fields and the flower gardens at Keukenhof.
- What was your best learning moment?
I loved all of the World War II activities we got to participate in. Some of my favourites were touring the Nazi Bunkers and the Anne Frank House. I have always been interested in learning about this history, but these activities really brought to life the histories I have learned about before. I think we sometimes distance ourselves back in Canada; these histories took place in the Netherlands, and their country has a permanent cultural memory of the events of WWII.
- If you were to recommend this field school to your best friend, what would you say?
I would highly recommend this field school to a friend because it didn't even feel like school! I felt like a world traveller exploring the sites with friends. Best course ever!
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this Field School?
Not necessary. In most places, English is spoken in the Netherlands since there are a lot of travellers in the places we visited, and English is generally a prevalent language in Europe.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I applied for scholarships through U of G! There are several travel grants as well as scholarships for curriculum-embedded experiential learning available for students participating in these programs.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
These types of programs really bring your learning to life when you get to participate hands-on outside of the classroom. Learning is FUN on a field school!
