Testimonial Europe Summer 2014

Student Testimonials on the Summer 2014 Multilevel Governance in Europe*

ImageCatherine DeVilliers
BA in International Relations, Minor in Political Science

The Multilevel Governance in Europe program was an experience unlike any I’ve had before, and one that I will never forget. As I was approaching my final year here at FIU, I had never imagined that I would be one of the lucky students who had the privilege of studying abroad. I also didn’t realize the importance of traveling abroad until I actually did it. As a student who has never traveled, other than small family vacations, I was very skeptical about what to expect from this program.

Though the primary purpose of this program is to learn about some of the international institutions in Europe, such as the European Union and the Council of Europe, I learned so much more that could never be taught in a classroom. This program allows you to engage in the cultural lifestyles of multiple countries, and to compare them with one another as well as with the United States. Everything from the food, to the people, and even the architecture was an experience in and of itself. I was able to share these experiences with an incredible group of students, who quickly became my close friends. Every country that we visited left its own unique impression that could never truly be understood in a classroom setting.

Along with visiting institutions such as the United Nations, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, we also visited NGOs such as the European Network against Racism as well as historical sites such as the Dachau Concentration Camp. The diversity of the Multilevel Governance program, along with the knowledge and guidance that Dr. Thiel provided, allowed us to experience Europe to the fullest possible extent. If given the opportunity, I highly recommend other students to consider studying abroad. I truly believe that I came back home a different person than before I left. I could not have imagined a better experience