A New Experience Everyday

One of the memorable experiences this program allowed me and the rest of those on the program to have was a trip to the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, France. On the surface, this was going to be a trip to an institution that certainly lacks popularity and overall importance if you were to ask the average citizen in the European Union. But, the European Parliament has accomplished a lot and is extremely significant (when you go on this program you will learn more than you need to know about this institution). When we got there we learned that we may actually be able to hear Chancellor Merkel of Germany and President Hollande of France speak to the Parliament, which was an historic occasion. So we went through security and got into the viewing area but unfortunately had missed Merkel's speech. Luckily, we got to hear the last 10 minutes of Hollande's speech and the responses by Parliament members. While listening to Hollande's speech, we were allowed the "pleasure" of also hearing Nigel Farage, of UKIP in the UK, make remarks towards Hollande. Hollande proceeded to tell those that are Eurosceptics and against the European project as a whole should just go ahead and leave the Union. Now those were some strong words. I will never forget listening to that and being able to listen and see those important government officials.
Overall, the program is incredible. The travel is extensive and exhausting but provides you with numerous memorable experiences that may not seem as memorable to others but to you will have special significance. Being able to go back to Freiburg after the week-long trips is great too. Freiburg quickly became one of my favorite cities in the world and while it may seem small, has so much to offer.