Through My Eyes, In My Words:

Medieval Architecture in Northern Europe: Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands

Taught by Leonard A. Van Gulick, Matthew Baird Professor of Mechanical Engineering and chair of the B.S. engineering/A.B. International Studies program, and Ellouise Van Gulick, visiting part-time instructor, VAST

Anh Nguyen of Rowland Heights, Calif., is a Marquis Scholar majoring in biochemistry. She is president of Biology Club and a member of the campus chapter of the American Chemical Society. A calculus tutor, she is also a member of Dry Surfers, a special-interest living group that promotes technology in society.

Being in Europe for three weeks was the most amazing time of my life. I saw famous museums, monuments, and churches that reflect history and changing times. Beautiful architecture was present in every place we went, and I learned to appreciate the aesthetic buildings European cities are so well known for.

I witnessed firsthand the beauty of famous cathedrals and priceless artwork - something I could never fully appreciate out of a textbook. The paintings of Peter Paul Rubens displayed at the cathedral were more detailed and exquisite than I could have ever imagined. Visiting places that are thousands of years old - like a Roman amphitheater - really allowed me to discover the way people lived in the ancient times and how they have changed throughout the years.

I also had the opportunity to see how Europeans live today. The streets are always lively, and people are very chic in their trendy clothing styles. I was surrounded by mazes of cobbled streets that have retained their unique character. Abundant pedestrian walkways, mansions, churches, parks, and gardens make Europe one of the most attractive places to visit.

My favorite city was Antwerp, which for years has attracted extraordinary figures: intellectuals, freethinkers, artists, writers, and revolutionaries. This can be seen in the city's fine artwork, literature, and structural designs. I was completely immersed in the language and culture of these European countries. Taking an interim course in Europe was an enriching experience outside the classroom and I would definitely recommend it for anyone who considers studying abroad.