“I've learned I love meeting new people, especially those with different backgrounds from mine. I also learned that the European lifestyle is quite different, but I could certainly see myself living there in the future,” said Nash Trattner, a city and regional planning major who participated in the Scientific Roots in Europe program over spring break.
Students gain a deeper understanding of the context in which significant discovery in the biological sciences occurred and continues to occur in Europe. The program this year made stops to London, Paris and Arbois, France.
“Although I am not a biology student, this class was relevant to me because it gave me an opportunity to learn about the conditions that have shaped two of the world’s most impressive and important cities. I had never been to Europe, and it was important for me to broaden my understanding of city planning and history, as well as experience a different lifestyle, urban layout and culture,” he said.
The group visited the homes of Louis Pasteur in Arbois and Charles Darwin in the United Kingdom, along with sightseeing, museums, guided tours and more. Through it all, Trattner reflects how the lessons learned can be used in his career and beyond.
“I think, further down the line, I will look back on this experience as unique and relationship-building. I got to know my classmates, adjusted to life in foreign countries and stayed focused on our itinerary and my studies. I’ve learned more about global perspectives while navigating a new experience with new faces,” he noted.
As a city and regional planning major, Trattner recalled that some of his favorite memories were simply walking around London and Paris, along with a bike ride in the French countryside.
“I had many enjoyable moments, but I loved getting to know my classmates. My favorite parts of London and Paris were simply walking around. As an urban planning student, I was happy just observing, traveling through different neighborhoods, and eating great food.”