Reflection

Bella:

While I have loved every minute of being in Copenhagen, I chose my program because of the integration of a trip to Greenland as part of my coursework. I had been dreaming about going to Greenland for years, and having the privilege of actually seeing and walking on the ice sheet is something I will never forget. As we approach the halfway point of the 20s, it was really an extra boost of motivation on how important climate action is now while we still have time. I visited in November, and though it was definitely cold, Evanston winters have definitely gotten down to similar temperatures, which was alarming to feel.

Learning about the culture surrounding the ice sheet also was so interesting and how the melting is affecting towns like Kangerlussuaq where I was staying. Typically, at this point in the season, the fjord and harbor would have been well iced over, but it was still quite far from. Normally, this ice prevents shipping boats from reaching the inland town, but an extra boat was added this year, which shows the interesting play on the very minimal “benefits” of climate change, which was something I had never considered. Meanwhile, the increased melting is depositing so much sediment in the fjord that the town will need to dig a new harbor 10 km away.

I think my experience there can be summed up in one moment. Our guide had randomly assigned me to lead the group back from our hike into the ice sheet, which initially seemed like an impossible task, especially because there are places where the ice can be thin enough to break and you can fall 300 meters down. But after taking a breath and trying to move a little in place to stay warm, I looked out in front of us and began to notice the slight deviations in the snow patterns, the little scratches of our poles and spikes on the surface and began to see our path.  As I started walking forward, I could see nothing but ice in front of me, and felt completely alone but so grateful to be in this beautiful landscape.

 

Madison:

I’ve fallen in love with this city. The energy, people, food, language, everything is rooted in deep culture and art. As I reflect on my journey abroad, I’m beyond happy about my decision. Each corner tells a story through its architecture, museums, and the artistry woven into daily life. This experience has deepened my understanding of how art and culture shape a city’s soul and create a sense of connection.

Being able to walk past the Guggenheim Museum every day is an unforgettable privilege. As an art lover, Bilbao was a great city to spend my fall quarter in. The museum is situated along the Nervión River, blending industrial history with artistic innovation. It’s made of titanium, glass, and limestone which gives the museum a shinny effect. 

Thank you, Frank Gehry, for your spectacular design that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing on my walk home for the past few months. Your work is more than just architecture, it’s a statement of creativity that has left me in awe every time I see it. The way your design interacts with the light and the surrounding landscape is captivating, making it a centerpiece of this city’s artistic identity.

Treasuring and respecting art reflects the soul of the community. When we show love, we receive it in return. I’ve found beauty in Bilbao’s bustling tour group galore and peace in moments of quiet solitude.

Like a painting in the Guggenheim Museum carefully hung, this quarter abroad has been something I’ll look back on with gratitude.