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LHU’s London and Paris 2012 comments

Samantha Buffington-

This trip was my first time out of the country and it was an absolutely amazing experience! I had never planned to study abroad simply because I didn’t have the time to fit it in, but when the opportunity presented itself I couldn’t resist! I was really nervous about the class content since I am not usually one to study art work. However, I truly enjoyed learning about the pieces and partaking in the discussions. It really opened my eyes and allowed me to look at art in a new light. London was so much fun and we learned our way around the city pretty quickly, it was a very fast paced place but I loved it. Paris is absolutely breath-taking! I will definitely return to both places if I ever get the chance!

Jasmin Stone-
I was really excited to come on this trip. What made it more interesting is that along with discussing with the piece right in front of you, was experiencing the culture. I feel as though I learned so much more than the art itself. Walking through the same streets which some of the pieces were painted on helped me to see what they saw at the time. Although the language barrier could be a little challenging, that did not stop me from enjoying the trip. It actually was beneficial to learn the language with an actual person there. They could help you with things that cannot be seen using a computer program. The art is so interesting and I have a new appreciation for it. Knowing the history gives the piece a story but seeing it with your own eyes brings it to life. Huber made the trip fun and whatever you needed he helped with, whether it be with class or adventuring out, he was more than willing to.

Carly Glantz-
This trip was by far the best experience of my life! I am an education major and a dance minor. I thought dance was my one and only form of art, but this trip helped me realize how much I can enjoy other types of art! It was a lot of fun visiting historical places that I have read about in books. Paris was my favorite place to visit. I was very nervous to go to France because of the language barrier, but if you learn the simple words that Dr. Huber gives you, you are golden!

Nikkita Bechdel-
Before this trip I was slightly uncultured and accepting of stereotypes. I have learned new cultures and a new way of thinking. As a Spanish major, sometimes it is mentioned that Europeans are snobbish. I do not think that is so. I loved my time abroad and cannot wait until my next trip. What can I say? My heart belongs to London and my feet to Paris! The language barrier was not difficult as I am a language major and have taken French courses. My advise to the next group is to practice and be prepared. It is not like the movies.

Crystal Davis-
This trip has been the best of my life. The culture has been eye opening. It has taught me that there really is more out there, coming from a small town. I loved seeing the art and learning about the history of London and Paris, not to mention Oxford. Also talking to the locals was the best. We were so lucky to have such an experienced teacher with us. It made the trip run so smoothly. Huber is the best. I can’t wait for the next trip.

Kelsey Trostle-
I love traveling, and with my family I have been on two cruises to Bermuda and then to Dominican Republic. This trip was the chance of a lifetime for me. I actually loved learning about art and the different pieces we studied, even though it was a bit draining at times. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in traveling and learning about history and art all together.

Erin Sharp-
At first I didn’t want to participate in this trip but a friend who went the year before said it was worth it. I completely agree. I have enjoyed everything I have done. I have only traveled throughout the U.S. and it has nothing on this trip. My grandmother went to Europe before she died and I have felt this was my chance to feel what she felt and it was fantastic. It was worth every penny. I will definitely come to Paris again and experience everything over again. The art part was also great. I have a new view of art and how to visualize it. It changed what I thought about it. I would do this trip ten times over again.

Grant Vassallo-
Bon soir! Souvenir shops suck. Vin is good, and I am a G as they come. This being said, cows will be cows…
OK but seriously, this was the best class/vacation I have ever taken. Coming into the class I had no knowledge or even interest in art. But as soon as we got to the museums I found out that there is so much meaning behind the paintings and it is actually fun to discuss your thoughts about the pieces. After the class comes the real fun. We had so much time to explore London and Paris, between climbing the Eiffel Tour and pub crawls with Philip you are able to make great friends and memories in Europe. I was the only guy in a group with 11 girls (sometimes good sometimes bad) but the trip was sooooooo much fun!!!!

Molly Moggs-
The London and Paris trip with Philip Huber was the best trip I have ever taken. It was a lot of fun and I learned so much. I can’t wait to come back to Europe in the future. I recommend this trip to anyone who doesn’t hate fun!

Ellen Adams-
For one who has already been abroad, the trip seemed to baby us a little bit more than necessary. Don’t be afraid to suggest places to go or wander off on your own, my wanderings to London’s Hyde Park and the Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris were some of the highlights of the trip. Helpful hints: don’t be afraid to try out your French the Parisians are really quite friendly and helpful if you give it an effort. Also, the subway system is easy to navigate, use it instead of walking everywhere. As an art history minor the buildings and museums took my breath away, when will you ever get a chance to see Versailles or the Louvre? Be prepared for all kinds of weather and pack lite so you have room for all your souvenirs. I highly recommend the trip, there was something for everyone.

Sythia McLaughlin-
I actually joined the trip late, but I am glad that I did. Having studied abroad, I was excited for the chance to return to Europe. This trip is a whirlwind of activity, be prepared for early mornings, sore feet, spectacular views, magnificent art pieces, the metro, the people, the accents, the languages, the food, oh and don’t forget to be prepared to do your school work. This is a class and that is one of the things that you have to remember as well. Although I lost my camera the memories of this trip will stay with me. And don’t let Philip, or your discussions intimidate you, he is an amazing professor and once you get in front of the actual piece it is all worth it. So if you are considering the London/Paris trip just remember, it is a class but you do have free time for all sorts of adventures, so go get lost to find something new, and don’t forget to try speaking French because the Parisians are actually good at understanding English.

Past comments about the Summer Program

This was an awesome experience! I have never been abroad before and now I cannot wait to travel again. London and Paris are beautiful cities with so much history that makes you want to see it all. A tip for future travelers, go to the markets in the country where you are staying for cheap food and water and always keep your subway ticket. Also, before you leave have a game plan of some things you would like to do when you are there.

Rachel Mazza

It is a great way to travel abroad and learn new things about different cultures. It can seem scary at first but after a few days, it is very exciting to be able to discover new cities on your own. If you want to experience new things you should really think about joining the tour to London and Paris. Bonne chance!

Tiffany Jones

The cities were beautiful. Make sure you exchange money as soon as you can. There are great shops in Paris for gifts. You walk around a lot but the cities are so beautiful that you never mind the walk. Try to go out at night so you can experience the great nightlife.

C. Englert

This trip was even more awesome that I thought it would be! If you love experiencing different cultures and interacting with different types of people then this is definitely the trip for you. Not only do you get to see some of the oldest, most famous structures and art pieces, but you also get the opportunity to experience the exciting night life of each of these two beautiful cities. I recommend this trip to anyone who has a sense of adventure.

Christina Briggs

What an awesome experience! It’s great to get out of the states and explore the world. Notre Dame was humbling for sure. England was a blast too, especially the nightlife. I’d have to say this is the best class I’ve ever taken hands down.

Haunna Birdsey

This trip ended up being more amazing that I imagined. Both cities were beautiful with so much to do! If you have a sense of adventure, this trip is perfect. Day and nightlife were completely different, but both were great. I experienced so many new things and became closer with people I had not known before. Haunna is right, this class is by far the best opportunity anyone could be given.

Kala Fultz

Absolutely amazing… this trip was unbelievable. London and Paris were beautiful cities with so much to offer. If you love sightseeing and discovering new things in a new place, then this trip is for you. The nightlife is a definite must to experience; it’s a great time. The day life is just as much fun! This experience is an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity that no one should pass up. I would definitely do it again. I’ve learned and experienced so many wonderful places as well as meeting fun new people!

Jordan McEvoy

The royal and college atmosphere of London is amazing. Paris has so much to look at with all the beautiful decorative monuments. Be prepared to walk a lot and enjoy some good food but make sure you listen to your tour director so you do not get lost or pick pocketed. If you go in May you can see all the rose bushes in full bloom.

Sara Hamilton

London was a great experience for me; I learned a lot of history. It was a lot of walking but it was worth walking to see all the monuments and buildings. I loved going on the London eye and I would highly recommend you go on it. Paris is very beautiful the gardens of Versailles and the palace. The food is really good and good shopping areas. Watch out for pick pocketers. You will learn a lot by listening to the tour director and have fun.

Leah Gallup

This trip has been an incredible experience for me. Paris is more beautiful than I ever dreamed of and the views are just breath taking. Learning about London was so interesting and our first bus tour guide was fantastic and hilarious. Definitely wish I brought comfier shoes… lots of walking (well basically a light job) since there is so much to see. Oxford was amazing, my favorite part of London by far. It was so pretty and filled with classy British boys. Paris people can be different though. Some people are nice, but you have to watch out for the rude ones. Definitely stick with the group and follow the rules. And bring sunscreen.

Grace Novacek

I, unlike many of the trip goers, am not an art major. I thought that might hold me back, but I found at my outsider opinion was welcome and respected. The cities were amazing, obviously. It’s an incredible realization that we are just an astronomically small part of the world. There are cultures, traditions, and accomplishments in the world tat you’ll never learn about in class. This experience was eye opening. As for advice, I’d suggest to bring euro’s, pounds, and an international credit card. Bring comfortable shoes, sun block, and comfortable shoes. I wore a dress everyday since the weather was absolutely beautiful. No matter where you go, get out of the country and experience the world.

Brenna Goodman

"The Paris & London Seminar was an amazing experience, Students had the opportunity to explore beautiful environments and blend in with the locals. History of the foreign land was given to us as we traversed it, making our way to massive museums and small, cozy restaurants to rest. Paris seemed much more alienating due to the language barrier but upon arriving in London, that barrier is nonexistent and greater communication and comfort is apparent! A great experience for anyone longing to explore these areas, the sites are breathtaking!"

Will Thomas

"All the artwork and scenery accounted for an amazing and almost surreal experience."

Zach Young

"This trip really opened my eyes to how do-able traveling the world can be."

Sean Maloy

"See the amazing sites of Europe, drink wine by the river, explore a new culture, and make new friends!!"

Brandon Wilson

The trip was amazing! It opened my eyes to the complexity of art and has allowed me to appreciate art in a broader sense than before. I also loved experiencing other cultures and growing in my understanding of how large the world is and how so many people live together without ever really learning about each other.

Jessica Johnston

"If you have ever questioned your place here in this world, i think that you should experience this trip. I feel that it not only showed me the world from so many other angles but also that I can do anything I put my mind to."

Kim Cox

The arts seminar was extremely beneficial for me. It great to have real discussions/critiques of the artwork. Touring London, Paris, Florence and Rome allowed me to see so many things I never thought I would see and I got some awesome pictures too.

Jen Bair

We've all had classes that put us to sleep, and we've also had those that we might be slightly interested in, but this class goes beyond that factor by providing a wide variety of new experiences. The class took us through many famous European locations so we could see Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and even the Coliseum, and we explored four amazing museums where discussions were held at select artworks. The class work discussions would have been worth the trip alone, but to experience the life in Europe makes this an opportunity that no one should want to pass up.

Bryan Gentzyel

This trip was more than I had ever imagined it to be. As much as I enjoyed exploring the cities, I enjoyed exploring the museums. I feel educated and influenced by art in a way I truly cherish and will hold with me the rest of my life. There was nothing better than being are arms length of some of the most beautiful items in the world. My class turned into a family and my experiences turned into memories. If I could do it all over again, I would. Except this time I would extend my stay.

Nathalia Fernandez

The trip to Europe was not at all how I thought it was going to be. When I signed up for it, I had no idea how much work was going to be involved and how much I would learn and appreciate; not only art but also different cultures. I took home with me more than a few souvenirs and photos.

Helen Rogers

I think of myself as a very observant person. I enjoy watching the way people act and react to the people and things surrounding them. London and Paris was truly a growing experience for me as I looked onto new cultures. I have always found myself as a strong empathetic female and on our short, but sweet journey in Europe, I used those characteristics within to allow myself not to judge the people, places, and things around me and that allowed me to experience what I encountered with a better understanding.

Zena Barry

This trip was interesting for a number of reasons. One, was the seeing things with your very own eyes, and from a new angle, can really change your perspective. I really enjoyed altering my opinions and beliefs on works, sculptures, monuments, countries and cultures, which I thought I knew, and I thought I was familiar with. It also makes me hesitate to form an opinion on really just about anything because, really, what do I know? Maybe I have been seen things all along from one biased perspective? Maybe I need to come face to face with everything in life, and listen to numerous angles and opinions before I should really be allowed to form an opinion. Anyway, it was really interesting!

Ceci Guillen

Our experiences on this trip, collectively and individual will always be remembered. I embrace the knowledge of cultures and the way things work each and everyday and this trip was a tool in these experiences. I will always remember standing in front of Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflower painting, not only standing but giving a presentation about it’s history and background. Amazing, not many people can say they’ve done that in their life and I’m extremely grateful I am. Memories and stories with the friends I went with will carry on for years and we’ll always remember our crazy adventure in London and Paris with Philip Huber.