Studying abroad in one of the busiest tourist spots in Europe feels like hitting the jackpot! Just imagine being in a city that's always full of people from all over the world. I've been in Amsterdam for 6 weeks now, and it's like living in a picture-perfect postcard with famous places to see, historic neighborhoods, and a lively atmosphere all around me. But let's be real—it's not all perfect. Dealing with the constant crowds can be a bit overwhelming at times. You might wonder if you can find some peace and quiet among all the hustle and bustle.

While I’m still in Vienna, I wanted to reflect on my summer so far and share about my time here. This was one of the most fun-packed, travel-heavy, and learning-intense experiences I’ve ever had, and it feels important to talk about what my summer here was actually like.

After traveling (almost) every weekend of my summer to other cities besides Vienna, I would say I’m pretty well-versed in how to travel well around Europe. Here are some of my top tips to enjoy visiting other cities during your study abroad experience!

Coming from Bainbridge Island, Washington, I’ve grown up heading to the beach on every hot, summer day. I really wanted that habit to continue while abroad, but I didn’t know how successful I’d be at finding good places to go. Luckily enough, through the IES Abroad program, my internship supervisor, and friends doing some research, I was able to hit up quite a few good locations and thought it was only fair to share my findings! There are swimming spots in Vienna that are perfect for every type of vibe or activity, and I would say that you can’t really go wrong with any of these places.

I am actually a little sad that it is over. In the beginning, I was a little scared since I knew no one and the language barrier was real. Now, I feel like I have bonded with some of the most unique and awesome people I have ever met. I actually want to take this opportunity to thank the staff at IES Abroad Tokyo for the time and dedication they put in for us to enjoy our time abroad. They did an excellent job at welcoming us and making us feel cared for.