Hannah Hock is a student at Liberty University and an ISA Featured Blogger. She interned abroad with ISA Internships in London, England.
Weekends. I lived for this word during my 2016 summer internship in London because they were my gateway to exploring Europe. The unlimited opportunities of inexpensive European travel was my favorite part of studying abroad. Over the ten weeks, I managed to plan trips to 7 different countries!
A tour of the Howth cliffs, a fishing village in Ireland
I started the summer with almost no experience internationally or with travel planning. I had limited cell service to America, so I quickly learned to successfully plan short trips and explore foreign countries independently. However, it would’ve been easier knowing a few things beforehand, so I compiled some important tips about navigating major cities in Europe.
Start Planning Right Away
This may sound kind of obvious, but…
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.m. flight. Yesterday was my last trip and it’s
and I flew to Prague on Thursday, arriving later then expected due to a 2 hour flight delay. We got a needed meal at one of the many Czech sausage stands, checked into Hostel Boudnik, and went to sleep. Exploring started early Friday morning.
nt to the Old Town square which shows o
ff the city’s notable Baroque and Gothic architectural influences. I was surprised at o
bserving the rich musical culture of Prague. The city center was full of various street performances such as violin duets, church youth choirs, and quirky jazz bands scattered among the milling people. We made it just in time for reenactment of traditional Czech soldiers marching and firing
b to the castle, but the view from the top was incredible and well worth sore calves. Outside the castle,there was a Czech folklore festival in full swing with traditional Czech dancing and performances . Grace and I stopped for a fresh, warm Tredelnik -Prague’s signature rolled pastry, sold from stands on every corner. From Prague castle, we walked up to the Petrin Observation Tower and explored its surrounding gardens. I loved the idyllic 
view and the opportunity to escape the crowds and experience nature. 
with a Canadian girl on a month’
s travel around Europe. As the evening grew later, I slipped away from the music and walked along the river to St. Peter’s Basilica. I’d read it offered a great view of the sunset, so I climbed up the craggy st
eps to the church, and perched on a stone w
yellow streetlamps.
ment buildings, the theater, the Opera House, St. Stephens Cathedral, and other shops and bakeries I wandered into. The architecture and gardens of Vienna are beautifully grand. Like Prague, Vienna also has a strong musical influence (especially because of Mozart). Here are some pictures of the highlights:
e palace no longer houses imperial residents, it’s a main tourist attraction and popular concert venue. The structure was massive and impressive, with extensive, manicured gardens. I climbed the steep hill behind the palace to the Gloriette and glimpsed a panoramic view of the city and the palace.
r hostel in Prague until after midnight. With only a few hours of sleep, we boarded our 6:30 a.m. flight back to London on Sunday morning. The lack of sleep finally caught up to me back in London and I fit in a long nap before returning to camp Sunday evening.
lds endless possibilities, and now I have a better
ut I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly. -John 10:10
)
me highlights were the
n any I’ve had elsewhere. The bakeries provided croissants that came warm, fresh and worth every bite. I wasn’t sure how I’d like macaroons, but Paris was the place to try them and I was pleasantly surprised!
contains narrow cobbled streets that lead up a hill to the Sacred Heart Basilica. The view from the steps
to the day.
spent in Germany with Grace and her family. I have German heritage, so it made this trip extra special!
e free lemonade!
e walls, embracing the tapestry of flowers and trees. Then after a quick stop at the Holyrood Palace, we all escaped the rain, enjoyed hot food and tea at the palace café.
h old POW prisons and standing beside giant cannons at the great stone wall.
that rose up on either side. We saw the picturesque Highland train chug past us and disappear into the hills. Stone cottages, with roses and creeping vines covering the walls, were nestled in villages by the lochs. The sun gave a glimpse of the tallest peaks that are usually shrouded in clouds. I’ve never seen so much green! Supposedly, heather blooms in August and envelopes the moor in lavender. As we drove past castles and battlegrounds, our ears were filled with Scottish stories of battles and murders told by Lauren.
This weekend was my first trip traveling outside of Great Britain! Friday morning started early at 3:30 a.m. in order to catch our 5:30 a.m. flight. We flew safely into cloudy Ireland and checked into the Times Hostel in Dublin city center. Accommodation was basic, but offered a comfortable and friendly experience. Beside the bedroom, a kitchen and common room were open for public use and I was even offered some authentic
stopped by a small museum abour Irish history in an renovated Irish house. The city of Dublin is historic and full of character. Tall buildings with long windows are squeezed together along the streets and brightly colored pubs with Irish flags occupy every corner.
light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to the house. In the same way, let your light shine before man so they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16
he’s been a huge help in showing me the ropes. The Burlington students I’ve met, who have come to learn English, are from all over the world. Since the school markets
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