DuBOIS, Pa. - Before the fall semester started, 19 honors students from Penn State DuBois embarked on an unforgettable journey across Europe, visiting Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France. The weeklong trip, part of the honors scholar program, allowed students to immerse themselves in new cultures, savor local cuisines, explore historical landmarks, and encounter diverse wildlife.

Led by Emily Thomas, honors program co-coordinator and associate teaching professor of wildlife technology, and Holli Lashinsky, interim director of enrollment services, the students engaged in a series of enriching experiences designed to broaden their worldviews. Lashinsky praised the students for their adaptability and eagerness to embrace unfamiliar environments.

"I hope the international trip broadened our students' perspectives on how cultural norms differ from our own," said Lashinsky. "I watched our students build their confidence and demonstrate impressive cultural sensitivity. These amazing students immersed themselves by trying new foods, speaking the local languages, and engaging with locals. I couldn't be prouder."

The group's adventure began in Brussels, Belgium, where they explored iconic landmarks like the Atomium and experienced the serendipity of the Brussels Flower Carpet Celebration, featuring nearly a million flowers and an awe-inspiring light show.

"We just happened to be in the right place at the right time," said student Emma Suplizio. "Everyone in the square stopped to watch the display. It was beautiful, and I'm so glad we got to experience it."

Suplizio, who had attended the previous year's trip to Switzerland, expressed how much she cherished this year's adventure.

"I expected to have an equal amount of fun, and my expectations were definitely met," she said. "What made this experience so special was getting to explore a new place with friends from last year and making new friends along the way. I will never forget our final dinner at the Euromast in Rotterdam - sharing memories, laughing and shedding a few tears. It was an unforgettable experience."

For student Remington Crawford, who had never been outside the United States before, the trip was full of unexpected delights.

"I didn't really know what to expect going into the trip, but everything exceeded my expectations - the food, buildings, views, art, music, people and culture were beyond what I imagined," he said. "The most memorable part for me was watching the sunset from the top of the Euromast tower in Rotterdam. Seeing the ships come into port with that incredible view was phenomenal."

In addition to their adventures in Belgium and the Netherlands, the group took a day trip to Luxembourg and the scenic town of Dinant, where they explored the Dinant Citadel and learned about the town's history, including its connection to Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. Another day was spent touring the medieval cities of Ghent and Bruges, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Thomas emphasized the value of these international trips in helping students gain a new understanding of the world.

"Many of the students who attend Penn State DuBois have never left the United States, so this trip is full of novel experiences like navigating different languages and customs," Thomas said. "It's extremely rewarding to watch them come back with a new appreciation for other cultures and histories."

The students presented their trip highlights during a Belgium cultural luncheon event on campus in September, sharing the ways in which the journey transformed their perspectives. They spoke about the unique sights and experiences that made the trip unforgettable, from sampling Belgian waffles to visiting the scenic Grand Place in Brussels.

Reflecting on the trip, Suplizio added, "I am so glad I'm fortunate enough to be part of such an amazing program that provides these opportunities. These trips create lifelong memories, and I can't wait to see where we go next."

To learn more about the honors and honors scholar programs at Penn State DuBois, visit the program website.