Miami Student journalist swaps political coverage for travel column abroad
Raquel Hirsch documented her study abroad experience with a series of opinion pieces
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Published
Raquel Hirsch making cheese fondue in Switzerland.
Miami Student journalist swaps political coverage for travel column abroad
•
Published
Raquel Hirsch often tells people that she got involved in The Miami Student by chance, and she never expected her accidental stumble into journalism would lead her halfway around the world. What started as casual involvement with the student newspaper during her first year evolved into a passion that would shape not only her academic path but also her perspective of the world.
A Political Science major drawn to issues of politics, law, and social justice, Hirsch added Journalism as a co-major during her sophomore year after discovering how well reporting complemented her political interests. By her junior year, she had covered local, state, and national politics for the student newspaper, including updates from the Talawanda School District Board of Education and student reactions to the potential closure of the Department of Education. But she was also interested in a different kind of story — one that would push her out of her comfort zone entirely. That desire led her to the Miami University Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) in Luxembourg for fall 2024, where she would discover that some of her favorite pieces would come not from covering politics, but from chronicling her own journey of growth and discovery abroad.
After her plane touched down in Europe, Hirsch found her semester to be jam-packed; she traveled during all but one of her 16 weekends to various countries, with Interlaken, Switzerland; Florence, Italy; and Amsterdam, the Netherlands being some of her favorite destinations for the culture, food, and sights.
However, one of the most impactful trips she took was a week-long study tour to Warsaw and Krakow, Poland for her HST 299 The World Wars course. There, she had the opportunity to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and other historical sites significant to the time period.
“Having the opportunity to visit Holocaust sites while in Europe was something I definitely wanted to take advantage of,” Hirsch said. Her identity as a Jewish-American is important to her and added that it informs her worldview. “While it was difficult to face such painful history, it was meaningful and eye-opening to see these horrors firsthand… I would encourage anyone to visit if they have the opportunity. It’s important for all of us to understand these kinds of moments in history, despite religious or cultural background.”
While abroad, Hirsch wrote five opinion pieces under the headline series “Living in Luxembourg,” chronicling her time adjusting to life abroad about subjects like air conditioning, travel research, and museums. Her favorite articles about studying abroad were her final two: the second to last detailing her trip to Switzerland and her closing article written after she returned home to the United States.
“In my last column, there are mundane things that I reflect on having a newfound sense of gratitude for,” Hirsch said, like balancing a love for walkable cities while also appreciating the convenience of driving. “I have an even greater appreciation than before for cultural diversity. I realize what a privilege it is to be well-traveled at a young age, and I have more gratitude for my roots in the United States.”
Hirsch said the opinion pieces were a departure from her usual writing style but ultimately they helped to strengthen her writing skills and forced her to be intentional about her schedule. Through those articles, she was able to “capture the memories” of studying abroad — kayaking, pasta and fondue-making, trying new foods, visiting new places — and sharing them with an audience.
“My study abroad experience was filled with ups and downs and allowed me to learn so much about myself, but was an amazing experience overall,” Hirsch said. “It was really scary for me at times, but I’m very glad I did it.”
Back on campus as a senior continuing her political coverage for The Miami Student, Hirsch credits her time abroad with identifying her career priorities: work/life balance and the ability to travel. Post-graduation, she plans to pursue opportunities in media or public relations.
For those who are looking to spend a semester, or even a year abroad, Hirsch advises students to explore all their options; MUDEC was great for her, but there might be a program that’s even better fit for them. And, of course, don’t be afraid to venture into the unknown.
A Political Science major drawn to issues of politics, law, and social justice, Hirsch added Journalism as a co-major during her sophomore year after discovering how well reporting complemented her political interests. By her junior year, she had covered local, state, and national politics for the student newspaper, including updates from the Talawanda School District Board of Education and student reactions to the potential closure of the Department of Education. But she was also interested in a different kind of story — one that would push her out of her comfort zone entirely. That desire led her to the Miami University Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) in Luxembourg for fall 2024, where she would discover that some of her favorite pieces would come not from covering politics, but from chronicling her own journey of growth and discovery abroad.
After her plane touched down in Europe, Hirsch found her semester to be jam-packed; she traveled during all but one of her 16 weekends to various countries, with Interlaken, Switzerland; Florence, Italy; and Amsterdam, the Netherlands being some of her favorite destinations for the culture, food, and sights.
However, one of the most impactful trips she took was a week-long study tour to Warsaw and Krakow, Poland for her HST 299 The World Wars course. There, she had the opportunity to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and other historical sites significant to the time period.
“Having the opportunity to visit Holocaust sites while in Europe was something I definitely wanted to take advantage of,” Hirsch said. Her identity as a Jewish-American is important to her and added that it informs her worldview. “While it was difficult to face such painful history, it was meaningful and eye-opening to see these horrors firsthand… I would encourage anyone to visit if they have the opportunity. It’s important for all of us to understand these kinds of moments in history, despite religious or cultural background.”
While abroad, Hirsch wrote five opinion pieces under the headline series “Living in Luxembourg,” chronicling her time adjusting to life abroad about subjects like air conditioning, travel research, and museums. Her favorite articles about studying abroad were her final two: the second to last detailing her trip to Switzerland and her closing article written after she returned home to the United States.
“In my last column, there are mundane things that I reflect on having a newfound sense of gratitude for,” Hirsch said, like balancing a love for walkable cities while also appreciating the convenience of driving. “I have an even greater appreciation than before for cultural diversity. I realize what a privilege it is to be well-traveled at a young age, and I have more gratitude for my roots in the United States.”
Hirsch said the opinion pieces were a departure from her usual writing style but ultimately they helped to strengthen her writing skills and forced her to be intentional about her schedule. Through those articles, she was able to “capture the memories” of studying abroad — kayaking, pasta and fondue-making, trying new foods, visiting new places — and sharing them with an audience.
“My study abroad experience was filled with ups and downs and allowed me to learn so much about myself, but was an amazing experience overall,” Hirsch said. “It was really scary for me at times, but I’m very glad I did it.”
Back on campus as a senior continuing her political coverage for The Miami Student, Hirsch credits her time abroad with identifying her career priorities: work/life balance and the ability to travel. Post-graduation, she plans to pursue opportunities in media or public relations.
For those who are looking to spend a semester, or even a year abroad, Hirsch advises students to explore all their options; MUDEC was great for her, but there might be a program that’s even better fit for them. And, of course, don’t be afraid to venture into the unknown.
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about education abroad opportunities? Visit the website for more information.
