James Loy 

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast by the hosts and guests may or may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Miami University.

James Loy 

I'm a senior, I'm about to graduate, and I've done a lot of cool things in college.

Student 

I never thought that I was going to be an intramural curler. I never thought that I was going to be the student body president.

Student 

These four years have been the biggest amount of growth I've seen in my entire life.

Student 

It's not just about the academics, but like, what kind of person you turn into, which is super cool.

Michaela 

Wait, so you're in the you're in the Chateau right now.

Parker Green 

Yes. As we speak, in the chateau.

Michaela 

And what were your classes like today?

Parker Green 

It is a political science class, which is absolutely amazing. I don't know if you ever had Dr. Charles Khoury?

Michaela 

I did not have him, but a ton of my friends did.

Parker Green 

Like, literally shout out him. He is so amazing. It's a discussion based class. So we just have world politics, and we just talk about the current events, how current events were based off of historical events, and with all of the situations happening basically all of the time, there's a lot to talk about. So I love that class. It's really cool.

Michaela 

Yeah, I know. I feel like half the fun about classes in Luxembourg are the European professors, because they have such a different perspective on life. And like, lived in Europe their whole life, or if they went from America to Europe, like, it's just very interesting.

Parker Green 

Dr. Khoury is from Lebanon originally, and so it's really cool to hear all of his stories. He lived through at least one war, and he promised us some stories for the next class, which is, it's very interesting to hear his perspective on things.

Michaela 

Yeah, absolutely. And like a first hand account, which I feel like is like the really awesome part about learning abroad.

Michaela 

So a few weeks ago, we checked in with our campus correspondent, Parker, before she left for Luxembourg, and now she has arrived and she's been there for a couple weeks, so we are just here to check back in again. Hi Parker. How's it going?

Parker Green 

It is absolutely amazing. 10 out of 10, I would say no notes, but that's a lie. I have tons of notes and yeah, I just feel like this has been so far, like, not to be cliche, like, the best thing that has happened to me ever.

Michaela 

Yeah, do you feel like it has lived up to your expectations thus far?

Parker Green 

Yes and no. Like, I feel like it's kind of like when you go to college the first time, where it's like, I feel like I feel like you have this vision of who you're going to be and what you're going to be doing, and then, like, things inevitably, like, just don't work out like that. But I feel like even when things haven't gone my way, they've ended up so much better than I could have imagined, that it's amazing.

Michaela 

Have you, like, gotten into a routine yet, like, have you kind of gotten your bearings, you're adjusting? How is, like, the culture shock aspect going?

Parker Green 

You know what? When I first got here and I had to go to school, I live an hour and a half outside of where, like, the chateau, where we take all of our classes are. So I live in Luxembourg City, which is the capital city, and again, hour and a half away. So I'm definitely on the public transportation. And the first like week, I would say, I feel like I was so nervous. I just thought I was gonna get like, robbed the second I stepped foot on the train. And now I'm just like sleeping on the train. I know exactly where my stops are. I don't have to worry about transfers. I'm like, recognizing people that are like, familiar faces. And it just feels great. But, yeah, I'm definitely developing a little bit of a routine. I know when I go grocery shopping, when I take my walks, and that's been just so much of a stress reliever.

Michaela 

Yeah, do you feel like that's helped ground you in kind of a new environment, like finding things that you are doing pretty consistently?

Parker Green 

Yes, because, like, you know, every day might be different, but Mr. beard and glasses, who gets off at Belval University every single day will be there.

Michaela 

That's so awesome. I love knowing what you're talking about. This is making this so fun, because I just am, like, so reminiscent about it. So that's incredible. So you live in the city, and for our listeners, the public transport is free all across Luxembourg, which is so incredible and amazing, and something I should think should be implemented everywhere, because it just makes life a whole lot easier. So you get up, call it at like six in the morning on your school days.

Parker Green 

Yes, I get up at six, get on the bus, like 6:40, get on another bus, get on a train. And then I walk to the castle. I feel like that one, you know that one sound that's like, bus, train, another bus--

Michaela 

It is though, because you get what's the app called, there's, like, a specific app-

Parker Green 

Mobility.

Michaela 

Yes. And I have, like, legitimate nightmares about that, because I would go and, like, find a route, and then it'd like, disappear, and I'd be like, wait a minute, it said that bus 29 was gonna be right here, and I don't know, like, it was so stressful. So I'm glad that you have figured that out, because I feel like that's half the battle. It's crazy. So like, what was your first I cannot believe this is my life moment in Luxembourg. So what were some of your first impressions of Luxembourg, kind of, maybe just like the first week, what really was kind of surreal to you?

Parker Green 

I feel like I'm still constantly having like, I can't believe this is my life moments. It just doesn't stop, which is incredible. Also, just like, every single day there's something that I'm like, I cannot believe that I am here and that I am doing this. So the first true day here, my host dad took me, like and my roommates on a tour of Luxembourg City, and just kind of showed us his favorite spots. And there's this one, I know you know it, but like, you know, like the castmates, like that valley that looks old town, and he, like, kind of brings us up, and we just get to see all of like, old Luxembourg. And I'm just like, there's nothing like this that I've ever seen before, like it's just this majestic valley with this old church and like there's so much history everywhere, crazy and then MUDEC just feels like Miami, but in Luxembourg, which is an interesting combination.

Michaela 

For sure. Yeah, I know. And you mentioned having a host dad, so you do you have a whole host family? Or kind of, what is that dynamic like? I'm so intrigued, because I lived in an apartment, so I never really had that experience, but I do know people who just absolutely loved it, and that made their experience that much better as well.

Parker Green 

I love my host family. 10 out of 10 would recommend. Like, I'm sure the apartments are amazing, but I kind of live in like, this weird situation that where I get the best of both worlds, because me and my two roommates, we are in like an apartment that's just our own, and our host dad and his family lives like a 10 minute bus ride away. And so like, technically, like, my host dad's mom lives two floors below me. She's a 95 year old woman  host grandma, but we never see her because she's got her old lady things to do. So it just, it kind of feels like you're living alone. But also, we have, you know, family dinners every other Sunday, and we called up our host dad's named Henri, shout out him, and we were like, hey, do you want to go explore this castle with us, and he did. So it's a great dynamic for me. I think.

Michaela 

Yeah, I love that, and I love that he was like, the first person to show you around, too. I feel like that's so special that happened to some of our guy friends. They, like, chose a host family, whatever. And then they arrive, and he's like, all right, see ya. And they're like, what? And he's like, I don't live here. Like, this is just your guy's house. And, like, but again, similarly, they still had, like, a relationship with them, and we're able to kind of go to them just for things you don't want to have to ask a professor about, just to, like, have, again, another sense of support, which I feel like is huge when you are all alone.

Michaela 

So what are like some of the favorite things you've done in Luxembourg before we get to like the travel part, because I feel like it needs some appreciation.

Parker Green 

 I had the best pistachio croissant of my life in Conrad Cafe in Lux city.

Michaela 

I love Conrad Cafe. So good, so good.

Parker Green 

So unbelievably-- I literally was like, crying, eating. I was like, this is the best thing I've ever eaten, and probably will ever eat. The Casemates, which are like the walls around the city, are free to walk on, and you get crazy views. But honestly, I think Luxembourg is just like-- Lux City is so under appreciated in general. It's so clean, so walkable. We've been recently getting spring weather, and it's like all like the crocuses are blooming. I don't know if that's how you say that word, by the way. I don't know. The flowers are all everywhere. And it is so amazing just to walk around and take the bus, because it's free. So anywhere you want to go, you can get there.

Michaela 

And it's so safe. Like that is something too. We never had to worry if something was going to happen. Now, it's like, obviously, you're always aware, but there is something to be said about just feeling very comfortable where you're living at and, like, knowing where you are is known to be safe. How is like, your cohort, like the people that you're with?

Parker Green 

Everyone is really nice. It is just a bunch of Miami students. I feel like you get like, you know, the full range of personalities. It's nice, though, because, like, everyone who wants to go abroad wants to have these experiences, so everyone is super willing to travel and talk about all of the things that they've done and give recommendations. So it's super great. And so, like, supportive of anything you want to do, you'd be like, oh, I'd like to go, like, paragliding in Switzerland. And they're like, wait, I did that. Here's all my recommendations. Here's the guide that I used. It's wonderful.

Michaela 

Yeah, I do feel like everyone is very willing to help out. How has like navigating, like the language and like the culture aspect been?

Parker Green 

Everyone has been I feel like the theme that I keep saying is everyone's just been so nice and lovely. But it's true, I speak a little bit of French. I like to say that like I speak like food French, like I can order places. I'm good in a restaurant. As soon as you take me out of the restaurant environment, I lose all ability to speak. But everyone you know people in Luxembourg, they grow up speaking like four languages at minimum. So I feel that wherever I am, usually, there's enough of a commonality that I can get around. And then, as I've been traveling, I was nervous, but everyone was so nice. Someone literally, like, we got on the wrong Metro and they walked us to the next like, to the proper stop. And same thing in Germany. I tried to order in German, mistake. The guy turned to my friend who speaks German, and was like, what language is she speaking? It was just so it was embarrassing, but it's also like, okay. And he was like, Oh, I speak English. You're good.

Michaela 

I'm sure they appreciate, like, you trying, though, like, you know what I mean? Like, at least you're putting the effort in. Because, well, sometimes, like, we would do that, we'd order in a different language, then you'd be like, all right, dude, what do you want? I'm like, Oh, my God, I'm so humbled. Wow, you really just clocked me like I'm as American as they come. So yeah, I promise you that it's not an original experience that certainly happens to everyone.

Michaela 

So speaking of traveling, have you gone anywhere? What has been your weekend travel like? Have you well-- you're officially done with Friday classes. You told me. So, because the first four weeks in Luxembourg, you have to stay on Fridays, because you get taught like French, and is it in Luxembourgish or no? Okay, yes. So you get taught both of those to, kind of like, adjust you, and then you are free Friday through Sunday every weekend after that. So yeah, I'm just curious what you've been up to.

Parker Green 

The first weekend, we just chilled in Lux City, you know, explored where we were. We wanted to, like, kind of like, intentionally familiarize ourselves with our location. And then we went to Paris, which was unreal, best food of my life. I'm gonna talk about food a lot. Warning.

Michaela 

No, you told me that you're like, a huge foodie, right?

Parker Green 

Yes. Love it, yes. So we like made reservations at all these places. The food was so good in Paris, and then we went on a discovery tour to Maastricht, Netherlands, which was super cool. And then I went to Brussels, Belgium, went on a food tour there, got adopted by, like, this South African couple, and they, like, took us out, like it was amazing, but also really random.

Michaela 

Wait, tell me more, what? How did that happen?

Parker Green 

So we get on this tour, and it's just me, my two roommates, and we thought it was a private tour, but when we got there, it was, there was these two other people there, and they were Cassandra and Colin, originally from South Africa, now live in London, and they had the most like glorious, beautiful accents. And they just decided that we were, like, their project. They were giving us all the food, and then they were just giving us all this, like, recommendations for places to go, like where to go in London, it was so cool. And we were just like, this is like, what it's all about. It's just meeting random people that are going to become your friends.

Michaela 

It literally is, especially people who know what they're talking about. Like, it makes the experience so much better, because you need to do this, this and this, this is what you absolutely shouldn't do. Don't fall for this tourist trap. Don't spend too much money on this. And it's so amazing. And then you get to, like, learn about their life story. Like, I'm sure that was so much fun. Just like, getting to kind of know about their journey. And hopefully the same for you guys, they were probably very intrigued by what brought you there. So oh my gosh, so cool.

Parker Green 

And then this past weekend, I went to Nuremberg. I'm on a little research team that we're doing war crimes research. So we went to Nuremberg to visit the Nazi rally party grounds, and then also where the Nuremberg trials were.

Michaela 

So what is like your favorite place that you have visited, been, and what are you looking forward to? Like, what's kind of on the docket for the rest of the semester?

Parker Green 

My favorite was Paris, just because we got to see some things that have been on, like, my lifelong bucket list, we went to Musee d'Orsay and got to see some, like, really cool impressionist art. So I feel like that was just like crazy. It's like, you're watching the tower like sparkle at midnight, and you're just like, holy crap. I cannot believe that I'm here with my two best friends. But looking forward next week is our study trip, our like, discovery tour, and I'm going to Poland for World Politics, which is really cool.

Michaela 

Wait, that's where I went. That was literally my favorite. I'm sure you're probably in the same class I'm in, just like, in a different font, because we our class is called World Wars. But that was, like, if not my favorite trip, it was definitely in the top three. Like, I loved it, mostly because it was so jam packed and we weren't really, like, on the, like, the agenda grind during our trips. Do you know what I mean, like your itinerary? So, like, we never did everything we wanted to do. But in Poland, you do everything you want to do because, like, they plan it for you. So like, yes, that part is really nice, and it's so historical, oh my goodness. And yeah, like, we were just able to go to so many things that I'd always, like, heard about in my history books. So it was just very educational. And I can't wait for you to go. That's gonna be so exciting.

Parker Green 

It's also nice. I feel like people don't talk about, like, the kind of, like, the stress of just like, like, I've never planned so many things like back to back to back to back like this, where it's nice just to have a week where, like, I'm not in charge of it, I just go, where people tell me to go, yeah.

Michaela 

And what is like your traveling group been like, is it just you and your two other friends? Is that what you're saying?

Parker Green 

Pretty much.

Michaela 

Yeah, I know, because I feel like it really depends on the person. Like, sometimes people like a bigger group, but I feel like smaller groups are typically easier to travel and just with, like, reservation stuff like that.

Parker Green 

It's also nice, it's like, we're all motivated by the same thing, like, food. It's nice. Like, we don't have to, like, be like, oh, like, you want to stay in this, like, church for six hours, but like, I'd rather, you know, go to this bakery. It's like, we're all like, where's the nearest restaurant?

Michaela 

Yes, wow, you speak my language. That's exactly how I was. And, yeah, I know I really like that is something I wish I was better about when I was abroad, because now there's so many things I want to go back and do in the places I was at, because I didn't like capitalize as much. Sometimes I'm like, Oh my gosh. Like, how did I not make it there when I was there, and it's kind of crazy. I never went to Paris. I don't know how all of my friends did, and I didn't like they went on, like, various weekends, like, one, three of them went one weekend, two of them want the other. But I was always just like, no, it's okay. I don't need-- why would I not need to go? Like, what? So that is, like, one of my regrets. I know I'm gonna go back there. Trust, I need to just go back everywhere in general. But I definitely recommend Amsterdam, if you haven't been yet, Parker.

Parker Green 

It's on our top-- I'm so excited.

Michaela 

That's so exciting. Well, I'm so excited for whatever the rest of the semester has in store for you. I feel like you're already killing it, so you don't need any advice.

Parker Green 

It's so nice to like talk to people I feel like just from back, back in Oxford, back home. It's a lot of meeting new people here, so it's like, nice to, like, just be like, oh, wait, you're my friend.  I know how to talk to them.

Michaela 

I know, like, feel a little grounded again. And, yeah, just remind yourself what's waiting for you back at home. Because it is waiting for you. So go experience all the fun, amazing things, and then come back and crush it here. Dude, I'm so jealous, she's awakened it.