The Last Day

Sorry that it has taken me awhile to update our GIEU blog! Although it has been awhile since June 7th, the last day of our program, it was still one of the most memorable days of not only the program, but my life.

We met at 9:45 a.m at the SIT center to discuss our final projects. I was extremely excited to see all of the ideas that people would protray.

Alex Raphael concentrated on the theme of sex education in the Netherlands and how it compares to what they teach us in the United States. What she discovered was that in the Netherlands they focus more on the clear cut facts. They don´t focus on abstinence only education like in some parts of the United States.

Stephanie focused on prostitution in the Netherlands. She interviewed a former sex worker about how her life was while she was working.

Alex Yu found out more about the Dutch view of global warming. It is very important in their culture because of the fact that most of Holland is completely under sea level. It is estimated that it could be completely under water in about 50 years.

Another important part about daily life of the Dutch in Holland is biking. On one of our first days in Holland Sophie was intrigued by the fact that so many people used bikes as opposed to cars or public transportation. She discovered that the Dutch feel that it is silly and ignorant that most American children expect to get cars when they turn 16 years old.

One of the most unique projects in our group was Niel´s. Instead of focusing more on another culture that we had learned about while on the program, he did a project on self reflection to realize why he thinks in a certain way.

Jacqui focused on the COBRA art movement of World War II. This was a movement by multiple artists. The paintings were childlike and simplist. She also passed around a visual display of the art that was in the museum.

Voni focused on the importance of graffiti in the Dutch culture. She noticed that there were very elaborate designs covering the entire city. She told us the difference between people who were actually trying to send an important message compared to people who just tag the same thing over and over again.

Lucia was interested more in the aspects of the coffeehouse culture. One of the interesting things she realized was that marijuana is actually illegal in the Netherlands. However, it is tolerated in small amounts which is why coffeehouses are able to exsist.

Andrew focused on the aspect of the welfare system in the Netherlands. When immigrants come to the Netherlands it is easy for them to obtain 2000 euros per month to survive on. This is a huge debate between citzens and immigrants.

Kate did her final project on the parks and peoples´ rights to have open spaces. She interviewed people in parks and found out how relaxed and wonderful they thought the parks were. She also compared them to American parks and realized that they were cleaner and had more bodies of water.

Jessica, Adam, and I focused on the immigrants and minorities in the Netherlands. However, we all focused on different aspects of their lives. I focused on the Dutch view of the immigrants. I found that although they tolerate them in the society. They cannot be fully integrated and accepted in the society. Adam focused on how Muslim immigrants integrate into the society. Jessica focused on how minorites (who are usually immigrants) struggle in the Dutch society.

Max surprised us all with his fabulous singing skills with a song that he wrote based on a famous Dutch hit.

Overall, all of the presentations were amazing.

After taking a small break, we went on a tour of a wooden shoe factory, windwills, and small villages. We all enjoyed it.

To end our trip we had a delicious dinner and said our goodbyes. Overall, I loved the GIEU experience and all of the people I have grown close too. I hope you all have great remainders of the summer and see you in the fall!!!!

MINNA :)