Chelsea Casano: Amazing People, Places, and Food!

Going to school in a small town has turned out to be a positive thing for my experience studying abroad. In the small town of Vlissingen, at first I was a little worried that my choice of location had put me in a town where there was little to do and boredom would come quickly. After being here for a while I now have realised that living in a small town and living in student housing was a blessing in disguise.

Because the students all live together in the same building, go to school together, and live in a small town, it has made it very easy for us to become very close and hang out in large groups all the time. Everyone goes to all the parties (because it is impossible not to hear them from your place), everyone knows that spot on the beach where people will be hanging out and everyone’s door is always opened. I love that no planning is really needed, if you feel like going to the beach, chances are someone else is going and a group is probably already there.

The people that I have met on this trip is what I believe has also made it so fantastic. Everyone is nice and welcoming and everyone wants to get to know one another. One thing that I have also noticed is how generous everyone has been. On many occasions someone will host a party or a get together and prepare food and drinks specific to their country. This has allowed everyone to experience different cultures and food and is opening everyone’s mind to different ways of living.

Some cultures that have stuck out are the Turkish, Spanish and Korean. All of them have invited everyone over and have prepared food and drink for as many people as they could. Anyone has been welcome. All three have had very different food and drink and they have all been wonderful. The Turkish food was spicy and delicious and also had great Turkish liquor that made the party even better. The Korean food was also spicy and we also learnt a very fun Korean drinking game that I am going to try and remember to share back in Canada. And the Spanish food was also amazing but the sangria was even better!

Amy and I have also taken this opportunity to cook for everyone and it has been such a rewarding feeling to share our favorite dishes from home with everyone. What I’ve realised is food and drink is something that everyone is excited and willing to share with others that gives a great sense of their way of life and their culture. I’m going to come back from this trip with not only a more experienced palate but also strong friendships with people from all over the world.