Student Comments, 2009 Trip

This trip was really amazing to me. I would not trade it for the world!!! This trip was an experience that far surpassed my expectations and allowed me to see two parts of the city: the tourist side and the impoverished side. After coming back, I felt fulfilled and like I really made a positive impact in people's lives. Not only did our group debunk the myth of the "ugly American", we came back humbled and more conscious of our country's influence on the world.
--Sean Van Straatum, Hospitality Management

The trip to Amsterdam was not only a study in non-governmental organizations in the Netherlands, but an insightful cultural experience into a socially progressive community. The amount of compassion and empathy the Dutch have placed on their citizens are genuinely expressed in their commitment to helping the unfortunate; it was an unforgettable experience!
--Tiffany Chi, Political Science Major

Amsterdam was amazing! The sights, the sounds, the people, I enjoyed everything about it. I also enjoyed being able to see two sides of the city, the tourist part and the part that the tourists don't get to see. Also, being able to work along side the social workers was a great learning experience. If I had the chance to do this again, I would do it in a heart beat!
--Denisse Lopez, Gender, Ethnic, & Multicultural Studies

Amsterdam was an opportunity for a re-realization in my life; it was an opportunity to learn more about myself, others, and my world around me. The true experience of Amsterdam was the entire and holistic consumption of the city, the architecture, the people, and the interactions in between these, rather than material consumption. In regards to the program, putting a face to the things we talked about gave me a higher perspective.
--Monica Santander, Environmental Biology

Amsterdam taught me what faith-based community groups can do to address societal problems, especially when they have a positive working relationship with the government and the private sector. I am amazed what can be done when people work the problem instead of arguing with one another.
--Brian Kolosick, Master's in Public Administration Student

Going to Amsterdam and seeing how the government and Salvation Army work in unison to support drug addicts, prostitutes, and the homeless was a refreshing change from the negative role they are often placed in the United States. They are treated with dignity and respect, given the opportunity to improve their lives with little judgment or pressure.
--Julia Matteson, Political Science Major

My experience in Amsterdam opened my eyes and gave me a whole new perspective on dealing with social issues and implementing social service policies. Amsterdam's liberal policies work because they are controlled and this model is something that the United States and the rest of the world should look at when attempting to improve their policies.
--Sergio Aguilar, Political Science Major

My trip to Amsterdam was more than life changing. The United States can learn so much from such a progressive country as the Netherlands. If we as a people could do as the Dutch do even remotely, we will forever have a sincere impact on the rest of the world not just as individuals but as a complete society.
--Kenvin Williams, Political Science Major

Problems exist everywhere and always will. The Dutch prefer to address problems the U.S. tend to ignore. While progressive in their problem solving, they do not boast perfection, but rather think of ways to improve a system that has already proven effective.
--Jonathan Sopena, Business Administration Major

The "Dutch Way" is both frightening and energizing. The progressive policies of Amsterdam unsettled and unhoused my conservative ideology in a very liberating way. Working with the Salvation Army introduced me to the noble aims of the Dutch which I will pursue and cherish all my life.
--Sean Chavez, Political Science Major

Amsterdam was an experience that truly and deeply changed my life on a very emotional level. I feel extremely privileged that I was able to immerse myself in the culture at a level not shared by tourists. Overall this trip has given me the invaluable ability to understand various social issues such as homelessness, drug abuse, and prostitution on a level that cannot be provided without.
--Brian Rocke, Political Science Major

The ten days spent in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas, was an amazing one. The thing that surprised me most the was amount of care that went into each client and their personal, individualized care. Among the most memorable things I will take with me forever was the breathtaking landscape, the accepting people, and the slower pace of family and community centered life.
--Michael Zirbes, Political Science Major

Many dream of living in a society where compassion and kindness triumphs over greed and money. Amsterdam provided us with an opportunity to experience this first hand. Their policies on homelessness, drug addiction, and mental illnesses are to be admired.
--Francisco Uribe, Political Science

My visit to Amsterdam was an eye-opening experience. I realize that there are so many things that we can learn from the Dutch people. The trip has changed my perspective in a positive way. I have gained so much insight and knowledge throughout my time there. I really enjoyed the nightlife in Amsterdam with the many new friends that I've gained. Amsterdam is filled with the richness of its cultural and ethnic diversity.
--Richard Woo, Political Science Major

For too long I have heard time and time again that America is the best. Surely America has the opportunity to show its true creed, but our Nation has fallen short. I have traveled around the world many times, and each time I become more and more shocked that America is lacking in compassion. We have become a winner-takes-all society where the Netherlands is a society where all are winners, from the homeless to our gay brothers and sisters. Something is deeply wrong with the American mindset.
--Aaron Burton, Political Science Major

There are no words to describe my overall experience in Amsterdam. Visiting Holland shows you that a better world is possible. The Dutch take care of each other and those who can't care for themselves. They see value in everyone and anyone and this is their motivation. Seeing a society where the emphasis is placed on the well being of people and not corporations is inspiring. I left Amsterdam with renewed hope and faith in mankind; we, as Americans, have much to learn.
--Ali Elachkar, Political Science Major