Barlow Hoffman: Europe Through the Lens of Barlow Hoffman
Ever since I was in middle school, I’ve dreamed of studying abroad, fascinated with gaining experiences that would change my perspective on the world. When I got the chance to visit the UK in eighth grade, I was determined to return. Once I learned about the Honors College and the opportunities it provided, particularly the “breakaway” program, I knew I wanted to join. A “breakaway” can be anything away from home, an internship, or study abroad. After researching various programs, I decided that Winchester University in the United Kingdom was the best fit. After I was able to adjust to the new normal, I was eager to make the most of my time and explore as much as possible.
My first two trips were to Ireland and Scotland. A friend and I decided to plan a last-minute trip for a few days in Ireland. We stayed in hostels and took two bus tours. This was the first time I was traveling between countries in Europe; luckily, my friend and I were prepared and planned accordingly. The only issue we faced was finding our way through the bus system to our hostel. We got a little turned around but we were able to navigate the dark streets of Dublin. This experience marked a big step toward independence, as I had never traveled without my parents before. Normally, I would rely on them to book flights, hotels, and plan the itinerary, but this time it was entirely up to my friend and me. We explored many stunning sights, such as the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, the Wild Atlantic Way, Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, and even watched a sheepdog demonstration.
Next, I traveled to Scotland to visit a friend who was studying there. This was my first time navigating a country’s train system on my own. I found it challenging and empowering. Previously I had my friend to lean on if I needed help, but now I had to figure everything out myself. I had to be aware of all of my surroundings, know which platform to be on and be prepared to make decisions if I missed a train or faced delays. Once I reached my friend's university, we embarked on a three-day tour including the Highlands, Isle of Sky, and Loch Ness. April was the perfect time to go since we experienced the extremes of Scottish weather: 60 mile an hour winds, snow, rain, and clear skies. The tour group consisted mostly of American students studying abroad in Scotland, but there were others from Thailand, Australia, and Spain. This trip opened my eyes to experiencing new things. I pushed myself to be more outgoing by talking to everyone on the trip and learning a bit about them. I met some interesting people from all over the world while taking the tour and staying in the hostel. I got to hear about their lives and how different we all grew up, but somehow all ended up in the same place at the same time.
The last two trips I was able to take were to Amsterdam and Italy. I flew solo to both of these countries, which I had done before getting to Winchester, but it was still stressful. There were delays on both flights—my friend and I were delayed on our way to Italy, and I arrived before his flight even took off. When I flew to Amsterdam, my friend’s flight was delayed, so I had to wait for her at the airport. Once we found each other and our way to the hostel, we were in a new country, and I was able to relax. In Italy, I was able to visit Venice and Rome, where we saw the Vatican City and saw the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museum. It was amazing to see the art that I have studied for my degree. In the Sistine Chapel, where photography is prohibited, I sat there, gazing at the ceiling, taking in every intricate detail that the pictures in class never quite captured. I kept saying, “I remember studying that in art class.” And now I can say that I saw them in person. In Amsterdam, my friend and I went to the Rijksmuseum. This national museum is filled with paintings that I studied in class, like The Milkmaid and The Night Watch. Being able to actually experience the pieces of art I studied in person and not just on a screen was surreal. I got to experience pieces of history and something I am passionate about because I got to travel to another country.
Studying abroad has truly changed my life. Thanks to the Honors College, I’ve had opportunities that many of my family members may never experience. I’ve met people who have impacted me in ways they may not fully understand. As an introvert, this journey encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. I was able to reinvent myself in an environment where no one knew me, which gave me the confidence to make new friends and travel with them. I experienced new foods, cultures, and learned to capture these moments through photography. I could document every part of my journey while fully immersing myself in it. Most importantly, I connected with people from all over the world and experienced firsthand the art and history I had only studied. I am no longer just a student studying these subjects; I am someone who has lived them, seen them, and experienced them in a way that will continue to shape my future. I will forever be changed by these experiences and have stories to share for a lifetime.
***
Barlow Hoffman is a graphic design major with an entrepreneurship minor at Lander University. She studied abroad at the University of Winchester in England during the spring semester of her sophomore year. She plans to graduate from Lander in May 2026 to pursue graphic design and photography.