Netherlands: June Glenney (Places: Routine and Favorite)

Winter Landscape with Ice Skaters by artist Hendrick Avercamp has been one of my favorite works of art that I’ve seen so far during my time in Amsterdam. This piece illustrates the cold and dreary reality of the Dutch winter, while still capturing the spirit and the warmth of its people. This piece is housed in the famous Rijksmuseum, which belongs to a collection of museums in the city’s Museumplein, which translates to “museum square”. This square has quickly become one of my favorite places in the city, as it’s home to a boundless variety of artwork and exhibitions. The Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Moco Museum all stand nearby, housing pieces from famous artists everywhere from Andy Warhol to Rembrandt to those less well known, making it impossible to ever feel like you’ve explored everything. I have also recognized pieces from a Japanese Art History class that I took back home in Madison. A woodblock print from Katsushika Hokusai’s famous series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji stood out to me immediately. It was truly an experience to see something that I had studied only through a screen right before my eyes. One of the most rewarding aspects of studying abroad has been connecting sites and phenomenon that I had previously only known in my head to something tangible and real, realizing that all the beautiful things the world has to offer are not quite as out of my reach as I had thought before.

Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania

Major: Psychology

Program: University of Amsterdam

I am excited for the opportunity to further my psychology education both inside and outside of the classroom. I hope to enrich my understanding of the human experience through my time at the University of Amsterdam and through meeting new people along the way. I chose this program because I am Dutch, and my great Grandmother immigrated from Holland. Through learning and living in Amsterdam, I want to experience what my ancestors have and get in touch with my roots. I can’t wait to explore Amsterdam and establish my new favorite cafes, parks, and vintage shops!