Transparency Item: The “Viewpoints” section of the graphic consists of opinion-based articles. This is the author's opinion and opinion.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Pepperdine ranks among the top 12 study abroad programs in the nation. However, it depends on where the student studies. abroad, Opinions and perspectives may change about which program is best.
One of Pepperdine's six international program locations is a small, welcoming German town called Heidelberg. From the moment we arrived at Moorhouse, we knew Heidelberg was home.
I remember throwing my suitcase into the attic and running down the stairs to explore Moor House. Although the house seemed large, there was never a dull or silent moment in it.
Starting a study abroad program in the spring instead of the fall is not always easy, but the students at Heidelberg have generously welcomed me. Some of my favorite memories are the numerous talent shows that took place in our living room, cooking together in our small kitchen, and learning German words such as “Wolken” (meaning cloud) on the way to class. I practiced the words.
Pepperdine London Program, Florence Program, and Switzerland Program. Classes are held in the same building where students live. This means students don't have the chance to stroll down unfamiliar streets on their way to class, like the people in Heidelberg do.
The rooms at Moorhouse are always full of people studying together and reminiscing about their weekend trips. Movies are often shown in the breakfast room and fun activities are also organized.
Meanwhile, in Buenos Aires, students stay with host families rather than living with their classmates. Although this is part of the experience, students will not be able to socialize and make memories in a home like Moore House.
Heidelberg is Pepperdine's oldest international program, and to me, it feels like the laughter and memories of hundreds of Pepperdine students continue to echo throughout the city. Students enjoy coffee with friends in the early morning and afternoon, and gelato after a special dinner.
It was always a wild experience to ride together to the station or run to catch a late night train. The rush and adrenaline of the trip was exhilarating, but it was even better when we arrived back in Heidelberg on Sunday night with a take-out meal from Raja Rani Indian Cuisine waiting on our table.
Traveling from Heidelberg's train station was very easy and gave students the opportunity to travel around Europe by train. Moorhouse is located 10 minutes from the nearest station. On the other hand, the Florence program also has a train station, but it is far from the student residences.
Music was a special part of Heidelberg. Music could be heard everywhere, whether it was a student playing the piano in the classroom or at Moorhouse. This is one of the reasons why studying abroad there felt so peaceful.
Heidelberg is a small town compared to other program locations such as Florence, London, and Buenos Aires, so it's easy to find a quiet place to study. It's a relief to not have the hustle and bustle of tourists like other programs, and it's certainly a quiet environment.
It may be scary to go to an unknown place on the other side of the world, but I think Heidelberg is seen as a “Heidel home”, a second home. Heidelberg's faculty and staff also make Heidelberg special.
The beauty of studying abroad is that you get to go to places you never imagined.
Riding the scooter endlessly to Moor House and zipping through the narrow streets is a memory I'll never forget. It's amazing to think how Heidelberg created meaningful friendships, experiences, and unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever.
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Email Ana Isabella Villarreal: [email protected]