Belgium and the Netherlands, two influential nations in Northwestern Europe, play a huge role in shaping the world order. They function as Europe’s central logistical, political, and economic hub. They drive trade through massive ports, host critical international institutions, and maintain high-value innovation in technology and agriculture.
Brussels, from its multi-ethnic origins and WWI battlegrounds, has emerged as the capital of the EU. The Hague (Den Haag) in the Netherlands is the home of the International Criminal Court (ICC). These cities and institutions are shaped by the legacy of both World Wars and the lessons learned from conflict.
Several Upper School students, along with three faculty chaperones, spent their spring break exploring how these two countries shape our world and experiencing local life and culture. From the hallowed ground of Flanders Fields in Belgium to the hidden annex where Anne Frank authored her diary in Amsterdam, students encountered stories of heroism and resilience at every turn.
They also studied the beautiful canals that power the region and gained a deeper understanding of the ramifications of war and the future of peace. And, no trip to this region would be complete without sampling the delicious food along the way, including the famous French fries and waffles.
Brussels
The trip began in Brussels with a visit to the Atomium, an iconic 102-meter-tall monument, originally built for the 1958 World’s Fair. It represents an iron crystal unit cell symbolizing the scientific, peaceful use of atomic energy.
Stepping beyond the tourist’s view, students connected with a local to explore the city’s neighborhoods and learned how Belgium became the center of the European Union. They met with local European government parties and offices to learn about how the EU operates today. Later, a visit to the Parlamentarium, the EU’s parliament visitor center, offered a chance to engage with the EU’s concepts and ideals.
Ghent & Ypres
On the French border, Ypres served as the students’ gateway to the history of the First World War. They explored the impact and legacy of WWI at the Flanders Fields Museum, and, as they visited key sites and memorials in and around the city, they considered the connection between WWI and international policy today.
In Ghent, they met with locals to see how this city takes contemporary issues to heart and embraces sustainable development goals. Then they hopped a train from Ghent to Bruges for the day to explore the picturesque streets and canals of the city. Once back in Ghent, they connected with a professor from the College of Europe and ended the day with a praline chocolate workshop and tasting before turning their sights to traveling to the Netherlands the next day.
Rotterdam
On a morning train, students crossed the border into the Netherlands, where they spent time unpacking Rotterdam’s history with a local guide. Reconstructed after losing up to 90% of the city center in a single WWII bombing, Rotterdam offered an eye-opening experience to explore the city’s unique architecture and forward-thinking urban planning. Today, Rotterdam has become a hub for startups, and our students enjoyed the exciting opportunity to connect with local leaders. The day concluded with an Indonesian Rijsttafel, a traditional meal that reflects the complex history of colonization and migration between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
The next day, students grabbed a quick regional train from Rotterdam to Den Haag before touring the city, stopping at key historic sites, and taking in views along the coast. They visited the Peace Palace and the International Court of Justice and explored what makes Den Haag the legal capital of the world. Next was a visit to the Mauritshuis Art Museum for a guided tour, including a deep dive into the meaning of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Amsterdam
Students and chaperones added a new form of transportation to their itinerary with a boat ride to Kinderdijk, the UNESCO Heritage site known for its historic, still-functioning windmills. They wandered the picturesque canals and pathways to learn how centuries of wind power have shaped the country. They even stopped at a working farm for a topping-soaked pancake lunch where they enjoyed petting goats, pigs, ponies, and lambs. After walking along the Maeslantkering, the storm-surge barrier that protects Europe’s largest seaport, students wandered the streets with a local historian.
On day two in Amsterdam, students toured the storied rooms of the Anne Frank Museum and explored the legacy of the renowned diary, both locally and globally. They explored the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam before heading to the Rijksmuseum to explore Dutch history and art, including more Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt, notably The Night Watch.
The students’ final day of the trip included a visit to the Dutch Resistance Museum, where they learned about the stories of everyday Dutch people during WWII. After a quick lunch and souvenir shopping at the incredible Albert Cuyp Market, they cruised Amsterdam’s canals and gained a different perspective on this amazing city. The trip closed with a final dinner together in a former maritime district.
Upper School History Teacher Kristin Roberts said, “Our spring break trip to Belgium and the Netherlands was memorable for many reasons. We even lucked out with sunny weather and no rain, and enjoyed a wide range of cultural and historical experiences. It was wonderful to watch our students’ curiosity and joy as they made new MICDS friends, navigated public transportation, tried new foods, explored tougher historical topics, and asked thoughtful questions of our guides. We saw and did so much, and I am incredibly proud of our students for being such fantastic travel companions! While I hope they came away with a deeper appreciation for the history and cultures of these nations, I also hope it sparked a desire to continue exploring and experiencing other parts of our world.”
Sam Glasser ’26 said, “The reason I went on this trip was to spend more time with my siblings before I went off to college, so of course, this was my favorite part of the trip. I also wanted to see where my familial lineage is from and where my grandma was raised. Going on the trip allowed me to compare how the EU manages the proximity of its countries and how they run the government compared to the USA.”
As the students returned to St. Louis, the trip served as a powerful reminder that history does not live solely in textbooks, but in the people, places, and cultures that define our world.