Each spring I take Asbury University students to Berlin and Krakow to study aspects of the Holocaust. We learn about the euthanasia efforts in Nazi-Germany as well as the concentration and extermination camp system. Among other events, students are led through guided tours of Sachsenhausen, Ravensbruck, and Auschwitz. Accounts of the victims, perpetrators, bystanders, and rescuers, are each confronted and considered by the students as they attempt to wade into the perplexing waters of the what, how, and whys of these horrible events. Furthermore, the holocaust narrative is used as a portal into a raw and unvarnished examination of the darkness that besets the human condition. To learn more about these trips (non-AU students are welcome to apply), visit the Asbury University website.
Germany/Poland ’23, Day 13
So Long, Kraków Today was our last day in Kraków, and indeed our last day of the tour. It was basically “Free Kraków” – however,
Germany/Poland ’23, Day 12
Auschwitz I and II Today we went to a place where language does not follow. A mere description of our day is all we have
Germany/Poland ’23, Day 11
A Little Bit of Everything Our first full day in Kraków provided us the opportunity to cover a lot of bases. We peeked into St.
Germany/Poland ’23, Day 10
Travel to Kraków, Poland Short and sweet review for today. Thursday was almost entirely spent in the coach traveling from Berlin to Kraków. We were
Germany/Poland ’23, Day 9
Distance The word “distance” seems, in many ways, to be a fitting description of our experience today. For starters, our destination, Ravensbrück Concentration Camp, was
Germany/Poland ’23, Day 8
A U.S. Embassy visit and a bit more of “Free Berlin” On Tuesday, we had the privilege of meeting with two U.S. Embassy officials, Robert
Germany/Poland ’23, Day 7
Free Berlin Day! Today we had the entire day to explore Berlin and follow our own interests. For the students, this included the zoo and
Germany/Poland ’23, Day 6
Churches and Museums On this Mother’s Day, many students started off by attending a service at the Berliner Dom while others went to St. Mary’s,