Here are a few movies you need to watch before you go to get you pumped about your trip. Or watch them after your trip when you are really missing the places you have already traveled to.
There are so many amazing countries to visit in Europe, you probably will never have enough time to see them all (even after a full semester of vacationing around).
We have semester abroad opportunities in Europe
You can even volunteer in an orphanage — learn more here
This is a classic you need to watch! Based off the true story of The Von Trapp Family singers right after World War II. Maria (Julia Andrews) becomes a governess in the Von Trapp's home and teaches the 7 children of Naval Captain Von Trapp how to love music and life. With classic songs and a great story line you'll probably become obsessed just like the rest of the world is.
Oh! Most ILP volunteers actual travel to Austria and are able to do a Sound of Music tour, where you can see where the movie was filmed. It's pretty amazing and Salzburg, Austria is absolutely beautiful!
Follow a woman who has just gone through a divorce and now on a journey to find out what is really important to her. She plans a year living abroad and her first stop is Italy. You will want to immediately pack your bags and go to Italy, never to come back again. You will also want to eat all of the Italian food, ever. A good watch if you want to make your wanderlust even worse!
If you want to experience some Paris magic, this one's for you!
A screenwriter is on a trip with his fiance's family in Paris and at midnight every night he mysteriously is taken back to the 1920's. As he goes back in time he learns more about himself and what he is really hoping to find. Paris + The 1920's = magic. Really. This is a great romantic comedy.
Here's a few tips on what to do in Paris if you go there with your ILP group.
This movie will shed a little more light on the Holocaust era and the saddening events of what happened during that time.
Bruno, a young boy whose father is a commander for the Nazi's moves to the countryside because his father has been promoted to a new position. Bruno quickly realizes there are people near his home working behind fences. He makes friends with a young boy who is living behind those fences - in what turns out to be a concentration camp. They become good friends and often meet at the fence. I won't spoil the ending of the film but be prepared for an emotional story.
When you spend a semester volunteering in Europe you and your ILP group can plan a trip to Poland to visit The Auschwitz Concentration Camp and learn more of its history. It's an amazing and sobering experience.
Are you obsessed with Greece? If not, you will be after watching this movie.
Sophie, a free-spirited girl wants to find out who her father is before she gets married. She secretly invites 3 men who could be her father to her wedding and of course this brings awkward situations, fun songs all placed in the ever gorgeous Greece. Sophie's mom sees all her old loves and learns that it is never too late for a little bit of romance. Okay, you've good to see it at least once! one of the best parts of this movie is the soundtrack is full of ABBA's classic songs.
Two For The Road
A British comedy starring Audrey Hepburn (it's already wonderful!). This follows a couple who has been married for 12 years on a road trip where they examine their marriage and learn more about each other. The scenery is insanely beautiful and you see some great parts of France.
You're ready for a semester in Europe
If volunteering in a Romanian orphanage or or semester abroad in Ukraine sounds good to you, click the button below to learn more about the ILP experience.