Ashley MacDonald's Story
Category:
Study abroad student
Country:
Austria
The next day was Sunday, and we had the day to ourselves. We decided as a group to take a train to visit the city of Vienna. I was in shock of how beautiful this city. The statues, the stonework and the culture were like nothing I have ever seen. During this adventure, we explored many very famous locations. We went to art museums and gardens. I must say that my favourite attraction in Vienna was the Coliseum tour. It was the most beautiful chapel that I have ever seen. The tour of the basement and underground tunnels was rich in history. After spending the day together, our group was beginning to become closer. It was an amazing feeling of acceptance.
On Monday, we all went on a cultural day trip to St. Wolfgang. It was breathtaking. We boarded a small chain-driven train and began our ascent up the mountain. Something on the train broke, and we had to switch to another, but we made it to the top all the same. It was gorgeous at the top; you could see for miles. I spent the next hour taking pictures and posing with my new friends. We descended down the mountain and explored the village at the bottom. There were many different shops and places to buy food. We then went on a boat ride across a lake. It was kind of like a ferry with different ports along the lakeside. It had amazing views but was very crowded. When we got back to the hotel, we continued exploring Linz on foot and by electric scooters.
On the fourth day, our lectures officially started and were amazing presentations. Throughout the rest of the week, we learned a great deal and gained valuable perspective. We had group discussions, and I had the honour of talking about the residential schools in Canada. Many other nations were unaware that these places even existed. We had lectures on Ace scores, sex work, diversity, incarcerated women and racism. I think the most interesting for me was the presentation by “Lena”. The presentation was on support for female sex workers. I couldn’t wrap my head around prostitution being legal in other parts of the world. It is illegal where I live, and for some reason, I thought this was a universal rule. I realized in some cultures it is just a normal job. I came out of this lecture with more respect and understanding. We also had the opportunity to visit a group home for incarcerated men with disabilities and one of the correctional camps that were located nearby. I learned a great deal of history on the conservation camp tour. There was one room filled with the names of the deceased, and it became very emotional for a lot of people.
I gained many skills during this experience, such as confidence, acceptance, time management, collaboration, teamwork and critical thinking. This experience changed me for the better. I went completely out of my comfort zone. I learned new things about culture, language and myself. I learned I shouldn’t hold back; I need to take risks. This one really paid off. I met so many amazing connections and people who would become my good friends. I learned not to second-guess myself and to make sure that my voice is heard. I learned that there is more to life, with adventures waiting for you to take that leap. I came home feeling very jet-lagged, but I had changed. I am rejuvenated, renewed and ambitious. I am ready to take on the world and to help change it for the better, one person at a time. I am ready to share what I have learned and hope to inspire others in the same way this trip has inspired me.