Emily Macaskill's story
Category:
Study abroad student
Country:
Austria
This program is more than just an exchange of information; it enhances how social work connects people across borders and how our shared values of dignity, equity, and justice take different forms in different cultural and political contexts. Throughout the program, I gained skills that will strengthen me both in my education and future career. I found it fascinating to see the difference in the cost of schooling in Nova Scotia versus Austria. This emphasized how policies and societal priorities shape access to education and opportunity. Participating in this program sparked a desire to continue traveling and learning internationally. Experiencing the program in Austria opened my eyes to different ways of addressing social issues and the benefits of engaging with diverse cultures and systems to expand both my personal growth and professional understanding.
This program included lectures taught by international instructors, interactions with students from around the world, site visits, and reflective debriefings. During a visit to Mount St. Wolfgang, we had to take a cart, the “Schafbergbahn,” up the mountain to an elevation of around 17832 vertical meters. This was the first time our whole program group met in person. On the way up, our group kept joking, “Imagine if the cart went backwards!” and suddenly, it stopped abruptly. One of my group members was sent flying forward into the person in front of them. The moment broke the ice with a group of Italian students, and along the way, we started talking with them and making new connections. We later transferred to another cart, and the rest of the trip was smooth, allowing us to enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery.
One of the most striking parts of the program for me was the role of language. I am not bilingual, and English is the universal language. At the same time, the majority of participants spoke English, which was rarely anyone’s first language. Yet, everyone was able to engage in meaningful, thoughtful conversations in what was often their second or even seventh language. What I noticed was people apologizing for their English, but I was consistently impressed by their skill and effort. I did my best to speak German and even tried Dutch, but I wasn't as impressive. Observing this put my own abilities and stage in life into perspective. It reminded me how much I can grow and how valuable curiosity, humility, and openness are in both personal and professional development.
Experiencing this program at this period in my life as a student, early in my social work career, gave me a unique perspective. Being younger and still building my professional identity allowed me to approach new ideas and cultural differences with curiosity and openness. It also made me more self-aware of how much I can grow, both personally and professionally. I was inspired by the knowledge, confidence, and adaptability of the other participants, which gave me a clearer sense of the skills and resilience I want to develop. This experience has helped me see my place in the broader field of social work and has motivated me to embrace challenges and learning opportunities as I continue my journey. If you are thinking of applying for this opportunity, it doesn't hurt.