Zachary Strickland’s Story

This summer, I was privileged to be chosen to participate in NSCC’s International Days in Social Work, hosted by the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, located in Linz, Austria. During this learning experience abroad, I had the opportunity to take part in group discussions, lectures, and workshops with instructors from across the globe, who shared their expertise, lived experiences, and diverse perspectives on topics related to social work and human rights.

One of the highlights of the conference was the World Café, where each school was given the opportunity to present and explain aspects of their home society, culture, education system, and cuisine. It was an incredible chance not only to represent Nova Scotia but also to learn from others and engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Beyond the academic component, I was also fortunate to explore many different places, including Toronto, Linz, Vienna, Sankt Wolfgang, and London, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences.

This learning opportunity has had a lasting impact on me. The depth of culture, history, and knowledge I was exposed to has broadened my understanding of the world and my place within it. I now carry these insights with me into future academic and professional settings, as well as personal relationships. I was educated in ways I never expected—through both structured learning and informal cultural immersion.

While abroad, I focused not only on the content being taught but also on the relationships and networking aspects of being surrounded by students who shared similar goals and values in social work. I often took initiative in bringing people together—organizing group activities like a night of karaoke and an evening by the water. While my original goal was simply to build friendships and create a sense of community, I came to realize that these efforts greatly enhanced the overall impact of the conference. Several instructors approached me at the end to thank me for playing a key role in making the conference more unified and engaging. As a result, I was presented with a university sweater and given direct contact information by instructors for future conversations and collaboration.

There were many things that surprised me during my time abroad. Each place I visited had unique aspects that set it apart from Nova Scotia. For example, in Linz, I found that most goods and services were relatively less expensive, while in Vienna, the cost of living was noticeably higher. The architecture was especially striking—most buildings were made of stone and featured intricate carvings and statues, which contrasted sharply with the wood and plastic construction common in Nova Scotia. One of the most surprising differences was the cost of education. While a student at the Austrian university might pay roughly $400 per year, the average tuition in Nova Scotia is around $9,000 annually.

Overall, this experience changed me both personally and professionally. I’ve grown in my ability to lead, connect with others across cultures, and adapt to new environments. I’ve developed communication, teamwork, and networking skills that I will carry forward into my future education and career. Most importantly, I’ve returned with a broader, more informed worldview and a deeper appreciation for the values of inclusion, empathy, and global citizenship that lie at the heart of social work.