Billy Joel was right! It seems ?Vienna [has been waiting] for me? my entire life. I listened to his song every day leading up to this trip in hopeful anticipation. Though my life had already begun, going abroad felt like a new beginning. I was about to spread my wings and waltz from my comfortable little nest into a life of spontaneity, discovery and well, lots of coffee. I was so excited! How could I not be? I was also equally nervous. While I didn?t have any expectations of what it would be like, the thought of moving to a country I?d never been to, not knowing German and planning how I?d balance school and traveling seemed both challenge and an opportunity for exponential growth.
The city of Vienna quickly become my home. I told my mom on day two that ?I was a local? because I had figured out how to use the public transportation system; something I?ve never used before in the U.S. While Vienna is a large city, it welcomed me with a warm invitation and cozy cafes. It is easy to wander off on foot and spontaneously discover your new favorite coffee shop or kebab stand. The city takes your breath away with its beautiful architecture and historical stories. You really learn to appreciate beauty on a whole new level studying abroad, especially here in Vienna. What I love most is wandering around the city without a destination. Having no obligation to go or be anywhere is the most freeing thing I?ve experienced. Life as an Austrian involves taking time to be present and enjoy life. Spending Sunday strolling around the city and hopping around caf?s till you are coffee-d out. To my surprise, Austrians walk unusually fast. Make sure to stand on the right side of the elevator or get out of the way when someone is exiting the subway. During my time here, I?ve learned how to speak a couple of phrases in German, navigate the city, throw together spontaneous travel trips real quick, be content with independence and silence and soak in all the gifts Europe continues to reveal each day.?
This past month, I?ve spent most of my time traveling and meeting people from around the world through an orientation and culture program offered through my university. It?s been so eye-opening and exciting to hear about the lives of other students. While so different, I felt a sense of unity between us and was excited to learn more about the rest of the world through students who were experiencing studying abroad as I was. Our campus, called ?WU? houses the most modern buildings I?ve ever seen. I could study anywhere, but only at WU would I get an education on the set of something between The Hunger Games and Star Trek. Classes have only just begun and the workload seems heavier than I expected but nonetheless I am excited to work with my group project. We are all from a different country, how cool is that!!
This trip has been an opportunity of a lifetime, my greatest joy and everlasting memory! Don?t hesitate to live a full life. Buy that ticket, learn a new language and spread your wings – see where the wind takes you.
Our campus!
Friends from around the world!