Isabelle C. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"I think it is less about where you go, but more about just going! Austria was not my first choice and I was so worried about not loving it but now I could not imagine going anywhere else!"
ISABELLE C.
Exchange student at the Management Centre Innsbruck, Austria
Winter semester
Studying Management Economics and Finance
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
The amazing people I met, I made the best of friends, and the traveling I got to do!
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
Honestly, I did not have any culture shock at all, most things are quite similar. The main adjustments would be the language (German) but most locals speak some English and it's not hard to learn the basic German phrases, so it's not a problem at all. The only other adaptation would be that Germans/Austrians can be less outspoken or more quiet but this was easy to adapt to and fascinating to learn about their culture.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
Croatia was probably my favourite (outside of Austria of course)! I also loved Switzerland and Spain. Innsbruck is very central so I would 100% recommend studying there if you want to get a lot of travelling in, however Innsbruck itself is so beautiful you may not want to leave!
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
I think it is less about where you go, but more about just going! Austria was not my first choice and I was so worried about not loving it but now I could not imagine going anywhere else! There are amazing people, places and experiences everywhere so don't be so picky with where you apply, you can have an amazing experience anywhere!
- What was your best learning moment?
I think I left my study abroad experience with the overwhelming feeling that I could do anything! I have never doubted that, but the amount of things I accomplished, specifically doing things alone really gave me so much confidence in myself.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
I was very sad to leave my mom and boyfriend however, it's only four months, which in the grand scheme of things that is a very short time so I focused my energy on maximizing my experience and not on focusing on what I was missing. I also had the privilege of having both of them as well as three of my best friends come to visit me, all at different times throughout my semester. That was amazing getting to show them my new home and also travel to a new place with each of them, and having a trip with them to look forward to is definitely helpful.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
My roommate Maria. She was also an exchange student from Finland and we clicked immediately, I think a lot of the reason my experience was so easy and fun was because I had her. I love her more than life, it's so hard going from living in the same room to oceans apart but we talk almost every day. I am hoping to go to Finland in the next 8 months, and her come to Canada in the next year or two.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
I have recommended exchange to so many friends and colleagues and many are going this year or applying to go next year! I would say, why not? I literally cannot think of a single reason to not go, except that it is expensive, but money comes back (hopefully) and time does not. I know travel is a huge privilege and I think if you have the means to, you should take advantage of it because you will learn so much about the world, yourself and potentially what you want out of this life!
- What are your packing recommendations?
I don't have many recommendations except, I actually wish I brought more "going out" tops because I was going out all the time, especially the first month as they host tons of events for exchange students. Definitely bring a rain jacket. Also! I did not know there was no Sephora in Austria so bring all your skincare & makeup, I ran out of a few things right when I got there but I could not repurchase them there LOL :)
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
It would be helpful to know German but it is okay if you don't. I did not know any German and got on just fine, it is a very international setting there with most people speaking 2-3 languages, one of those being English. They also offer German courses if you are interested in learning :)
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
There is no on-campus living in Innsbruck but there are various student dorms around the city. I lived in one of these student dorms and that is exactly what I would recommend. It is the best way to meet other students and exchange students specifically. If you message me I can tell you the dorms I recommend! You need to apply super early though.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I am a Co-op student, so I moved home after my second year of university. I worked full time on Co-op through Summer & Fall 2022 (for 8 months) while living at home so I was able to save a bunch of money for exchange. My exchange didn't start till March so I also worked part-time Jan & Feb before my semester started to save additional money. Living at home my full third year was definitely a sacrifice because I wasn't with my friends in Guelph but it made the most sense to save money. My parents also helped me to the same extent that they helped me in Guelph, but I definitely would not have been able to do it without Co-op. If you are not in Co-op I recommend working full time for two summers to save up and potentially part time while in school as well. There are also some grants through U of G.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
The majority of classes I took were general business. I couldn't take anything really out of the box as I had to stay within an MCI major but my favourite was definitely international business, it's something I am interested in even at home but it was great to hear the unique perspective on it.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Do it!!!! I may even apply to do it again! If you have questions I would be happy to help.
