Nearly six months ago, I was packing my bags in Sydney, Australia, and preparing myself for a thirty-hour solo journey to the other side of the world. While I was incredibly excited to start my exchange experience, Australia already felt a world away before I had even boarded my plane. At my home institute, Macquarie University, I study both law and international studies, majoring in German studies, as part of a double degree. Naturally, I was over the moon to arrive in Vienna and completely immerse myself in the German language and Austrian culture, but it was nerve-wracking to set off on an adventure in a completely new city and a completely different language.
Now, I’m writing this only a few weeks away from flying home again, and I’m dreading the thirty-hour flight just the same! My exchange has been such a wonderful and eye-opening experience. I’ve become more independent and confident in myself by learning so much and meeting so many amazing people in one of the most gorgeous cities in the world.
Why choose Vienna?
Choosing Vienna was never a tough choice for me. Since starting my degree nearly four years ago, I knew I wanted to do an exchange here. The University of Vienna has such a long and rich history and the city itself is gorgeous with an unending number of things to do and see. As a German language student, Vienna was even more enticing: my education in high school and university has always focused largely on Germany, with a smattering of Swiss- and Austrian-isms. I can now safely say that I know how to order a Semmel, ask for a Sackerl, and not say “lecker” (apparently, it’s too German).
In the end, Austria and Australia aren’t all that different, despite the obvious lack of kangaroos here. Vienna, like Sydney, has some incredibly gorgeous architecture, delicious food and lovely people, and while I do miss eating Vegemite and TimTams (Australian delicacies) and having easy access to the beach, I have found myself so at home in Vienna and don’t want to ever leave.
Being an exchange student also does come with being a student, funnily enough. My education hasn’t just been on the streets of Vienna, but in the classrooms, and I’ve been able to take so many amazing and unique classes here that I could never have imagined being able to take in Australia. There are also new things about the Austrian university systems that I have gotten to know since arriving. In Australia, I have never heard of a class with final exams worth 100 percent of the entire grade. However, in Vienna I’m finding myself holed up in the gorgeous Universitätsbibliothek, cramming an entire course’s content in the last few weeks of the semester. Lecture halls are always filled with students here, but I can’t always rely on lecture recordings if I can’t make a class. I have also loved exploring the university’s campus throughout the city, however, I do miss the community of Macquarie University where essentially every building was all in one place.
I think the best thing I have found in Vienna is being able to meet people from all over the world! While Macquarie University has over 10,000 international students, I have noticed that it is common for students in Europe to move away from home to study. Since coming on my exchange, I have met people from every single continent. Exchange has also made it so much easier here to travel and see the world! Something as simple as hopping on a bus, train or plane for an hour and ending up in an entirely new country blows this Australian’s mind, so I definitely haven’t taken the opportunity for granted.
Challenges on Exchange
Of course, some challenges came alongside studying abroad, but I think one of the most rewarding things about being overseas was being able to overcome any problems and still enjoy my time immensely. Coming to an entirely new city and needing to learn quickly how to navigate daily life while trying to build a social circle and get into the routine of chores, study and sight-seeing is a lot to deal with all at once. Thankfully there were plenty of support networks offered both by Macquarie University and the University of Vienna. I definitely found ESN (Erasmus Student Network) and the associated resources handy (e.g. the Buddy program). My mobility coordinator (the member of staff who you can write about class choices and requirements) at the University of Vienna was also very helpful. I am leaving this experience with so many life-long friendships, independence and a better understanding of the German language and Austrian life.
Want to Study Abroad?
If you are reading this article currently and debating whether you should go on exchange, I would say “What are you waiting for?!” If you have the means and inclination – do it! I honestly can’t recommend my exchange experience enough, and I’m sure any other exchange student at the University of Vienna would tell you the exact same thing. This is one of the best experiences of my life and something I won’t ever forget. I have learnt so much, made so many friends across the world and fallen even more deeply in love with the German language. I already know that as soon as I land in Sydney, all I will be doing is saving up so I can come straight back.
If you are interested in going on exchange to Australia, visit the International Office’s website – the Non-EU Student Exchange Program offers students of the University of Vienna the possibility of spending one or two semesters at a partner university in North or Latin America, Australia, Asia, and Africa.
For more information on Macquarie University, Bridget’s home university, follow this link. Macquarie University is a partner university in the University of Vienna’s Non-EU Student Exchange Program.
