Program and Location:

Fall, Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna, Austria

Major/Minor:

Business administration major with a minor in accounting.

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I wanted to immerse myself in another culture and surround myself with people who were different from me. I was also eager to experience new things that I would not encounter in the USA. This motivated me to step outside my comfort zone and enter a new environment.

How did you pick your program?

I knew that I wanted to study abroad in a large, bustling city, and Vienna seemed to be the best choice for me. Its central location in Europe makes it easy to travel to nearby cities, and Austria’s beautiful Alps offer incredible opportunities for exploration. In addition, Vienna’s rich history and strong artistic heritage were especially appealing, as I was eager to learn more about both.

What is something you learned about yourself? How are you different? How are you the same? Or, what did you realize about your own culture by living in another one?

I became much more open to trying new experiences on my own. I had always been hesitant to go places alone, but after going abroad I grew far more comfortable spending time with myself and seeking out solo experiences. I also went through some culture shock. For example, I had to unlearn my habit of smiling at people as I passed them on the street.

What advice would you give to another student?

I would encourage other students to attend events that push them outside their comfort zone. Looking back, I wish I had gone to more activities when I first arrived so I could have met even more people. I would also suggest spending time in your host country and appreciating everything it has to offer. Some of my favorite days in Vienna were spent simply wandering the city and discovering charming local spots.

How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them abroad? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?

I took a Mergers and Acquisitions class while I was in Vienna, and it was highly interactive, which surprised me because my classes at NC State tend to be more lecture-oriented. In this M&A course, we worked through numerous case studies and participated in role-playing exercises to simulate real-world scenarios, which helped me as I am a hands-on learner. Additionally, my finance class was also more interactive than those I have taken at NC State. We had weekly sessions where we presented our homework solutions to a small group, pushing me to learn the material well enough to explain it. This resulted in a stronger understanding of the course.

Would you do it again?

I would absolutely do it again. The experiences I gained while I was abroad could not be replicated here. I was able to go outside my comfort zone, explore beautiful places, and become friends with people from all over the world.