Greenheart Travel

Author: Lydie Donatello

Holidays Abroad: Celebrating Outside of My Comfort Zone in Austria

The holidays are typically about staying in your comfort zone. Though my family celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah, the big hype is usually Hanukkah. Every year we invite at least 20-40 of our closest friends, eat endless amounts of latkes and bagels, say the Hanukkah prayer and enjoy each other’s company for hours.

This year is slightly different since I’m studying in Austria. Well, it’s actually more than slightly different. For one, it’s the first Christmas I’m not with my family. It’s also my first time not celebrating Hanukkah unless you count my family and I lighting the menorah over Skype a Hanukkah celebration. This was my first holiday season outside of my comfort zone.

From Santa Claus to Christkind

Every country has their own customs. Growing up, I thought Santa Claus was a universal thing and that everyone shared the myth of him and his reindeer. However, in Austria, there is no fat, old man in a red suit who stuffs himself down your chimney. Instead they have Christkind. Christkind is an almost angelic figure who comes through the window to deliver your gifts.

The best word in German to describe an Austrian Christmas is “gemütlichkeit.” This phrase is a very well known here and basically translates to coziness, relaxing or just anything to do with being comfortable.

How Christmas Day is Celebrated in Austria

We woke up bright and early on the 24th, which is Christmas day here. For breakfast we ate bread with cheese and meat. Bread is a pretty huge part of the culture. At breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can expect lots of bread.

Around 11 or so we arrived at the town square (Hauptplatz) where the crowds warmed up on punsch. This warmed juice with alcohol is a Christmas custom. Punsch comes in many flavors, but marillen (apricot) is the more traditional one.

The streets are closed off at this point and a bunch of men on horses come trotting down to the middle of the block. A wagon pulls up with a very talented elderly man and a woman who start singing the infamous Christmas carol “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night). A candle lighting ceremony (“Light of Peace from Bethlehem”) begins shortly after. We carry our lit candles back home.

Every year children reenact the story of Mary and Joseph at the local church. It’s the one day of the year the majority of Korneuburg goes and watches the show for half an hour or so. It was one of my first times being in a church for some kind of religious ceremony. I admit, I was a tad clueless about the story of Mary and Joseph myself, so it was nice to finally see it in person.

We returned home and my host sisters and I all waited in the younger one’s bedroom for twenty minutes. The sound of a bell was our cue to come to the living room. The Christmas tree (christbaum) was decked out with lit candles, süßigkeiten (candy) and ornaments. Handmade weihnachtskekse (cookies) lay on the table, my host mom played her flute and we sang German Christmas carols together as a family for half an hour.

New Year’s Day and the Days of the Three Kings

The rest of my holidays went by fast. Sylvester (New Years) is a pretty big event as well. Every year on New Year’s Day there is a huge concert in Vienna that lasts for three hours and is the highlight of the day. You supposedly have to buy the tickets five years in advance and the “cheapest” ticket is 1,000 euro (1,051 USD). But, no need to fret or empty your wallets. There is a live TV version, as well.

January 3rd through 5th are the days of the three kings. Children of each town dress up as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar (the three Wise Men). It surprised me that the children dressed as Balthazar — a biblical king from Africa — had their faces painted black. I realize this ancient tradition isn’t intended to mock Africans, but it did make me uncomfortable. As someone who stands with the Black Lives Matter community, it felt strange seeing “blackface” in person.

Though it isn’t a practice I personally agree with, I reminded myself I am living in and learning about a different culture. These were innocent kids and to them, this holiday is an old tradition of playing dress up and collecting money for charity.

Winter break of 2016 has been different, but a good experience. I learned new ways to celebrate the holidays while reflecting on my own traditions as well. So far, 2017 has started on a pretty good note and I’m hoping it’ll keep going up from here.

Frohe Weihnachten!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to celebrate the holidays in another country?

December 7, 2020
6 Ways I Handled Reverse Culture Shock After Studying Abroad

Exchange students love to post blogs about their life abroad, usually providing advice on how to get around or how to spend your time in your host country to its fullest. However, it seems as if nobody wants to talk about their post-exchange feelings, unless it’s in a sappy way. Not that I have anything against sappy — heck, this post might even get a bit sappy later on. While your exchange may seem like the highlight of your life and it may not seem possible that life could go on after you return, it does.

This blog post will touch on how applying my experience from abroad to my life back “home” helped me cope with the sadness of returning to a place I could no longer relate to. Flashback to July of 2017: I had just returned to Chicago from a year in Austria and it still hadn’t hit me that I would no longer ride my bike to Korneuburg Bahnhof to catch the Schnellzug (express train) into Vienna anymore, or go to Festls (imagine the Perry’s stage at Lollapalooza, but like in the middle of nowhere in some field) with my friends from Gymnasium, or belch the lyrics to Toxic by Britney Spears in the kitchen with my host sisters.

I can no longer run into building like this in Vienna on a regular basis!?

Not to sound overly dramatic, but it really felt as if I had been ripped away from a place of growth and carefree-ness. Spending ten months in a place where nobody knows you or who you were back at home, only to have to go back can be a really traumatic experience, in the most first-world-problems kind of way. Back in the States, I felt aloof, depressed, distant, and alone. Worse, it seemed nobody cared or was even curious about my experiences. They were almost annoyed or intimidated by it, including my own friends and family.

It took me about nine months to move on mentally. What really helped was moving in with my aunt to a suburb an hour outside of Chicago and enrolling in the local community college.

I realized I didn’t necessarily miss Austria (not to say I don’t love Austria), but what I really missed was the feeling of being new to somewhere.

I wanted to be anywhere other than Chicago, which was a shocker because before I left for Austria I was always downtown.

Having a chance to start over in a new place and at a new school with people I didn’t know and who didn’t know me was like taking a breath of fresh air all over again. On top of starting this “new” life, here are some things I did over the past year to help me cope:

1. Talking to my high school German class about my year abroad – in German.

Even though I was really nervous (and made a ton of grammatical errors) it was still an indescribable experience to talk with students whose shoes I had so recently been in. I focused on living in a German-speaking country and how that experience helped me improve my language skills and become more comfortable with myself as a person.

2. Looking back on the positives.

Things like how my year abroad helped me with public speaking, networking, translating, becoming more self-sufficient, etc. Living abroad really makes you realize you have to be your own best cheerleader and how to advocate for yourself. As someone who has suffered from anxiety from a young age, the experience made me realize how far I’ve grown mentally and how un-afraid I now am.

3. Running the sociology club and hosting exchange students at our meetings.

At my local community college, a couple friends and I re-started the defunct sociology club. One of our activities was to invite exchange students as individual guest speakers to our club meetings so they could introduce themselves and talk about their country. As a former exchange student, I know how lonely living abroad can be. To have an outlet to meet new people and talk about your culture is a great opportunity.

4. Continuing to perfect my German.

After making good progress learning the language in Austria, it would have been a shame to return to the States and not continue my studies. I believe it is essential be able to communicate in multiple languages. Within the past year, I’ve signed up for four German courses. I still wouldn’t consider myself fluent, but it’s a start.

5. Meeting up with other people interested in the language.

Before coming back “home,” one of my biggest fears was that I would lose all my German, as there are few to no German speakers in the Chicago area of whom I am aware. However, I was fortunate enough to meet some people on my campus who also took an interest in German. We would try to meet once or twice a week to converse, which was a great bonding experience.

6. Watching German TV series and listening to music.

When learning a new language it is really helpful to switch your phone and Netflix account to that language. Creating a Spotify playlist with songs in the language is also a great way to immerse yourself and you can learn new vocab and idioms. It’s a also great way to learn what is actually said in that country, rather than what is academically correct.

All in all, being on exchange is an amazing experience, and I can see how people would think it would be the highlight of their lives; but what people don’t realize is that the year(s) following your exchange can be equally as life-changing.

You come back a completely different person, and your whole view on the world, and life as you knew it before you left your hometown, change.

Coming back home may seem like a total drag (and in most instances it is), but you need that experience of coming back to make you realize that maybe the place you spend x amount of years in/grew up in probably isn’t the place for you, or maybe you start to.

Interested in studying abroad in Austria too? Learn more here:

August 25, 2018
Through Silja’s Eyes: My Austrian Host Sister Visits Me in America
From seeing tall buildings such as The Sears Tower (no, I will not acknowledge it as the “Willis” Tower) to exploring the streets of Pilsen and Chinatown, 18 year old Silja Kulnik, from Korneuburg — a small city outside of Vienna, Austria’s capital — saw it all. Throughout these past two weeks, she has experienced not only what a Chicago summer looks like, but a slice of what life is like in the United States.

For those of you who do not know me and happened to stumble upon this blog post, I lived in Austria from the Fall of 2016 through the Summer of 2017 as an exchange student during a gap year (for those who are also thinking about taking a year off of school for a life adventure, here is my blog post). Seven and a half out of my ten months abroad I lived at the Kulnik household in Korneuburg and Silja was one of my host sisters. Living abroad for the first time in my life, I found plenty of differences between Austrian and American culture. However, one doesn’t need to be abroad that long to spot some differences.

Silja couldn’t have arrived at a more iconic time — the Fourth of July. On her first day, she and I woke up bright and early and headed with my friend to the local Oak Park parade. Since it was her first time in the USA, it was only appropriate to show her everything that holiday has to offer. We ended the night watching the fireworks at my former high school, Oak Park and River Forest High School, and then went back to my place with a party of friends. We spent the night talking, laughing and eating watermelon, waving sparklers and trying not to be freaked out by the massive artillery blowing up right in the alley. Americans do love their explosions.

One of the biggest differences between Vienna and Chicago for Silja was the architecture. As a fan of mechanical engineering, architecture and history, the concrete jungle of Chicago was a good match for her. “In Chicago, there are many new buildings made of steel, concrete and glass. That’s very different than in Austria/Vienna; where there are many buildings made of stone. Besides that, the buildings in Chicago were strikingly taller than every building in Vienna.”

She then went on to say that not only do the buildings look different, they are arranged differently in that that in most European cities there are many small, branched streets that follow no pattern. In Chicago it is more of an “artificial/man-made” city (künstliche Stadt), arranged on a grid. She did find the grid helped her tremendously while exploring the city as she was able to find her starting point. In Vienna, there is also a “ring” in the city that typically a city wall once stood on during the middle ages, another reminder of how old European cities are in comparison to those in America.

Some other “small things,” written in Silja’s words, she found different about America compared to Austria were:
1. There is air conditioning almost everywhere, while in Austria there are very few places that have it.
2. You turn the doorknobs instead of pushing them downwards.
3. The toilets have a lot more water than the ones in Austria.
4. The behavior in restaurants in America is a lot different than in Austria. In Austria, it’s common after finishing a meal to sit longer (at your table) and talk during this ‘longer stay.’ In America it’s frowned upon to linger after your meal.
5. Tips in America are also given to the waiter differently. In Austria you hand your waiter their tip while paying for your meal. In the United States it is left on the table.
Unlike Vienna, Chicago is also a racially diverse city filled with many people of a various ethnic backgrounds so Chinatown and Pilsen were highlights of her trip. One could consider Austria a more homogeneous country, which is why visiting different cultural areas around the city and trying different foods (including going to taquerias and Chinese cuisine) was a different — yet beautiful — experience for her.

Overall, it was an interesting two weeks filled with learning, trying and embracing new things for both of us. Very open about doing/trying new things, Silja was a wonderful addition to our household. It was a cool experience to not only have a relationship with someone where you can switch languages (in our instance, switching from German to English), have the tables turn and show her the place that I call home.

Interested in studying abroad in Austria and having a new host family of your own? Read more about our program by clicking here:
August 14, 2018
What Not to Say to a High School Student Studying Abroad
You will encounter many amazing things on your study abroad program, but you will also encounter things that really irk you. It’s inevitable. For example, friends from home or people from your host country may think they are saying the right thing, but it will have the opposite effect.

My post this month involves what not to say to high school exchange students; because, trust me, we probably already know or it’s potentially insensitive to us or our host community.

5 Things You Should Never Say to Students Studying Abroad:

“I miss you, come home!”

Just stop after saying, “I miss you.”

No, Susane, who I haven’t spoken to since sixth grade, you do not miss me. When you don’t ask how I’m doing, or how I’m adjusting to my new life, what you are really implying is that you want me home for your own selfish needs, or you are just filling up your Facebook feed.

Imagine the impact that kind of message could have on someone who is homesick or having a hard time adjusting.

When someone urges you to come home it feels like you are being asked not to change or grow. “Home” is now a relative term to me. My ‘home’ isn’t where I was a year ago because I’ve changed since moving to Austria. While I may return to Chicago, I will bring a part of Vienna ‘home’ with me.

Instead of encouraging me to return to my previous life, please encourage me to live life to its fullest in my host country.

A sign to learn German. Photo by Harold Groven.

“You should learn more ________.”

If I had a euro for every time I have heard “du musst mehr Deutsch lernen” (you have to learn more German), I could buy myself a new car. Thank you, Captain Obvious, for your astute observation. One of the reasons I’m studying in Austria is to learn the language. Learning a language along with a new culture in a short period of time is hard.

I understand that as a native you would like me to understand what you are saying, and be able to have a conversation without me having to look at a translator app. What you may not realize is that I would like the same thing, but I need the time and experience to get there. Pressuring me to be 100% fluent is not realistic. Expressing your opinion on my lack of language skills is not a “motivational tool”, and it’s counterproductive.

Instead, just please help me out. Feel free to correct me—I’ll appreciate it. It’s how I will learn.

“How is your trip going?”

It’s much more than a “trip.” This isn’t a weekend getaway to Miami. I’ve committed to living in a different culture in a different country on a different continent all while speaking a language I’m just learning. It’s called an “exchange” program rather than a ‘trip’ for a reason.

I’m living a whole other life. I understand that you mean well, but please consider the difference.

Anastasia with her area representative, Marion, in Austria.

“Why do you do ________ differently?”

Sigh.

I’m not from from around here. Because you have been doing something/living a certain way for however many years doesn’t mean everyone else around the world does it that way, too (I admit, I’ve had to learn this as well).

I won’t instinctively know your country’s mannerisms because I am not a native. That’s why I am here. To learn.

“How did your parents let you move away for a year? I could never do that!”

My parents “let” me live abroad because they understand how important it is to experience other cultures in order to grow (see above). They believe in me enough to provide me with this experience.

An exchange is about going outside of your comfort zone to expand your horizons. If you want to live in a little cultural bubble, go ahead.

When You Assume, You Make an…

Don’t assume that I’m stupid.

Just because I can’t articulate my thoughts properly in a second language doesn’t mean I’m unable to do it in my own language. Learning another language is extremely difficult and requires a lot of energy. When I take a little longer to reply, please understand I am literally switching over to a different vocabulary and grammar structure.

I am also sifting through cultural references, looking for related experiences. This can be overwhelming and exhausting. High school students abroad are some of the bravest people out there. Please don’t belittle or mock them because they aren’t quick to answer. They are trying their best!

Anastasia swinging with her host mother in Austria.

Don’t assume that since a couple of people from one country do something that everyone else from there does it, too.

Stereotypes are a tricky topic. It’s something we all do subconsciously. If we don’t have extensive knowledge about a culture, and are provided very little information about it apart from references such as Hollywood films, the wrong things are often blown way out of proportion.

This one cuts both ways, and I have heard it from both sides. For example, when you mention Austria and Germany to Americans, many of us immediately think of:
- Dancing in the mountains wearing Lederhosen and swinging a stein of beer (I’ve learned never to mention “The Sound of Music” to Austrians)
- Nazis and Hitler
When I have asked Austrians what they think about Americans, I have heard:
- We are fat and unhealthy people
- We all own guns
We all know not everyone does these things. Some Austrians wear traditional gear for special occasions and don’t support Hitler’s ‘beliefs’. And not every American is an unhealthy gun freak. Yet, we all still continue to push these overused stereotypes.

A figurine wearing Lederhosen and holding a stein.

It can be hard to say the ‘right thing’ to foreigners in your country. You never know how something might be interpreted differently in their homeland. Just try to educate yourself and use empathy. Make it an opportunity to learn about a different culture instead of shying away from it. And take precautions with your words.

What you may think is friendly or “just a joke” can be interpreted a different way and hurt someone’s feelings. Please be a good ambassador for your county and help us be great guests.

Have you studied abroad? What would you add to this list? Tell us below!
June 12, 2017
7 Things to Do in Vienna While Studying Abroad

Living near Vienna for almost five months now, I have been determined to see as much of it as possible. While I have not seen everything on my list (yet!), I have seen plenty. From touristy to semi-touristy things, here are my top seven things to see in Vienna.

1. Stephansdom (St.Stephen’s Cathedral)

Can’t lie, this 12th century church is extremely “touristy,” but it is still a must-see, especially around Christmas when it is even more magical than usual. My favorite memory is aimlessly walking around one December night and ending up at Stephansdom. Thinking it was probably closed, a small glimmer of hope told me to try opening the door anyway.

It opened, and when I walked in there was a mass in progress. I don’t consider myself a religious person but I will never forget being in that church, with everyone singing and the lit Christmas trees and candles as the only source of light.

2. Naschmarkt

photo courtesy of Gunar Grummt

Naschmarkt has been a functioning market right off the U4 Kettenbrückengasse since the 1780’s. There is an assortment of offerings ranging from fresh produce and other foods to clothing and artisan soaps.

A warning to readers that Naschmarkt can be an intense experience. Many vendors are not subtle about selling their product to you. It’s all in fun, but don’t be surprised if you get a couple unknown food items thrust in front of your face. Go ahead and try some!

3. Kahlenberg + Leopoldsberg

Kahlenberg at Sunset.

Recently my host family took me to both Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg which are mountains in the 19th district of Vienna. As much as I love exploring the city side, seeing a little nature here and there is good for the soul. I highly recommend going in spring/summer right at sunset. You can sit and view the sun-drenched Vienna skyline in rays of pinks and purples.

4. Viennese Cafes

Why go to Starbucks when you can go to the seemingly endless cafes of Vienna? I have fallen in love with Austrian cafe culture, which has a certain sense of gemuetlichkeit (comfy-ness) mixed with old world elegance. It’s fun to go any time of the year with friends, family or even just for some alone time.

The quality of these cafes is amazing. I used to be a drink-coffee-at-home kind of person. Now I try to go to cafes whenever the opportunity presents itself. Order a melange (viennese-style coffee), a pastry and chill out as necessary.

5. Museum Hundertwasser (Kunst Haus Wien)

photo courtesy of Yolo Swaggins

Hundertwasser (Kunst Haus Wien) is definitely an elaborate place. Even the exterior will have you mesmerized. It looks like a huge mixed-media project. The building was designed by Austrian-born New Zealand artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser and is the world’s only permanent exhibition of his works.

6. Prater

photo courtesy of Michael Panse.

Prater is a childhood dream come true. It is a park that lies in Vienna’s second district and has ties to the year 1162 when Emperor Friedrich I gave the property to a noble family called de Prato. The Vienna Ferris Wheel was installed in 1827 in Prater and the park took off from there.

Plenty of other of attractions were added, such as carousels, a hall of mirrors and laughter, ghost trains, roller coasters and the Liliputbahn, a charming, child-sized train in which visitors can enjoy a tour of the park. It’s best to go during summer, especially at night (or so I’ve heard).

7. Der Wiener Dewaan

Enjoying the meal with my friend Ashlyn.

Der Wiener Dewaan is a hidden treasure I recently discovered. It is a “pay as you wish” Pakistani-style restaurant with a constantly changing buffet menu. It is packed with people from all over the world and has its own unique kind of gemütlichkeit.

My friend Ashlyn and I sat on a colorful rug and ate our tasty meals on a small table. However, just because it is a PAYW restaurant, don’t be that jerk who only pays two euro. The staff are hard-working and deserve to be treated well. Pay at least 5-10 euro.

I could probably list at least a hundred more suggestions for you, but will just leave it at these seven for now. The best thing about Vienna is you constantly find new things to do every day. And my journey is not over quite yet. There are still so many things that I have not yet done. I am making it my mission to use every free moment to explore what else this city has to offer.

May 11, 2017
Ten Austrian Foods You Need to Try While Studying Abroad
Like any other country, food is a huge part of what defines Austrian culture, and over the past seven months of my study abroad program I have had the pleasure of trying a lot of these traditional/touristy foods. Many of these dishes include a lot of flour, cheese, marille (apricot), butter, sugar, or meat — basically everything your doctor tells you to avoid.

I’m rambling too much about food — typical me. Let’s get cracking on this list of 10 foods to try in Austria.

1. Knödel

Apricot-filled Knodel. photo by Saschathegerman

Knödel are basically boiled dumplings made out of a Tophen Teig (fresh cheese dough), typically with a filling of choice. There are so many kinds of knödel which is why it makes it to the top of my list. There are two groups of this famous dish — salzig and süßes.

Salzig (salty) knödel can include:
- semmel (roll/bun)
- erdapfel (Austrian dialect for potato)
- Tiroler (with ham and onions)
- grammel (type of meat Knödel)
Of the süße (sweet) group, knödel can include:
- the most well known is marille (apricot) Knödel
- nutella
- zwetschke (plum)
- strawberry
- peach
2. Almdudler

Almdudler is a beloved soft drink made in Austria. It has a famous red label with a photo of a man and woman wearing traditional clothing, holding glasses of what I assume to be Almdudler, with a mountain landscape in the background. This drink is made of Alpine herbs (lemon balm, sage, gentian, elderflower and coneflower), natural beet sugar and fresh spring water. There are also new flavors such as holunder, mint and Gespritzt with lemon.

The company’s slogan is:
- Austrian Dialect: “Wenn de kan Oimdudla haum, geh’ i wieda ham!”
- Standard German: “Wenn die keinen Almdudler haben, gehe ich wieder heim!”
- English: “If they don’t have Almdudler, I’ll go back home!”
After becoming totally addicted to this drink, I think it’s safe to say that is a relatable slogan.

3. (Käse) Leberkäse

(Käse) Leberäse looks almost like meatloaf. It is baked into a bread pan until it has a golden-brown crust. The word Leberkäse literally translates to liver/meat cheese. It’s ironic because the only time it has cheese in it (or at least in my experience) is when you order a Käse Leberkäse (cheese liver/meat cheese). The best way to eat it is with a semmel roll. At first I was highly suspicious of this snack, but now I order one once a week for a quick lunch.

4. Käsekrainer

Käsekrainer is basically a sausage with cheese inside of it. I wasn’t a huge red meat fan before I came to Austria, but now I can’t imagine my life without Käsekrainer. It tastes especially good with senf (mustard).

5. (Wiener) Schnitzel

Would this even be a proper blog post about Austrian foods if I didn’t mention Schnitzel? The answer is nein (no). I admit I’ve only had Schnitzel once or twice, but I still place it on my top list. Schnitzel is a meat that is pounded thin with a meat tenderizer, then coated in flour, eggs and breadcrumbs and fried in an oil or fat. This results in a heavenly masterpiece. There are veal, mutton, chicken, beef, turkey or pork schnitzels.

6. Krapfen

If you, too, are a huge donut fan, then this pastry is right up your alley. Krapfen are powdered donuts usually filled with apricot marmalade. There are other kinds of krapfen such as chocolate or custard, but marille (apricot) will forever remain the number one favorite in Austria.

7. Manner

Manner produces a wide range of confectionery products, but the most common are the Manner wafers. You may have seen them in the States at your local grocery store. They have a square pink package with the blue Manner logo on it. Not ringing a bell? Pity! My personal favorite are the Orangen Herzen (Orange Hearts). They are wafers shaped like hearts, filled with orange creme. It’s actually strange because I’ve noticed that Manner wafers cost more in grocery stores than at the actual Manner shop. When you’re done touring St.Stephan’s Cathedral, I recommend stopping by the Manner shop right next to it for a snack. You will not leave disappointed.

8. Palatschinken

No, it does not contain ham (Schinken). Palatschinken are flat pancakes similar to a french crepe. For this pancake, you probably should not put butter and maple syrup on top. Instead, once again consider the perennial favorite Austrian filling marille (apricot). After seeing the word marille at least six times in this post, this should come as no surprise. After they are rolled, it’s best to sprinkle a layer of powdered sugar on top.

9. Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn translates to “Emperor’s Mess” in English. This dish’s name derives from Austrian emperor, Kaiser Franz Joseph I, who loved this delicacy. It is a fluffy, shredded pancake (almost) that can be prepared in a numerous of ways. Traditionally, raisins soaked in rum are added to the Kaiserschmarrn just before cooking. When finished, it is sprinkled with powdered sugar and fruit compotes, such as plum jam.

10. Sacher Torte

Last but not least: the Sacher Torte. I admit I have only had this delicious treat once (due to how expensive it can be). This chocolate torte can is typically sold in Hotel Sacher and in other little cafes around Vienna. It is two layers of soft and light chocolate cake separated by apricot jam (once again) and coated with a chocolate icing. This is one dessert you don’t want to miss.

Some of these suggestions are not diet-friendly, but I have no regrets. I’m glad I’m getting the chance to learn about another culture through new foods. And who doesn’t love food? It makes me cringe when I think about returning to American fast foods in less than four months. The first thing I’m doing when I get back to Chicago is search for Austrian foods!
April 17, 2017
Top 8 Tools Every Exchange Student Needs While Studying in or Around Vienna
Moving to a new place is hard. There’s a lot people expect you to know, but it goes unsaid. To help make things easier for future exchange students in the area, I developed a list of the top eight most valuable things I’ve needed within the first two months of living and studying in and around Vienna:
1. Scotty
2. Power bank/charger
3. Small backpack
4. Bargeld
5. A train card/school ID
6. Wallet (and organized one)
7. Leo (German translation app)
8. Whatsapp
You may make look at this list with confusion and ask, “What the heck is Scotty or bargeld?” Let me explain:

U-Bahn public transportation in Vienna, Austria.

1. Scotty

This is number one on the list because it has saved my — as well as many other exchange student’s — life(ves) in Vienna. Scotty is a public transportation app that lets you know how to get around and the time schedules for trains. It may not sound like a big deal, but when you’re lost and have no idea how to get where you’re going the first couple weeks in the big city, Scotty has your back.

2. Power Banks/Charger

Words cannot express how important it is to have a (fully charged) power bank and an extension cord with you at all times. If you can, buy multiple power banks. My phone always dies at the worst possible times. If you’re an iPhone user, you know how easily our phones lose energy in the cold weather (note: Austria is cold in the winter). The last thing you want is to be exploring an unfamiliar area all alone and your phone runs out of power — speaking from personal experience. Another exchange student I know sometimes carries up to four power banks. At first that seemed crazy, but I learned sicher ist sicher or “better safe than sorry”.

3. Small Backpack

For those who don’t know me, I have an obsession with small backpacks, but only because they are so handy. I normally don’t carry much on me, so a small backpack is more practical. It takes up less room, you look a little less like a tourist, and they are more comfortable. You also learn to only carry what’s necessity, and leave the rest behind at home.

4. Bargeld

Bargeld is just German for cash. You will run into plenty of situations where credit/debit/bankomat isn’t accepted as a form of currency most times. For example, no bakery will ever take a card. I have asked and every time they reply with a nein. I admit, I need to practice what I preach because I find myself only really carrying cards in my wallet. It may be the American way, but it’s not the Austrian way. The only time a card is 100% necessary is when paying your phone bill online. Don’t be “that person” who pays for a seventy-five cent item on a credit card at the local grocery store (which I am guilty of doing least twice a week).

5. Train Card/School ID

When you’re a student in/near Vienna, one of the smartest things you can do is buy a train pass for 60 euro. I know that as an exchange student, whenever we buy something over three euro it feels like splurging. You could take the more risky route and do schwarzbahn (riding the train without paying for a ticket), but that’s highly illegal. If you get caught, not only is it embarrassing, there is also a pretty hefty fine.

Keep your school ID on you as well. When they do surprise checks, your train pass is not valid without your ID. Again, there is a fine.

Out and about in and around Vienna.

6. Wallet (an organized one)

Before I moved to Europe, I just threw random necessities into my jacket pockets and called it a day. This isn’t acceptable while doing your exchange here. Not only will you look unorganized, you’ll feel unorganized. This really isn’t a good feeling when you’re just trying to figure out your new life. I recommend a sturdy wallet, which doesn’t necessarily mean its got to be expensive. I got my wallet in a knock-off store in Salzburg for twelve euro. Get one that has plenty of those card slots, a built-in coin purse, and a pocket for bargeld. You will thank me!

7. LEO (app)

LEO is a German to [insert your language here] translation app. It is not always completely accurate, but it’s a lot better than Google Translate and less frustrating than playing a game of charades with the natives. I know how hard it can be when you want to say something, but don’t know exactly how to say it. LEO understands your struggle and is there to help you learn and use new words.

8. Whatsapp

Whatsapp is basically a free calling/texting app. You absolutely need this because your Austrian friends, classmates and host family will use it. They do not use SMS. I didn’t even know Whatsapp existed until I moved to Europe. Now I use it all the time. It’s a great way to keep in contact with people, especially other exchange students through group chats.

These eight valuable tools should help you transition more smoothly into your exchange in and around Vienna. They may seem simple, but can go a long way to help, especially at the beginning. Viel Glück!

Have you lived or studied abroad? What tips would you add to this list?
March 13, 2017
Changing Host Families, Cities and Schools: My First Month in Vienna and Korneuburg

At the beginning of December, I packed my bags and hopped on a train to Vienna to start the next part of my journey as an exchange student in Austria. I was leaving behind everything I had learned in Salzburg, and would now have to relearn a new and different environment: new host family, town, friends, school, etc. I was as excited as I was terrified of what was coming my way.

From Mountains to Buildings: Seeing a Different Side of Austria

Stepping onto the platform, I waited for my coordinator to pick me up to bring me to my new host family. While waiting, I observed my new surroundings. There were no mountains or snow, like in western Austria. There were a lot of tall buildings and even more people. It’s not like these things troubled me—it was just different.

Strangely, I had more of a culture shock moving from Salzburg to Vienna than from Chicago to Salzburg. I’m aware how strange that sounds considering I come from a city of almost three million. But, I guess it just changed my perception on Austria and what I thought I already knew. From 146,000 people in Salzburg to over a million in Vienna—everything felt so surreal in the sense that it was brand new to me. I was getting a chance to start over and to meet a whole different side of Austria.

Buildings in Austria at sunset. Photo by Anastasia.

Differences Between Salzburg and Vienna

What I once initially saw as overwhelming differences between Salzburg and Vienna, I now see as changes. Within my first month of moving, I have managed to fall in love with two marvelous cities, Korneuburg and Vienna. Both have their own special kind of character and people.

Korneuburg reminds me of my hometown of Oak Park, Illinois, because it has a town square where you can do things such as eat, shop and meet up with friends. It is also accessible to trains coming and going to just about everywhere. You get the benefits of living near everything without the hustle of living in the city.

On the other hand, Vienna fulfills my needs of being in a large city. It provides a lot of things to do and see. There are too many places to list that I have seen in Vienna, but a personal favorite of mine has been Stephansplatz.

Exploring, Hip-Hop Dance, and Meeting New Friends

Besides doing loads of exploring, the one thing I have gotten in touch with is hip-hop dance. It took me a while to research and find a dance studio that had what I was looking for. For those who don’t know, dance has been a huge part of my life, even when I was a young child. I took a break for the first part of my exchange (three and a half months) and now hope to get back into it on a weekly basis.

I have really enjoyed meeting so many new people. My peers at school are younger than me, but have nonetheless welcomed me with open arms. Another plus is that I have gotten to know more exchange students from different programs. This is a bonus as I get to learn not only about Austria, but cultures around the world as well. My goal is to build close bonds with the local and international students as I keep continuing my exchange.

Anastasia in front of “The Kiss” (Der Kuss) painting in Austria.

A New Normal: Continuing to Grow in Austria

Summing it up, I appreciate the people I met, what I learned and got to see in Salzburg, but I am looking forward to continuing to grow as a young adult. Over the past couple weeks I’ve had to teach myself to stop comparing the new things to the first part of my exchange. As an exchange student, you have to expand your view and realize that what was once so new and intimidating is now your new normal. It’s an unsettling experience, but it is something you must learn to do to expand your worldview.

Vienna/Korneuburg, it’s only been less than two months, but it feels like you have been my home all along.

Expand your worldview by becoming an exchange student!

February 17, 2017
Taking Time Off is Ok; Why I Decided on a Gap Year Before College
“So what are your plans after graduation?”

I began to hear this question before I even considered attending high school in Austria. It’s such a hard one to answer – hell, I barely even know what I’m doing tomorrow.

Where I’m from, it’s very common to respond to this question with, “I’m planning on going to (insert name of prestigious, reputable university).”

While attending a great university is a good thing, at times that answer felt so… predictable.

Choosing a Different Path

When I told people I was planning on doing a gap year, I got a plethora of reasons why I shouldn’t:
- “If you take a break, you’ll never go to college.”
- “You’ll be a year behind all of your friends!”
- “Don’t you just want to get college over with?”
I replied with a simple “no” every time. I know that I will go to some sort of college one day, perhaps not immediately upon returning to the States, but I am a strong believer in educational self-growth. For now, I’m pursuing a different form of my beliefs, as I’m gaining a whole new knowledge of the world that can’t necessarily be gained from a lecture.

I can’t get mad at those who question my choice to study abroad. I say this because Americans tend to be brainwashed into thinking there is only one right way of doing things: go to college, graduate, get a well-paying job, and hustle our butts off to pay off the mountain of debt that we acquired just to get that well-paying job.

I was alienated for choosing an alternative path. At first, I felt shameful and started second-guessing everything once I saw all of my friends’ hyped Snapchat stories, or scrolled through countless images of frat parties on Instagram. All I could think was, Did I make the right decision? or Should I have gone to university? As my friend Meghan once put it, I had a serious case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).

Already within two months of being here, I’ve dealt with so much change that I would not have experienced if I went to college right away. I am not book smart, so quite honestly I do not think I would have been able to deal with university successfully at this point in my life.

Dealing with Challenges

I should stress that taking a gap year isn’t some easy way out of going to university. No matter what you decide to do within your time off, you will deal with certain challenges that pertain to your situation. For me, my first couple months here have been particularly challenging. From paying my phone bill to buying my own bus pass (yes, they are pretty pricey), it’s been a very enlightening experience that has provided me with a swift transition into adulthood.

It also can be pretty lonely without the company of my friends from home. I most definitely do not have any sort of problem with the people I’ve met here, but I immediately could tell that there were already set cliques within the students at my new high school, as most of them have been in the same class with each other for eight years. I’ve learned to deal with the isolation by developing better communication skills and being more assertive, and all of which are new abilities that I can bring back home to the States.

Learning from Real Life Experiences

Taking a gap year is all about trial and error. Learning from real life experiences is an interesting and mind-opening way of life. Whether it’s going abroad or getting a job right after high school, I want to stress that it is okay to go against the current that is college. Education is not a race – it does not matter if your friends finish first.

Know what is best for you and your mental health. Do not let people try to force you to believe otherwise. It is perfectly acceptable to take some time off to find yourself ,and to discover your purpose on this huge ,yet tiny, planet.

My college is not a building – it is made of the high mountains, beautiful lakes, and diverse tongues.

Are you considering a gap year? Contact us for more information on how to make the most of it!
December 13, 2016
Choosing to Embrace Change while Studying Abroad in Austria

When traveling, change is inevitable. From the type of food to even body language, change will follow you every step of the way. For me, this had hit me bit by bit while attending high school in Austria – until it hit all at once my first month in.

Homesickness:

Before my orientation, my coordinator sent me a questionnaire about finishing month one out of ten. One of the questions asked if I was homesick. I didn’t even have to think about it: I said yes. I miss riding the CTA into the city, my dance troop, chicken and waffles, street performers in the loop, and open mic events held at the Harold Washington Library. The list could go on, but to make it short, I missed home. An hour or so later, she made a point, If you wanted the same like home, you need to stay home.

I thought about that sentence for a while, hell, I still think about it now. She was right, of course Salzburg is going to be anything but the same as Chicago – they are two separate places on two opposite sides of the world.

School (Schule):

One of the main places where I noted the most differences was at school. For one, I live an hour from my school here, whereas I only had a ten minute commute to my school at home. There are only one thousand people who go to my gymnasium here in Salzburg. Meanwhile, almost four thousand kids go to my high school back in the States. There is block schedule, which is a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because three out of five days I only have five to six hours of school, but a curse because I have nine to eleven hours the other two days with two hours of sport (gym class). There is also no cafeteria (I once got asked if the school cafeteria in America was “like in the movies”).

Schools here have something called Hausordnung, which translates to ‘house rules’, one of them being that you aren’t allowed to wear your shoes inside (even though everybody still does). It makes sense once you think about it because then the floors stay as clean as possible. But, it just seems so foreign to me. At my high school at home, people would give you funny looks if you were to walk around with no shoes. All I have to say on the subject is just don’t be shocked when you walk around the halls to see everybody wearing socks. It’s actually normal somewhere.

Host sister Magdalena and I wearing traditional Austrian attire at the Rupertikirtag fest.

Food (Essen, what you all were probably waiting for):

Another change is the eating habits. Mittagessen (lunch) is the biggest meal of the day. On most days, I end my school day around 1:30pm and go home for lunch. I always walk into my house greeted by the smell of something good cooking by my host mom. In many circumstances, home-cooked meals are much more preferred over going out to eat.

I noticed how people tend to eat a lot healthier. Not to totally enforce the Americans-eat-McDonald’s-everyday stereotype, but you definitely wouldn’t see the majority of people at my U.S. high school with fresh fruits or veggies for their snack. Austrians do have better quality junk food, if I do say so myself. There isn’t as much of the obnoxious neon lettering or questionable ingredients. I’m convinced that instead of the “freshman fifteen” it will be the “gap year twenty-five”.

The Sound of Music (To every Austrian reading this article, I apologise):

When I first got to Austria, my Englischlehrer (English teacher) asked me what I knew about Austria. To this, I replied, “The Sound of Music”. To any American, this would seem like an appropriate answer. At that moment in time, it was a huge mistake. I say this because it’s likely no Austrian (and I mean no native Austrian) has ever seen this movie (nor do they plan to). So the moment I opened my mouth, I felt a thousand eye-rolls from my classmates. If you find yourself in Austria, save yourself the eighteen euro and do something else instead of The Sound of Music tour bus. Please.

Recycling:

One thing Austrians care about is the environment (umwelt). If you just think there are only two trash bins – one for plastic and one for everything else – think again. My host family has a different one for plastic, paper, tin/glass, compost, and one for actual trash. There are no garbage trucks here, so you drive up to a place and drop off each trash category into its specific bin. Even in public areas, there are trash cans sorted by material.

Satisfied after climbing Plombergstein.

Everything Considered:

I could go on and on about the plethora of differences, but then my article would be ten pages longer. So far, I have loved seeing the differences of the two cultures. You can either let the differences scare you off, or you can let them consume you. Learning about a different way of life is beneficial to an open mind, and once you accept these changes, you only grow more. I chose to embrace these changes in my life, and hopefully can apply some to my daily routine when I return to Chicago.

Are you yearning to experience cultural differences abroad?

November 8, 2016