By: James Cunningham, University of the Fraser Valley, winner of the Spring 2024 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship
Study Abroad Destination: Austria & Germany
My experience studying abroad in Austria was unbelievable. Attending the International Days In Social Work conference hosted by the University of Applied Sciences – Upper Austria provided me with numerous opportunities to learn more about my field through workshops, site visits, and various other day trips. I learned about topics such as the importance of social workers being involved in politics, youth outreach work in Austria, and harm-reduction programs available to individuals struggling with substance use in Austria among many others. I had the opportunity to visit places such as Garston Prison, St. Wolfgang, the Salzwelten salt mine, and even an incredibly sobering visit to Mauthausen concentration camp. All of these learning experiences provided me with a much deeper understanding of what social work looks like on an international scale, all while having the opportunity to connect with fellow social workers from around the world.
Outside of the conference, it was a fantastic experience getting to experience Austrian culture for the 18 days that I was a visitor. Having the opportunity to experience different social norms, adventuring cities and town with my social work cohort that I may never have the chance to explore again, and indulging in international foods were some of my favourite things. I learned that traveling with a group of other students creates a space where significant bonds can be created, and I’m incredibly happy to say that I built long-term friendships with my peers as a result of this trip.
As I move forward, I will be presenting (along with my peers) my experience to my university, while also participating as a co-author in a journal article concerning the importance of study trips in social work curricula. I would highly recommend studying abroad to any individual looking to delve further into their education, and I’m incredibly grateful to organizations such as BCCIE for supporting these endeavors. I surely would not have had this life changing experience if not for the additional supports I received, and I look forward to advocating for other students finding similar supports in the future.