International Days in Social Work in Austria – This opportunity has been nothing short of amazing. 

The weeks leading up to traveling became exciting and overwhelming. This was the first time I was leaving my husband and children, the idea of missing them had me worried. I had also hit a few bumps along the way, some days I thought I wasn’t going to make it. I knew if I pushed through and made it travel day, things would start looking up. 

This trip instantly bacame so much more than what I had pictured in my head. Going to the airport and meeting all these new people that I would be spending the next two weeks with, I never imagined the bond I would grow with them.

Once arriving in Linz, we were met with what felt like Nova Scotia weather; warm and unpridictable, beautiful scenery,delicious food  and a cozy hotel. The next morning we started our adventure bright and early. Meeting our coodinators and heading for Salzburg and the salt mines. It was the perfect first day and a great view into what would be our next two weeks.

There is no way I could pick one thing that I enjoyed or learned from the most. Every workshop, site visit and lecture was interesting and always kept my attention.  I have always been person to love listing to people. I was able to hear and learn from so many students and faculty from different parts of the world. I was able to see the diffrences and similarties beween my country and theirs. I have enjoyed every oppurtunity to learn about social work through a different lense. Everyday there was something new to learn.

One thing that has stuck with me during this trip was even with the stessses of  leaving my home traveling outside of Canada for the first time, I had a very strong sense of calmness, mindfulness and independence. It has been something I have taken home with me and want to continue to work on in the furture. This expirience would be something I would sugest to anyone and am very thankful for everythingit has brought me. 

Grace Densmore

Social Services Student

NSCC, Burridge Campus