What Living Abroad Teaches You (That You Might Not Expect)

More Than a Line on Your Résumé — A Life-Changing Experience

When you first packed your bags for Austria, you were probably focused on your internship: the new skills you'd learn, the projects you'd work on, the professional network you'd build. But as many our Interns and Trainees soon discover, the biggest lessons happen outside the office — in moments that are quiet, unexpected, sometimes uncomfortable, and always transformative.

Living abroad isn’t just a professional milestone. It’s a personal one. And by the end of your time here, you may realize that this chapter of your life has changed you in ways you didn’t expect.

Here’s what many discover — and what you may have already started to feel yourself:

You Learn to Navigate the Unknown — And Trust Yourself

At home, things are familiar. You know how things work. In Austria, you may have found yourself in situations that felt confusing at first: understanding recycling rules, signing up for health insurance, or even ordering a meal in German.

But the beauty of this experience is that you figured it out. You asked questions. You tried, made mistakes, and tried again.

You proved to yourself that you can handle the unknown — one step at a time. That’s not just a skill for your internship. That’s a skill for life.

You Redefine What “Success” Means

In a fast-paced world, we often equate success with productivity and perfection. But while living abroad, you begin to realize that growth often looks very different.

Sometimes success is:

• Having a full conversation in German, even if it wasn’t perfect.

• Going to a local event alone — and enjoying it.

• Cooking a meal with unfamiliar ingredients and sharing it with new friends.

  
  

You begin to value courage, presence, and effort — not just outcomes.

You See the World Through New Eyes

Being in Austria means being immersed in new customs, values, and ways of thinking. You notice how Austrians value balance — how weekends are protected, how quality matters more than quantity, how small traditions carry deep meaning.

And in this contrast, you start seeing your own culture more clearly too — the things you appreciate, and the things you might now question.

This isn’t just cultural awareness. It’s global empathy — the ability to understand and respect different worldviews, and to live with openness and curiosity.

You Strengthen Your Resilience

There were probably moments during your time here that were hard:

• A cold winter day when you missed home.

• A work misunderstanding that made you doubt yourself.

• A lonely afternoon where everything felt unfamiliar.

  
  

And yet — you kept going. You reached out. You learned. You adapted. Living abroad is filled with small moments that challenge you. And over time, you realize: you’re stronger than you thought.

You Build Relationships That Cross Borders

One of the most meaningful parts of any international experience is the people you meet. Maybe it was a coworker who invited you to a local festival, a fellow intern who shared your struggles, or a stranger who helped you when you were lost in the city.

You learn that connection doesn’t require a shared passport or perfect grammar — just shared moments and mutual respect.

Some of these friendships will stay with you long after your program ends.Invite someone for coffee and cake — a beloved Austrian tradition (don’t miss Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel).

You Start to Feel at Home — Somewhere New

At first, Austria might have felt foreign. But little by little, things begin to feel familiar:

• You have a favorite bakery or café.

• You know which tram gets you home.

• You understand jokes in German (or at least try!).

• You say "Servus" without thinking twice.

  
  

And one day, you realize that you’re not just visiting anymore. You’ve built a version of home — one rooted in experience, growth, and community.

Final Reflections

By the time your internship ends, you’ll take home more than professional achievements or souvenirs. You’ll carry:

• Confidence from what you’ve overcome.

• Stories that changed your perspective.

• Connections that span countries.

• A deeper sense of who you are.

You may not notice all of these lessons right away — some take time to surface. But they are there. And they will continue to shape the way you think, work, and live for years to come.

So if you’re in Austria right now — take a moment to pause. Reflect. Appreciate how far you’ve come. And if you’ve already completed your program — know that your journey didn’t end when you left. You carry it with you.

Thank you for being part of this experience — and for everything you brought to it.