Audrey M. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Do it scared, do it uncomfortable, do it anyway."
AUDREY M.
Research abroad student at the University of Hohenheim, Germany
Summer semester
Studying Bachelor of Science, majoring in Animal Biology
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
I learned fundamental research skills and met wonderful people from all over the world, especially those studying ballet in Stuttgart, Germany.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
The work-life balance in Europe differs significantly from that in Canada, where overworking or spending excessive hours in the lab each week is generally discouraged.
- In terms of your own cultural self-awareness, were there any instances where you realized that your own behaviours, perspectives, or attitudes were different. Where did those differences stem from?
During my time in Germany, I realized that my fast-paced, results-focused approach to work, shaped by Canadian norms, was quite different from the local emphasis on efficiency, work-life balance, and clear boundaries between work and personal time.
- Was there a situation where you felt your actions were culturally inappropriate? How did you adapt? How did you know these were the appropriate actions to take?
In Germany and throughout Europe, it is unusual and almost rude to talk to strangers or be very loud in public. If you are disruptive in public, people will stare and may tell you to be quiet.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
Preveli Beach in Crete, Greece, is truly stunning, featuring a beautiful freshwater river that you can reach by hiking down a cliff, with a sandy beach where the river meets the sea. I spent an entire day there and could have spent longer.
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
You will be uncomfortable, and that is okay. Living across the world is hard, but it is also so rewarding, I wish I could reassure my past self that being uncomfortable is okay and it will end with so much joy and learning.
- What was your best learning moment?
Learning how to use statistics in a research context. I hated STAT*2040 when I took it in Guelph and was so worried I would be unable to do the statistics part of research, but it turns out that statistics is quite fun and the practical applications can be taught by example!
- Is there an issue that you can articulate whereby you had the opportunity to view the perspective from a different worldview or cultural lens?
I learned the importance of punctuality in Germany, where being on time is seen as a sign of respect, contrasting with the more flexible approach to time I was used to in Canada.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
I had to leave my two younger brothers, missing their high school graduation, which was difficult. I also missed the death of my grandfather and his funeral. It was hard to be so far away, but I coped by staying connected through video calls and focusing on making the most of the opportunity, knowing they supported my decision to go.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
My supervisor on the research project I completed. She taught me a great deal about working in academia and veterinary medicine and how to balance it with a happy and fulfilling personal life. We are still in contact, and she is one of my references for my application to the DVM program at the OVC.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
I actually got to go on exchange with my best friend! I would recommend looking into alternative exchanges other than just the semester studying abroad, like research exchanges such as the OBW program. This let us travel to Germany together as we both study agriculture, which made this experience one of a kind.
- What are your packing recommendations?
Take way less than you think you need, try and have room left in your suitcase because you will be buying souvenirs and clothing the entire time you are abroad. But, remember to bring some cozy clothes when you miss home. I had to buy an extra blanket when abroad because I didn't pack enough warm clothes!
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
Knowing German would make life a little bit easier in Germany, but you do not need to speak it at all. Everyone in Germany under 40 speaks English!
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
Interacting with Germans taught me to appreciate their direct communication style, leading me to drop unnecessary "fluff" in my speech, even in English, and embrace a more straightforward way of expressing myself.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived on-campus in international research housing. I would recommend living in student housing instead because you have a much more extensive network of students your age to connect with that the research housing does not give you.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
The OBW 3-month research stipend and the OAC travel grant scholarships.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
I did not take any courses as I was running a research project. For my research, I worked in the Department of Functional Anatomy of Livestock at the University of Hohenheim under Dr. Korinna Huber. I ran a research project examining how dairy cattle's weaning age and dam parity affected starch digestion in the calf. I worked in the lab for about 5 hours a day, running the experiment that used dried calf feces to determine starch percentage in the samples and then the last couple weeks of my stay I worked on some statistics and results of the work I did while I was there. I had a lot of fun and learnt so much about in lab work and the research process!
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
This exchange let me run a research project, which is in the process of being turned into a published paper. Being a coauthor on a published paper will be instrumental in my vet school application and my appreciation of vets who do work in non-field contexts.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Do it scared, do it uncomfortable, do it anyway.
