When I was a kid, I flew on a lot of airplanes. I always wondered why in the movies people exit airplanes down a ramp and onto the ground, but whenever I flew in America, we exited the airplane straight into the airport. And then I flew to Austria.

I remember my first evening spent in Salzburg. I had just met a girl who attended a school in Boston and had been to Salzburg before. She took me and another student from MSU out into the city after we borrowed bikes from the hotel. We rode into the city through cobblestone streets (and way too many hills) as we passed by palaces and green countryside. On the ride back to the hotel, it started pouring rain. I loved it. It felt like I was in a movie. The hotel staff laughed at us when we showed up to the lobby soaking wet.

There are many other things I could share regarding my 2.5 weeks spent at the Salzburg Seminar on Media and Global Change. I could talk about how beautiful the Austrian Alps are. I could talk about how privileged I was to stay at the Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron where they filmed the Sound of Music. I could talk about the Schloss’ dark history regarding World War II, and how they are trying to create positive change in the space now. Most importantly, I could talk about what I learned from the 75 people I met from around the world.

The theme of my study abroad program was Local Media Futures and Democratic Health. Each weekday was spent listening to, debating, and imagining solutions to issues that impact local journalism’s sustainability, as well as its connection to democracy.

I learned that my peers from around the world consume American news just as often as they read local news–because our issues affect them. I wish I could say I was as updated on international affairs as the individuals that I met. My peers and faculty challenged me to think critically and consider journalistic issues from a global perspective, not an American one. They challenged me to ask myself where I stand on certain issues and how I can contribute to solving them.

This academy also gave me the opportunity to network with current and former professionals–some that have worked in sports journalism and for the New York Times. It was a privilege to hear about their experiences in the field and to receive advice from them.

Aside from the academics, I had the opportunity to explore the city of Salzburg! I went into town almost every day via foot or bicycle and became familiar with local eateries and monuments. I realized I’m not a HUGE fan of most Austrian dishes, but Käsespätzle and bratwursts aren’t so bad. I spent one weekend in Munich, Germany. I became familiar with the train system, explored the city in the pouring rain, and listened to a clock tower at the largest church I have ever seen. Another weekend I visited Zell am See, swam in a beautiful refreshing lake, and watched couples of young and old dance to German music that I could not understand–but felt deeply.

The cultural exposure I got from spending two weeks in Austria and Germany, surrounded by individuals from different countries was unmatched. The lessons I learned from my peers and the faculty guiding us is something I could not have received anywhere else. For me, my experience studying abroad in Salzburg is proof that no matter where you go, you will find people who share something with you–whether that be beliefs, career goals, or aspirations for the world.

• Name: Audrey Dayton
• Status: Junior
• Major: Journalism
• Hometown: West Covina, California
• Program: International Independent Study: Communication Arts & Sciences