{"id":10001694,"date":"2025-04-25T08:27:28","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T06:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fh-joanneum.at\/management-internationaler-geschaeftsprozesse\/bachelor\/?page_id=10001694"},"modified":"2025-04-25T08:41:32","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T06:41:32","slug":"magdalena-gramer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.fh-joanneum.at\/management-internationaler-geschaeftsprozesse\/bachelor\/en\/my-studies\/semester-abroad\/magdalena-gramer\/","title":{"rendered":"Magdalena Gramer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Key facts:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Exchange semester:<\/strong> Summer Semester 2025
Location:<\/strong> Calgary, Canada
Host university website:<\/strong> https:\/\/www.mtroyal.ca<\/a><\/p>\n

Why the exchange semester was enriching for me:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

My exchange semester in Calgary, Canada, was a valuable experience in many ways. Simply living in a completely new environment broadened my horizons. Calgary is very different from my home in terms of culture, climate, and everyday life – and that’s exactly what made it so special.
I was able to meet people from all over the world, experience student life from a new perspective, and adapt to new routines. These experiences helped me grow personally and strengthened my independence.<\/p>\n

What I learned about myself:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I realized how fascinated I am by different cultures – especially when comparing them to my own. The Canadian way of approaching strangers with openness and kindness inspired me to be braver when meeting new people.
I also learned to deal with uncertainty – whether it was navigating university life, managing everyday situations, or traveling on my own. A particularly meaningful takeaway for me was gaining a new perspective on my own background. I now see many things I used to consider “normal” in a new light and reflect on them more consciously.<\/p>\n

How I met new people:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To make connections right from the start, I joined several university clubs – including the volleyball and rugby clubs. Sports were the perfect way to regularly meet new people and make friends with Canadian students.
I also looked for new activities outside of campus and discovered something truly unique: underwater hockey (yes, it’s a real thing!). It sounds crazy – and it was. But maybe that’s exactly why it was such a cool experience.
In addition, I made it a point to be open and approachable – whether in class, during lunch on campus, or at events for international students. Often, just a quick chat or a small question was enough to spark a conversation. Many great encounters – and even real friendships – grew out of those moments.<\/p>\n

What I learned about Canadian culture:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Canadians are incredibly polite and helpful – even in everyday situations like walking down the street or shopping, you’re often greeted with a friendly smile or comment.
At the same time, I experienced how naturally diversity is embraced in Canadian society. People from a wide variety of backgrounds, languages, and cultures treat each other with respect and openness – diversity is simply a part of everyday life here.
I also learned how important nature is to many people: hiking, camping, or just being close to the Rocky Mountains plays a big role in the daily lives of many active Canadians.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Canadian Rokies<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Hockey Game<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Banff National Park<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Mount Royal Flags<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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The challenges I faced:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The first few weeks were definitely an adjustment. Everything was new: the academic system, daily routines, and living in a completely different environment. I had to find my bearings, settle in, and learn to handle uncertainty.
Another real challenge was the Canadian winter – I had never experienced temperatures as low as -30 degrees before!<\/p>\n

Why I would do it again:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Because I learned so much – about others, but especially about myself. I not only made new friendships but also grew personally.
I also had the chance to attend hands-on and truly interesting courses that inspired me academically – and I even finished them with straight A’s.
Being part of an international community was something really special. For me, the exchange semester was one of the best decisions of my entire studies – and I would do it again in a heartbeat.<\/p>\n

My best experience:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the best things about my exchange semester was meeting so many amazing people. I made friends with students from all over the world – and especially formed close connections with many Canadians. These relationships mean a lot to me, and I’m sure I’ll return. Hopefully as soon as next summer – for the Calgary Stampede!
There are also individual moments I’ll never forget. Like standing on top of a 2,500-meter-high mountain in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, simply taking in the breathtaking view.
Or the moment our university volleyball team took second place in a tournament – full of team spirit, adrenaline, and fun. These memories will always be part of my exchange semester experience.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Cougars Rugby Club<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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My Exchange Semester at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada<\/p>\n

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