A Love Letter To Vienna

Dear Vienna,

I feel like I’ve been talking about studying abroad here for so long, I can’t believe my time here has come and gone. Vienna became a version of my life I didn’t know I needed. It taught me independence, going outside of my comfort zone, and taking advantage of every opportunity that came my way. If you had told me four months ago that I would’ve gone boating off the coast of Spain, made pasta in Rome, or ice skated in Sweden, I would’ve said you’re crazy. 

Thank you for teaching me how to slow down. For reminding me that life doesn’t always need to be rushed or optimized or planned down to the minute. Some of my favorite moments were the mundane ones: walking to class, riding the U-Bahn, sitting in cafés with no real agenda. You showed me that there’s so much value in just being present, and that not everything has to be productive. Being able to focus on my hobbies, friendships, and side quests for a whole semester was rejuvenating. 

Thank you for the routines that made you feel like home. Walking home to Siebenbrunnengasse after a long weekend of traveling, the Christmas markets that somehow never got old, shopping at Mariahilferstraße, the cafes I kept going back to. At some point, it stopped feeling like a vacation and started feeling like my city. I had favorite routes, favorite shops, and memories.

You gave me moments that felt unreal. Swimming in the Danube, eating kaiserschmarrn outside Stephensdome, and riding the 59A to class every day. Those experiences weren’t just core parts of my daily life in Vienna, they reminded me how good it feels to step outside of my comfort zone.

You also gave me independence in ways I didn’t expect. You taught me how to trust myself in a new place. How to walk through a city by myself and feel comfortable, confident, and at home. I learned how to navigate public transit, find the best places to grab lunch in the afternoon, and time how long I could sleep in while still making it to class. I didn’t come here knowing how much I needed that, but I’m leaving with a version of myself that feels more grounded and confident.

It didn’t hit me until the last morning that I wasn’t going to wake up in Vienna every day. Walking to the IES Center for the last time, saying goodbye to my German class, having one last glass of glühwein. Vienna wasn't just where I studied, you were where I grew as both a student and a person. 

While I feel sad that my study abroad experience has ended, coming here was one of the best choices I have made. So thank you, Vienna. For everything you gave me, for everything you taught me, and for the version of myself I’m taking with me. I know I’ll be back someday and I can’t wait for all of the future memories that we will make together! 

With love, 

Jaden