My Dachsberg Experience
(Jordan Bennett ’12)
In Fall 2012, I decided to participate in the Austrian exchange program. This opportunity was one of the best
decisions that I have ever made. The exchange program introduced me to a new culture, life-long friends,
unforgettable moments, and a passion for traveling.
The exchange program coincided with Dachsberg's Spring Break.
We were able to attend 3 days of school. Those three days
allowed the American exchange students to interact with the
Austrian students. At the end of senior year, a final American
Government project was issued. We had to write a political diary
including four events that occurred during that year. Three other
students from Padua and I asked the Austrian students their view
on the American government. We talked for about an hour,
hearing each country's opinion. I learned a lot of things about the
Austrian government and a foreigner's perception of the
American Government. This was an amazing and insightful
experience. During the school day, the American students had
another option; we were given a room with Wi-Fi where we could work on the homework that our teachers
back at Padua had assigned. Considering our busy schedules, the
time spent at Dachsberg helped me to finish my assignments.
Typically, every morning my host mom sent me off to school
with a croissant and a bottle of apple juice. In Austria, lunch is
the biggest meal of the day. For the three days I attended
school, lunch was served in the cafeteria. Every afternoon that I
was at my host's house, my host mom cooked a traditional meal
for lunch. On the days when we were out with the school, each
student bought their own meal. Dinners were very small,
sometimes skipped, or replaced with a dessert. One night, to show my appreciation for my host family, I
cooked cheesesteaks for them. The meals shared with the family were a time where we all were able to sit
down, talk, and share stories with one another.
One of the very first nights, my host, along with other hosts, took some
of the American students out to experience the night life in Austria. We
went to a popular club where we danced and met other Austrian
students. This night was essential because the American students were
not split up immediately. The night allowed us to spend time with our
friends from home while becoming comfortable with our new friends
from Austria.
When I had free time to spend with my host family, they gave me the
opportunity to see two cities in Austria: Gmunden and Salzburg. Around
the world, Gmuden is known for its ceramic work. My family introduced me to some of the most famous
ceramic designs produced in Gmunden. The city of Gmunden is located next to the lake, Traunsee. The two
are surrounded by high, snow-capped mountains. My host family allowed me, another American student, and
our host students to rent a boat to sail around the lake. In my opinion, this was the most breath-taking
moment of my whole time spent in Austria. I felt like I was lost in a painting; my surroundings left me in a state
of awe and pure bliss. The second city we went to was Salzburg.
Hohensalzburg Castle is located on top of a small mountain in
Salzburg. It took us about an hour to walk from the bottom of the
hill to the top. The walk tested our endurance but the view from
above was sensational. The whole city of Salzburg could be seen
from the top of the castle. After our trek back down the
mountain, we walked around Mirabell Palace and Gardens. The
work and details put into the pristine landscaping was admirable.
I am so grateful for my host family; without them, I would have
missed the opportunity to experience two beautiful Austrian
cities.
The exchange group went on three day trips together. These trips included:
Linz, Vienna and Mauthausen-Gusen Concentration Camp. In the cities of Linz
and Vienna, the exchange group was given a tour and free time for exploring
and shopping. In Vienna, we were given the opportunity to go inside of St.
Stephen’s Cathedral. The phenomenal architecture made it difficult not to take
a picture of every square inch of the Cathedral. The group then went to the
Schönbrunn Palace. The Palace is massive. The exchange group was given the
opportunity to walk around the Palace and through the Gardens. The
Schönbrunn Palace was my most anticipated excursion and it definitely held up
to my expectations. I think it is imperative that each tourist of Vienna visits the
Schönbrunn Palace. The last excursion planned with Padua was the
Mauthausen-Gusen Concentration Camp. The concentration camp was the
most powerful and overwhelming experience of the whole trip.
The most thrilling and last adventure I went on in Austria was skiing in the Alps. We spent the day at a ski
resort about 2 hours from Dachsberg. We also had an instructor who helped us
conquer the mountains. Although this was an optional excursion and I did not have
a lot of experience with skiing, I thought it was an amazing opportunity that I may
never have again.
The 2012 Austrian Exchange program allowed me to realize that there is a beautiful
and intriguing world outside of the walls at Padua Academy. Traveling abroad with
Padua Academy was one of my best decisions; it has given me the courage to
pursue studying abroad in college. This past summer, my host came to America to
visit me and my family. She stayed with us for 10 days and we went to surrounding
states and cities. The program allowed me to gain a friend who I will share
memories with for the rest of my life. The exchange program at Padua Academy
allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, travel, and develop a passion for exploring.