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For International Affairs student Alec Rumoro (IAFS '28), studying abroad in Vienna through the program offered the chance to experience a new culture while exploring the intersection of history, politics, art, and international affairs. During the two-and-a-half-week program, he visited historic landmarks, museums, religious sites, and international institutions across Austria, gaining firsthand insight into topics he had previously only encountered in the classroom.

"I finally got to travel out of the country and experience a new culture which has been my fascination since I was in elementary school," Alec said. "It was highly worth it, and everything I thought it would be!"

Throughout the program, Alec immersed himself in Austrian culture both inside and outside the classroom. Excursions to sites such as , , and introduced students to Austria's rich history, while daily experiences navigating public transportation, trying new foods, and practicing German helped him connect more deeply with local life.

One academic highlight was his research presentation on Austrian nationalism and national symbols. Through the project, Alec explored how symbols such as the Austrian eagle evolved over time to represent different political identities and movements. "It proved more interesting than I first anticipated," he said, noting that the project gave him an opportunity to share an international affairs perspective with many of his engineering classmates.

As the trip continued, Alec became increasingly interested in Vienna's blend of historical significance and modern innovation. Museum visits prompted discussions about cultural restitution and the legacy of World War II, while conversations about Vienna's sustainability initiatives highlighted the city's reputation as a leader in urban planning and environmental planning.

Some of the program's most impactful experiences focused on difficult moments in history. A visit to the left a lasting impression and reinforced the importance of understanding historical events through direct experience. "It is much different reading about atrocities than visiting the places where they occurred," Alec reflected. "I felt a lot of emotion."

For Alec, one of the most memorable moments of the trip was visiting the United Nations headquarters in Vienna. Having participated in Model United Nations in high school and studied international organizations as an International Affairs major, seeing the institution in person was especially meaningful.

"The highlight of this week was absolutely the UN headquarters," he said. "It was so fascinating and great to be there after doing Model UN in high school and studying it so much."

The final days of the program focused heavily on Vienna's artistic and cultural heritage. Visits to the and its collection, including , encouraged students to engage with art in new ways through coursework and reflection. Alec also attended a piano recital and appreciated the opportunity to explore subjects outside his usual areas of study.

"I really appreciate the opportunity to be in fields I'm not too experienced with such as art and music," he said. "Because we studied those pieces, I could recognize them and it elevated my experience."

Looking back, Alec says the experience was defined not only by what he learned, but also by the friendships he built and the perspectives he gained. The opportunity to experience another culture firsthand, connect academic concepts to real-world places, and engage with a diverse range of subjects left a lasting impact.

"I want to go back for sure," Alec said. "I'm grateful for my major allowing me to experience this unique and unforgettable study abroad trip."