Brent Mutis, CapU Sport Information & Compliance Officer
After wearing a captain's arm band and helping lead the Capilano Blues women's soccer team to their first provincial title in 14 years, Ada Babinski opted for a change of scenery for her business administration degree studies for the 2022 Spring term and has spent the semester studying abroad at FH Campus Wien in Vienna, Austria.
The Blues Department of Athletics & Recreation (A&R) caught up with Babinski recently over email and got the latest from the Blues midfielder on this experience of a lifetime.
A&R - Why did you decide to study abroad and how did you choose the university you selected?
AB - Studying abroad has been something I’ve always wanted to do. I was initially supposed to go two years ago to Barcelona to study and learn Spanish but it got cancelled due to COVID. When the school in Barcelona was not taking any more exchanges, I then chose Vienna. I visited Vienna a couple years ago for a couple days and really enjoyed the city, so it was an easy choice to come here.
A&R - What classes are you taking?
AB - I am enrolled in six courses in total, but the scheduling is very different to what I am used to. Some courses are only two weeks long and some are three months long. All my courses surround international business: specifically business strategy, project planning, cross-cultural management, international business, modern business concepts, and lastly innovation management.
A&R - Where are you living?
AB - I have been living in a student dorm in Mariahilf, which is the 6th district of Vienna. I live five minutes away from the biggest shopping street in Vienna, so my location has been amazing. It takes approximately 20 minutes by metro or bus for me to get to anywhere in the city.
A&R - Have you visited any other nearby countries?
AB - Yes! So far, I’ve been able to visit Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain, Germany, and Poland. I also have plans to go to Italy.
A&R - What has been your favorite activity and new food you’ve tried?
AB - As simple as it sounds, my favorite activity has been spending days at parks with my friends. Vienna is filled with so many beautiful parks with amazing backdrops, and the time we’ve spent together has created amazing friendships. One of my favorite foods I’ve tried is this dish called käsespätzle. It is essentially German mac and cheese, made with a thick egg noodle and cooked with Emmental cheese. It’s heavy on the stomach but the taste of it is completely worth it.
A&R - Have you learned any German?
AB - I essentially have the basics of German down (if no one asks a question back, I’m good to go), but because of most of my friends being from the Netherlands, I seem to be learning Dutch faster than German.
A&R - Have you been able to play any soccer or go to watch any pro games?
AB - I trained once with a team outside of the city, and that was fun! Unfortunately, with the inconsistent school schedule it’s been hard to commit to a team. I went to an Austrian Bundesliga match to watch FK Austria Wien vs. FC Salzburg Red Bull. There was a group of us that went, and it was a really good time! The environment at these matches is always unmatched and it’s always one of the favorite things to do.
A&R - Has it been a positive experience and what would you tell anyone thinking of studying abroad?
AB - Studying abroad has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve learned so much more about myself and the friendships I’ve made are friendships I’ll hold forever. If anyone is considering or thinking about studying abroad, I would say just go. I had many anxieties before leaving and that’s for sure normal, but I’m glad I didn’t let them stop me. So, take the opportunity to live in another city for a couple months, meet people from all over the world, and create memories that you won’t ever be able to create again at home. This experience is something that won’t be regretted. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary but you are met with so much growth within yourself at the end, it’s so worth it.