Hi, my name is Maya Villanueva, and I currently study dance and exercise science at the University of Iowa. In summer 2023, I studied abroad in Vienna, Austria, interning for a medical training fitness gym through IES Abroad.  

Living in Vienna for the summer allowed me to see how different the lifestyle of the community was compared to what I am used to in the United States. I am a Mexican-American woman and was surrounded by a majority of Austrian and German people. Walking around the city, I stood out based on my physical appearance, however I never felt that I was not accepted. Everyone in the city had a beautiful sense of fashion and carried themselves with assertiveness. They walked with confidence from one place to the next. Their body language made me feel confident and encouraged me to explore a new sense of style and sense of assurance. I picked up on the city’s energy and applied it to how I would go about my day and my work. Through my time abroad, I gained confidence and blended in with the high-paced, decisive lifestyle, which made me feel even more accepted and a part of the city and culture. 

During my time interning for the Medical Training Fitness gym, Sporthalle, a completely German-speaking gym, I continually learned new things about my identity and positionality. I had no prior German language experience and felt the most culture shock while abroad on the first day I entered the gym. My first day on the job also happened to be the last day of a week-long certification program the gym had been hosting for a training called “Natural Movement.” The portion of the training I saw included jumping from block to block, rock climbing, diving, balance tests, and rolling on the ground; it was rather intense. Most gyms in America consist of rooms full of treadmills, bicycles, and weights, but my first day at this gym consisted of people jumping, rolling, and rock climbing, all while speaking in German. I remember after my first day I was rather nervous about how intense the training was at this gym.  

"Initially, working abroad can be very intimidating, especially when your identity is different from those around you, but it was an experience I will never forget. I learned so much about how I present myself, and how to connect with others who are so different than me. It was truly an unforgettable experience! "

Luckily my second day was not the same, and my supervisor assured me this was not the typical regimen of the gym. This gym, unlike most American gyms, is holistic, meaning the exercises are hands-on work, using the physical body rather than any electrical equipment to work on exercise tasks and skills. These methods use little machinery to obtain a full-body workout. I was able to grasp the energy of the gym and how this holistic lifestyle could yield results.  

 I took several training classes the gym offered and even began to lead training sessions myself after observing the trainers and their techniques. I was extremely thankful for all the new methods and perspectives of exercise I observed. I worked with clients who knew some English, for which I was incredibly grateful. There were times I received questions from my clients, who struggled with their English, regarding my identity. For example, I was once asked “Where are your ancestors from?” as she knew I was American but wasn’t sure about my heritage. This client and I were rather close, and we both appreciated and respected how different we were.  

The grind and focus of this gym were different from other gyms I was accustomed to. It was a small gym but a tight-knit community. Everyone was supportive of each other and their efforts. The gym fostered a sense of community while also being able to help patrons develop a strong work mentality focused on results. It helped me gain a new perspective on how much exercise can contribute to building a community although each client was different. I connected with several clients who shared their stories which were incredibly different from mine.  

After my time working for Sporthalle, I realized how much I enjoy training and gained a new passion for becoming a mentor or coach. Along with the lifestyle of Vienna, I gained confidence in my ability to lead sessions independently and believe that I have the skills to make a difference in someone’s exercise journey. I gained the knowledge required to lead something on my own, and how to best connect with others while doing so. 

Initially, working abroad can be very intimidating, especially when your identity is different from those around you, but it was an experience I will never forget. I learned so much about how I present myself, and how to connect with others who are so different than me. It was truly an unforgettable experience!

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship (formerly Diversity Ambassador) program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.