Alumni Spotlight: Christinne Cuyugan

Christinne Cuyugan is a nineteen-year old Senior college student from Manila, Philippines. She is currently taking up a BS Psychology in the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She likes good music, good books, and good company. She loves to travel, learn new things, and experience different cultures. Most importantly, Christinne wants to be relevant, and she hopes that someday she can help change the world for the better.

Highlights: Generally, it was strange for me because I was immersed in a culture so different from mine. At one glance, everyone would know that I am not from Austria, or even Europe in general. I looked different from everyone else. I didn't fit in. Everyone around me liked different music, spoke a different language, and had certain manners I wasn't accustomed with. Prices were almost two times higher. Laws were much more stringent. That being said, one might think I had a horrible time. In fact, I had the time of my life. I liked living in Austria. Everything was so peaceful and orderly. I liked how everything felt like it was in place, and that everywhere I went, I feel safe. I liked being different. I was that small Asian girl who danced differently, who liked different things, who had different tastes. I felt unique, and the best part was no on treated me differently. From Solar City to Universitat, the old streets of Hauptplatz, the long stretch of walk along the Danube, the vast area of Pleschinger see. The bottom line is, I fell in love with Austria.

Christinne at a pub with friends in Austria

In total, I was able to go to 8 middle/high schools, and I was able to talk to at least 200 students about how it is like to be a Filipino. I held workshops which focused on my country's history, customs, culture and social problems. It was an amazing experience for me, interacting with the students about the cultural similarities and differences between my country and Austria. I found it touching that even just simple stories about famous Filipino Youtube stars or beliefs can bring about so much fascination in my students. I felt their sincerity to learn about the Philippines. I was overwhelmed by how they were so receptive and open about my culture, and how in one way or another they wanted to help solve the problems in my country which I discussed with them.

In a way, I think I became braver than I was before I went there. I went to Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, Rome, Vatican City, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Warsaw, Prague, and a lot more small cities in Austria. Most of those trips I went alone, and somehow I didn’t care. The old me would have never done something like that. The old me would not have the guts to do so. Thankfully, the new me, the me I developed into when I was there, just wasn’t afraid anymore — and she did go around doing whatever the hell she wanted to do with her life. And it was great. I’ve always said I wanted to go explore the world, taste different food from different countries, walk around the old cities and towns in Europe, and a lot of other things. I had the opportunity to do it, and even though it really took me a lot of pushing, I was able to take a leap of faith and do them all.

Christinne studying abroad in Austria

I cannot describe everything that I experienced there, but so to speak, everyday – work or play – was amazing for me. I think I have lived more in the two months I was there than in the 19 years I spent in the Philippines.

Morning: I would wake up at around 6:30 am. First thing I would do is head to my dorm's (I stayed in Julius Raabheim, a student dormitory of Johannes Kepler Universität) kitchen and cook breakfast. I was pretty big on breakfast girl because prices were relatively higher in Austria. I ate as much as I could in the dormitory so I wouldn't need to buy anything when I am at work. Afterwards, I would take a shower and prepare my things. Usually, I would prepare my presentation and the things I would need for the workshops the night before, so this wouldn't take long. Then, I would meet up with my co-interns (there were three of us in the internship, one from Colorado, USA and the other from Mexico City, Mexico) in the dorm's lobby and we all walked to the tram which would take us to the school we have for the day.

At the schools, the three of us would take turns doing our presentations. The workshops we did focused on our country's history, customs, culture and social problems. We liked for them to be interactive and fun for the kids and us, so we integrated cultural games and activities that captured the attention of our students. In the process, not only did we help them learn and be sensitive towards our cultures, but we also trained them to speak English more since we couldn't speak Deutsch.

Christinne enjoying the scenery in Austria

Afternoon: Our workshops would usually end around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. After that, we could do anything. Actually, when we didn't have work according to the internship's schedule, we could basically do anything we would wanted. Some days I would simply go home and prepare my presentations more and customize it for the next school. Some concepts I would tackle with older students were a little too hard for younger students to understand, especially since I could only speak English. But most days I would go chill out with my co-interns and/or the local AIESECers who were willing to spend time with us. The local committee members in Linz were really friendly - finding someone to explore the city or simply hang out with was never a problem. Other days I would go explore not only Austria, but nearby cities in Europe. More on this later!

Evening: Since I woke up really early for the classes, I preferred not going out much at night. But when I did, I went to Hauptplatz (the city center) with my dorm mates, or co-interns, or whoever might want to grab a beer or two with me. If not, I would just stay in and watch movies, jam, or simply talk with my dorm mates. Linz is a beautiful city. On lazy nights, my favorite thing to do would be to go near the Danube, and just lie there and watch the stars, or stare at the eternal facade of such a lovely city. Otherwise, I would go clubbing at Nachtwerft or A1.