From Saskatchewan to Germany: How a Gap Year Transformed One Student's Confidence

johnathon25
May 31
2 min read

Madison shared her experience with the International Rural Exchange program, including working in Saskatchewan and then spending time in Germany. She talked about learning to navigate homesickness, language barriers, and uncertainty, and how the experience helped her grow more adaptable, confident, and present.

Key Takeaways

Unique Internship: Madison's 8-month internship with International Rural Exchange (IRE) provided a rare "full-circle" view, combining 4 months of office work in Alameda, SK, with 4 months as a participant in Leipzig, Germany.
Homesickness as a Tool: She acknowledged persistent homesickness but used it as motivation to stay present and explore, rather than letting it derail her experience.
Core Learning → Adaptability: The experience taught her to manage uncertainty, pivoting from panic to problem-solving (e.g., booking a hotel after two missed trains), building deep self-trust.
Advice: Don't wait to feel "ready." Growth happens by learning to carry discomfort and trusting your own capability.

Topics

Background & Current Activities

Participant: Madison Waskowic
Current Role: 4th-year Bachelor of Commerce student (Marketing, Int'l Business) at U of S.
Other Activities:
- Mobile Support Equipment Operator, Canadian Army Reserves
- U of S student group connecting international students with peers, a role now more meaningful due to her own experience abroad.

The IRE Internship: A "Full-Circle" Experience

Origin: Found IRE via the Edwards School of Business's 8-month paid internship program.
Motivation: The role's unique structure—4 months office work + 4 months abroad—perfectly aligned with her travel goals.
Phase 1: Office Work (4 months, Alameda, SK)
- Gained an insider's view of exchange logistics (planning, communication, problem-solving).
- Realized IRE is a small, personal team, not a large corporation.
- Built connections that provided confidence for her own journey.
Phase 2: Participant Experience (4 months, Leipzig, Germany)
- Location: Leipzig, Germany (pop. ~Winnipeg), chosen for its manageable size.
- Activities:
  - 2 months of intensive German language classes.
  - Remote social media work for IRE, managing the time difference.
- Travel: Explored Germany and visited a friend in Denmark.

Challenges & Key Learnings

Challenge 1: Language Barrier & Homesickness
- Arrived in Germany with no prior German language skills.
- Experienced persistent homesickness but consciously chose not to let it dictate her experience.
- Strategy: Acknowledged feelings while staying present, exploring, and building a routine.
- Insight: Learned to appreciate small details (e.g., lavender scent) as a way to connect with the moment.
Challenge 2: Managing Uncertainty
- Example: Two consecutive trains were canceled at a small, remote station.
- Initial Reaction: Panic.
- Pivot: Shifted to problem-solving → booked a hotel in the main city for the night.
- Outcome: Built deep self-trust and confidence in her ability to handle unexpected setbacks.