My Leadership‑in‑Action placement with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI‑TOC), quickly became about more than work. It had me adapting, exploring and finding a place in a field and in a new city.

Settling into Vienna was both exciting and challenging. I had spent weeks beforehand on language apps, but as soon as I had a taxi driver ask me “Wohin?” I realised how little German had stuck. Thankfully, Vienna is a cosmopolitan city where English is widely spoken, but I still felt a bit of guilt every time a shopkeeper switched languages for me. I made it a point to learn a few basics, like how to order coffee or how to read the tram schedules. My colleagues at GI‑TOC were patient teachers, even turning my mispronunciations into running jokes that helped break the ice.

I stayed in the 4th district, a neighbourhood of beautiful streets, independent bookstores and cafés that quickly became the place of my evening strolls. In the mornings I would stop at a nearby bakery to grab coffee before going to the office. The commute itself felt like a cultural experience: impeccably clean trains gliding past baroque architecture and modernist buildings, commuters reading newspapers rather than scrolling on phones, quietness punctuated only by the automated station announcements. It was a stark contrast to the frenetic energy of Toronto’s transit system and made even the start of my workday feel special.

Balancing a demanding schedule with the desire to explore was a constant negotiation with myself. GI‑TOC’s work was intense: hours spent analysing UN documents, attending strategy meetings, or preparing for negotiations left me mentally exhausted. But Vienna’s beauty was a constant invitation to step outside. On evenings when the summer sun lingered late, I would wander along the Ringstrasse, marvelling at places like the State Opera and Hofburg Palace. I discovered that museums stay open until 6 which made me have to sprint to them after work more than once. 

Living abroad also brought home the broader context of my work. Being in Vienna allowed me to connect with professionals I had admired for years, especially with people who directly influence the issues that affect people in my home continent. The placement also deepened my appreciation for the privileges I carry: the ability to travel, to work in English, to access work and social networks, etc. It reminded me why amplifying the voices of those directly affected by organised crime that do not get necessary exposure is essential.

Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of my time abroad was the sense of community that I was able to form around me. My GI‑TOC colleagues invited me into their world: lunches at nearby places, weekend cafés in the first district, and enthusiastic debates over a myriad of topics from leadership changes at UNODC to whether Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce would get engaged (spoiler alert: they did!). They also introduced me to their friends, expanding my social circle beyond the office. On my last day of the LiA; my colleagues organized for us to go for drinks as a farewell and as I was talking to them so confidently and comfortably while receiving advice on next steps and a couple of reminders to keep in touch I knew I had made the most of my time in Vienna. 

Looking back, I’m struck by how much this experience mirrored the programme’s emphasis on character and capacities. It took humility to navigate a new culture, curiosity to wander down side streets and into unknown conversations, and determination to balance demanding work with exploration. Settling into Vienna taught me to be comfortable with discomfort, from laughing at my language mishaps, to asking for clarification when I did not understand terms in a document. It also reinforced the importance of empathy: every person I met had a story, a reason for their line of work, triumphs and struggles. Listening to them expanded my worldview and reinforced my commitment to work that fosters safety and justice across borders.

I left Vienna with a deeper understanding of myself, a stronger network of friends and mentors, and a renewed determination to pursue a career in combating organised crime. The city that once felt daunting now has a special place in my heart, and the lessons I learned there will guide me forever.