NSAC Team’s trip to Tallinn
It was a fairly warm Friday morning in the end of May. The hour had yet to pass 7am, but in despite of the early hour, the yawns and sleepy eyes, we met each other with excitement buzzing in the air. We met up, all nine of us, at the check-in counters in the departure hall. A big weekend awaited us, we knew that. A weekend of first’s. So far the NSAC-year had been a year of many first’s; first time a Australian university is attending, first time with 10 presenting universities, first time with NSAC workshops. The examples are numerous. This weekend, this experience, however, was going to be a different kind of first; we all knew that. First though, let’s go back to the start.
The NSAC-year anno 2016 started January 3rd. First order of business was opening for applications to the NSAC team. Each year the team is created from a mix of new team members and experienced ones. Behind the conference, planning it, is thus 25 students from high school to graduate school and everything in between. 25 students studying everything from business to law, science, physics and whatnot. 25 students pursuing their education in places from Copenhagen and Middelfart to Holstebro and London, from California to Helsingborg and New Haven. It’s students who themselves have been, are or is dreaming of studying abroad. This is the foundation, these 25 volunteers are the point of departure for each year creating the best possible study abroad conference.
After baggage drop, we scrolled through security aiming for the the morning coffee and croissant. At 10 we arrived, found an Uber and headed straight for the hotel. After checking in we went on into town. Ready to explore, almost bursting of excitement of not only being on the way but finally being there. The city centre primarily consists of a beautiful and historic Old Town with castles, churches and a well-preserved town wall. There is room for shopping, eating, strolling and getting lost. Like Copenhagen, it’s a very small big city.
Being a NSAC’er there are two dates a year that must be saved. One is of course the conference in september, the second is the yearly belated Easter lunch in May. The last mentioned a venue for having fun before some busy months up to the conference date and the last mentioned too trying out a new format. NSAC being a group of people urging to explore the life beyond the Danish borders, there was only one right way to enjoy and celebrate our belated Easter lunch.
The 9 of us spend the weekend from Friday morning to Sunday evening in the Estonian capital, Tallinn. We spend it getting to know each other better; we spend it discussing ideas and visions; we spent it talking study abroad plans, dreams and experiences. We laughed, smiled, explored, partied and played games out until the early hours of morning. We drank coffee, drinks, shots, wine and water. We indulged in plenty of cakes, starters, soups, sweets and delicious meals. We spend it in the city, at the club, in the sauna and with each other. It was a weekend trip and an NSAC Easter lunch as it should be.
It was a weekend of many first’s. One thing is certain though, it wasn’t a weekend of last’s. I’m already looking forward to next year’s NSAC trip. One questions remains - will you be joining us? Before such considerations though, there are dates to remember. Most importantly the conference the 17th of September. The 2nd round of applications opens in August. During the fall there are three more NSAC workshops planned and then in January in you can apply to become a part of the team. First things first though, the conference. See you in september.