Final Post :(

     A couple nights ago, after I had finally adjusted to the time change, I invited some of my family over. My mother cooked a delicious meal (Oh how I missed her food!) and I talked everyone through a slideshow of all of my photos from my incredible study abroad trip. Going through the photos took me back to the place and time where they were taken and my thoughts at the time of the picture. During our picture viewing, I constantly found myself saying “This picture doesn’t even do this city justice.” However, these pictures evoked vivid memories for me, and I am very thankful I took so many! :)

     This study abroad experience has impacted me greatly. Being a participant at the14th World Congress of Music Therapy was an experience I will never forget. There were music therapists from 45 different countries, all attending either to share their personal experiences clinically, or to gain knowledge about the evolving, and seemingly limitless, field I am proud to be a part of. I attended a vast array of presentations, with topics ranging from music therapy with depressed mothers and babies to a guided songwriting workshop to recommendations on evidence-based practice for children with ASD and beyond. Learning about music therapy on a global scale has opened my eyes to the varying university programs, methodologies, ethics, and requirements that are present. Although different university programs or schools of thought have specific interventions or techniques, I've developed a new philosophy that isn't about the specific interventions or techniques used. For me, it's truly about meeting the needs of the client, in whatever way seems most beneficial. 

     From my home in Heidelberg, to weekends in Salzburg, Leipzig, Berlin, and Amsterdam, to the World Conference of Music Therapy in Krems, I will never forget the people I’ve met, the places I’ve seen, and the memories I’ve made. Thank you to my wonderful peers and our ringleader Dr. Keith for making this experience unforgettable.