These past couple of weeks, AIESEC Atlanta members were flung across the globe to attend the numerous international conferences that AIESEC International holds each year. Germany, Tunisia, Russia, and Japan each saw the smiling faces of eager, exuberant Americans from the Peach State.
However, a few of us thought, "Why should we need a conference to justify visiting another MC, LC, or interesting destination? Why can't we just go?"
And so we went.
Thomas,
Ryan,
Masato, and
I met up with Shannon Guy (of former LCP fame) from AIESEC Yale and headed for an atypical Spring Break destination,
Canada. Montreal, Quebec, to be specific.
What began as a simple trip into a city evolved and shifted into a week-long love affair with the local committees nestled in the heart of this francophone metropolis. We were welcomed with unparalleled enthusiasm and warmth by the LCs of the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM) and Hautes Etudes Commerciales Montreal (HEC). They accepted us into their offices, their events, and their social circles without hesitation and thoroughly immersed us in the Montreal experience. And even though we struggled with our French, it was easy to see that no language barriers could overpower the strength of the AIESEC network to create friendships. AIESEC Montreal is truly a force to be reckoned with.
We came, we saw, we conquered. An indelible mark was left on our hearts, even for those of us who are seasoned visitors of our neighbor to the north. I know I speak for all five of us when I say that we will remember this experience for years to come.
And to you Canadians: may we meet again at NLDC in May at Toronto!
Labels: AIESECers, Canada, rep, the Dream
