Gaining experiences like everyone else

She is currently studying as an "Incoming Student" at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland in Eisenstadt.

A semester abroad is a challenging time for everyone. Away from family and friends. Away from the familiar university environment in another country with a new language and mentality. For Hana, who has lived with severe health impairments and regular medication intake since a childhood tumour illness, a semester abroad requires even more planning, effort, and courage. Nevertheless, she is here and is taking courses in the Department of Business from the Bachelor's programme in International Sustainable Business. At home in Brno, she is studying "Finance" at the Master's level.

Why is she so fascinated by the world of finance? She explains: "I knew pretty well what I didn't want to do professionally. With an education in finance, I have many opportunities open to me and I look forward to my professional life positively."

In Brno, Hana lives with her family. The desire to leave her comfort zone was one of the reasons why she decided to do a semester abroad.

What does she appreciate about studying in Eisenstadt? "It's smaller here than at my university at home. That means it's more manageable and you find your way around faster. Also, it's great that the lecturers come from practice and can immediately put what you've learned into context."

What took some getting used to, as far as studying is concerned, was mainly the structure of the semester. While at her home university the "timetable" repeats weekly, she was surprised at the UAS Burgenland by the intensive, blocked units, followed by free time. As an introverted person, as she describes herself, she would like more courses to better have the chance to get in touch with students from home and abroad.

Her semester abroad is organized through CEEPUS. People with impairments are supported by this programme in their desire to study abroad. At the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, Hana is the first student with an impairment to spend a semester abroad here.

Hana, like all other incoming students, was annoyed that in Austria the shops are closed on Sundays and the public transport is quite limited here. Sorry Hana 😊

Info: At the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences, our Disability Officer Petra Kiradi will be happy to support you at studierenmitbehinderung(at)hochschule-burgenland.at.

Call: Hana would like to network with other people with impairments at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences. Please write to the above e-mail address.