“My internship abroad was more than just work – it was the chance to discover new cultures, grow beyond myself, and see the world from a different perspective.”
Tobias Theißl, Bachelor’s student in International Business Relations
#GoodbyeEisenstadt – From Spain to Kazakhstan
Und zwar sowohl im Praktikum als auch im Auslandssemester. Eine Erfahrung, die sich lohnt, wie die Erzählungen unserer Outgoings zeigen. Aber lest und seht selbst.
…because students in the Bachelor’s program in International Business Relations are given the opportunity every year to apply their knowledge directly in international companies. During their professional internships in Central and Eastern Europe, they gain diverse experiences and exciting insights. Where exactly do they go? That depends on the CEE language they choose during their studies – it opens the door to the respective countries and companies.
Angelina, Tobias and Ricardo seized this opportunity and completed internships abroad. Although it represents a particular challenge for part-time students, Emre decided to spend a semester abroad. In this blog post, we would like to share some impressions of their experiences in Spain, the Czech Republic, Qatar and Kazakhstan – from the perspective of our students.
What was the most memorable experience during your semester abroad?
Many moments in Alicante remain fond memories. What I appreciated most was how quickly you connect with other students. At the very first Erasmus events, I met people from all over the world and was surprised at how easy everything was. The openness of the people and the relaxed atmosphere in the city made it easy to settle in.
What new experiences or perspectives did you gain during your stay?
I realized how valuable language skills are in everyday life. Speaking a lot of English and being exposed to Spanish made me feel more confident linguistically. It was also exciting to see how differently people approach tasks and how much you can learn from one another. It broadened my perspective in many ways.
What motivated you to spend your semester in Alicante?
Alicante appealed to me mainly because of its seaside location. The city offers a pleasant mix of Mediterranean climate, friendly lifestyle, and good infrastructure for students. The many sunny days, proximity to the beach, and relaxed atmosphere make daily life especially enjoyable. For me, it was the ideal place to combine studies and quality of life.
Were there any challenges, and what did you learn from them?
Of course, there were some challenges. The biggest was adapting to a completely new environment and attending all courses in English. It felt unfamiliar at first, but over time it became easier. I learned to stay flexible and to actively participate, even when not everything feels familiar right away.
What was your daily student life like?
Student life was well organized and varied. The courses were interesting and challenging, but absolutely manageable. What I particularly enjoyed was being able to spend time outdoors after classes thanks to the mild weather. Whether it was a walk on the beach or a coffee in the sun, these small moments made everyday life balanced and pleasant.
What would you recommend to future students planning a semester abroad?
Stay open and simply try things out. Especially at the beginning, it’s worth participating in Erasmus activities because you quickly meet new people. And don’t be afraid of the language – you naturally grow into it when you use it every day.
How did your time abroad shape you personally?
I gained more independence and improved my language skills. I also learned to adapt more quickly to new situations. The experience showed me how beneficial an international environment can be both professionally and personally.
What motivated you to complete your internship abroad? Why Prague?
I wanted practical experience in an international environment and real insights into real estate development – meaning project work, stakeholder coordination, and economic decision-making related to property projects. Prague was a good fit because S+B is locally rooted there but works strongly on an international level.
What was your daily work routine like?
It was very project-driven and focused heavily on coordination work: internal meetings, communication with external stakeholders (partners, buyers, sellers, subcontractors), tracking open issues, and preparing documents. The content ranged from project development and acquisition/property appointments (site visits, on-site evaluation of condition/location/potential) to presentations and project communication. There were also networking activities.
Were there challenges, and what did you learn from them?
The biggest challenge was the complexity caused by many stakeholders: different interests, decision-making logics, and expectations, which required clear and structured communication. I learned how important precise work, clear documentation, and reliability are – because they speed up decisions and reduce friction. Personally, self-organization in a dynamic environment was a key learning point.
What was the most impressive experience during your internship?
The most impressive experience was getting to know Qatar’s culture and people firsthand. As a young woman alone in a foreign country, I felt welcomed and safe from day one. The warmth, helpfulness, and openness of the people left a lasting impression. I not only worked at the Austrian Trade Commission (AußenwirtschaftsCenter) but also collaborated closely with the Austrian Embassy in Qatar, as we shared the same office. This gave me unique insights into diplomatic and economic tasks.
What new experiences or perspectives did you gain?
The internship opened up many professional and personal perspectives. I gained in-depth knowledge of the Qatari and Kuwaiti markets, their work methods, and tools. Participating in business and networking events such as “Hospitality Qatar,” “Medicare,” and “50 Years of Diplomatic Relationships between Austria and Qatar” allowed me to connect with successful professionals. Personally, I learned how valuable openness toward other cultures is when working in an international environment.
Why did you choose Doha, Qatar?
For me, there was no better choice. Doha is culturally, religiously, and economically very different from Austria, which allowed me to gain new experiences and meet people I would never have encountered otherwise. The city is modern and futuristic, with a strong economy and major investments in technology. The professional environment was digitalized, progressive, and efficient.
Were there challenges, and what did you learn?
Settling in was relatively easy because I was open and genuinely interested in the culture and people. I learned that openness and curiosity are key to broadening your horizons and gaining the most from the experience. My advice to future interns: stay open-minded and seize every opportunity.
What was your daily work routine like?
Working at the Austrian Trade Commission in Doha was varied and highly educational. From the beginning, I was involved in all tasks: conducting research, preparing economic reports on Qatar and Kuwait, supporting and attending events, and working with Austrian companies active in or entering the Qatari market. The collaboration with the embassy also gave me insights into diplomatic work. The working atmosphere was friendly, motivating, and supportive.
How did this time shape you personally and professionally?
My time in Doha shaped me tremendously. I learned more in this internship than in all previous jobs combined. I was able to work independently and was entrusted with important professional responsibilities. I also had the opportunity to meet influential Qatari personalities. Outside of work, I explored the country intensively, which deepened my understanding of the culture and lifestyle. The knowledge, experiences, and contacts I gained will support my long-term personal and professional development.
What motivated you to complete an internship abroad?
I love exploring new countries, so an internship abroad was the perfect opportunity. The University of Applied Sciences Burgenland introduced me to Kazakhstan and arranged two internship placements for me in Almaty.
Why Kazakhstan?
Central Asia has always fascinated me. I was also studying Russian as part of my degree, so it was the ideal opportunity to strengthen and develop my language skills.
You completed two internships – what was your daily routine like?
I worked at ZETA Solutions and at the Austrian Trade Commission in Almaty. My days were very diverse: I took on different tasks and conducted research on various topics.
Was there a professional highlight?
Definitely. One highlight was participating in the KazAgro/KazFarm trade fair in Astana, where I exchanged ideas with Austrian company representatives. I also attended a celebration of the Austrian National Day organized by the Austrian Embassy.
What did you gain professionally?
I learned a lot about Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the Kazakh economy. My intercultural communication skills improved, and I gained insights into international business processes. I also strengthened my analytical skills and gained valuable practical experience in an international economic environment.
How did you spend your free time in Almaty?
I traveled extensively. The nature around Almaty is stunning – especially Charyn Canyon, which looks like something out of a Western movie. I also had the opportunity to visit Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
What did this time mean to you personally?
It was one of the most formative experiences of my life. For the first time, I was away from home for five months – on another continent. The cultural differences were noticeable and made the experience even more exciting. I faced challenges, discovered new things, and constantly adapted, which helped me grow immensely.
Would you recommend an internship abroad to other students?
Absolutely. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.
The experiences of Angelina, Emre, Tobias, and Ricardo clearly demonstrate how diverse international study and work experiences can be. Whether a semester abroad or an internship: students at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland gain valuable professional, linguistic, and intercultural competencies around the world.
You can find all our students’ international stories collected here.
To wrap up, our YouTube Short offers lively first-hand insights: students talk about their time abroad and answer a surprising question ;-)
# Gepostet in:
Blog,
Einblicke von Studierenden,
Bachelorstudiengang Internationale Wirtschaftsbeziehungen,
Auslandsaufenthalte
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