#goodbyeeisenstadt: Travelling throughout Europe

Both during an internship and a semester abroad. An experience that is worthwhile, as the stories of our outgoings show. But read and see for yourself.

Change of perspective during studies

In the past academic year, our Master's and Bachelor's students ventured abroad to change their perspective and returned with valuable experiences. We would like to share a few of these with you in this blog post - from the perspective of our students.

"Everyone should definitely do an internship abroad if it's possible. You grow beyond yourself and get to know a country in a completely different way when you're not just on holiday there."

Astrid Atteneder, student of the Master's programme in International Economic Relations

What motivated you to complete your internship abroad in Bratislava?

I wanted to gain experience abroad and prefer working in a foreign country to studying. I knew the Foreign Trade Centre from friends who raved about it. I was part of the team there from day one and was immediately made to feel welcome.

In addition to a great working atmosphere and very helpful colleagues, my everyday life on site was characterised by patient and detailed explanations and ‘insider information’ about Slovakia. I was given interesting insights into Slovakia as a country, the Slovakian economy and its bilateral economic relationship as well as import and export data. I was also able to take part in interesting events such as the Austrian Business Circles.

What challenges did you encounter?

There were a lot of impressions at once, especially the foreign language. Finding your feet in a new city is always a challenge at first, for example when it comes to finding accommodation.

What was a particularly nice experience?
My favourite experiences include the countless after-work cocktails on the Danube with new friends, the beautiful sunsets and the visit to the Presidential Palace Palais Grassalkovich, where I even saw the Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová.

What are the biggest lessons you have learnt from your time abroad?
There are many: For example, the networked thinking, the broad overview of economic interrelationships and a better general knowledge of the Austrian and Slovakian economy. The internship also awakened my interest in different industries.

"It doesn't matter what city or country you're in: What counts are the people around you. During my time abroad, I learnt to appreciate my friends and especially my family much more and not to take them for granted."

Nina Wallner, student of the Bachelor's programme in International Economic Relations

What made you decide to do your internship abroad? Why Riga in particular?

As planned in the Bachelor's degree programme in International Business Relations, I decided to do my internship abroad. I chose the city because a former student had already completed her internship at the Baltic-German University Office in Riga and had positive things to say about it. Furthermore, I have always been interested in the Baltic States and I saw this as the perfect opportunity to get to know an exciting culture and new people and, above all, to gain further international experience.

What was everyday working life like on site?

In general, I can say that everyday working life was always very similar and not particularly varied. However, what I always particularly looked forward to were the events organised by the Hochschulkontor. I was allowed to help with the preparations as well as with the tasks that arose during the event.

What was challenging? Where did you perhaps surpass yourself?

After my semester abroad in Spain in the same year, it was difficult at first to move back to a foreign country after such a short time at home with my family. In addition, many Latvian people are rather withdrawn and not always very communicative, which was an unusual situation for me, as I am a very open and extroverted person who likes to be surrounded by people. I was all the more grateful that my flatmates in the shared flat, who came from different countries, were so open and friendly and made my time in Riga something special.

What was a particularly nice experience?

No matter how difficult some situations were, there were at least as many beautiful moments that I only really appreciated through the difficult times. One great experience at the beginning of my time in Riga was a road trip with three friends, where we rented a car and drove across the country to visit various beaches and cities. I am very grateful that I was able to meet such great people with whom I was able to share many more unique experiences.

"Anyone who can and wants to do an internship abroad should seize the opportunity: An experience that nobody can take away from you!"

Laura Arzberger, student of the bachelor's programme Information, Media and Communication

What made you decide to do your internship abroad in Germany?

My original plan was to complete a semester abroad as part of my degree programme, but the coronavirus pandemic intervened. After the restrictions were eased, I decided to at least take the opportunity to gain experience in another country through the internship.

I was basically relatively open as to where I would do my internship: Germany came about by chance thanks to an advert at Craft Circus GmbH.

What was everyday working life like on site?

My working hours were Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00. Every day started with a ‘morning call’ with the whole team to discuss the day's work objectives and exchange any questions internally. After that, everyone worked individually on their projects.

What was challenging? Where did you perhaps surpass yourself?

The most challenging experience for me was finding accommodation in Berlin: I had to change accommodation three times during my internship. But by organising accommodation, trips etc., I was able to surpass myself.

What was a particularly nice experience?

Not only did I gain a lot of experience, but I also made lots of new friends. The best thing for me is that we want to keep in touch and more meetings are planned.

"If you not only want to develop your professional skills, but also strengthen your personality, I can recommend an internship abroad. You gain experience in the world of work, but you can also live in a different environment."

Alexander Angerer, student of the Bachelor's programme in International Economic Relations

What motivated you to complete your internship abroad?

I really wanted to work abroad. Someone I knew and the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences told me that there were still places available at the Foreign Trade Centre. This gave me the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone: on the one hand, to complete the internship for my degree programme and, on the other, to gain experience abroad. The internship helped me with my personal and professional development.

What was everyday working life like on site?

I was able to help my colleagues with the organisation of events. Most of the time it was standard office work, such as editing texts or maintaining internal contact lists. The language was always a challenge, not only at work but also in my free time. However, I always had a dictionary with me in case my vocabulary reached its limits. 

What was a particularly nice experience?

For me personally, there wasn't THE best experience. For me, the whole experience in Croatia was simply a wonderful time, as I am a curious person who likes to explore the unknown. I really enjoyed experiencing the country's culture and exploring the city. The fact that I am learning Croatian myself at the University of Applied Sciences helped me to experience Zagreb even better.

What are the biggest lessons you learnt from your time abroad?

That would probably be my personal empathy. Before my internship, I hadn't gained much experience in the world of work. My internship helped me to gain a better insight into this: On the one hand, what tasks I could expect in the job, but also to feel empathy for the people doing the work. My empathy towards other people has generally improved.

"My semester abroad in Helsinki at Haaga-Helia was an unforgettable experience that I would recommend to anyone. I learnt a lot, met great people and made unforgettable memories."

Laura Messner, student of the Master's programme in International Economic Relations

Where did you spend your semester abroad and how did you feel about the city you were in?

I spent my semester abroad in Helsinki at Haaga-Helia. I found the city enchanting and there are lots of outdoor activities to do in your free time: For example, there are national parks in the surrounding area, but there are also a number of offers for those interested in culture. The Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences campus is modern and well equipped.

How did you feel about the courses you attended?

The courses I attended were interesting and varied. Thanks to my semester abroad and the courses I took there, I was able to learn a lot about Finnish society, economy and culture. The professors were all very keen to support us in all matters and were very committed in their courses.  

Apart from the academic training, what other benefits did your semester abroad bring you?

I made lots of new friends from all over the world and was able to improve my language skills. I also took the opportunity to travel, as I really wanted to get to know Finland and the surrounding countries better. And what can I say: if a semester abroad is not the right opportunity, then what is? It was an indescribable experience to get to know the nature, culture and people in these countries.

All the stories of our students abroad can be found here.

Would you also like to take the plunge and move to a foreign country? Our International Office will be happy to support you if you want to spend a semester or do an internship abroad. All you need to bring is a bit of courage, wanderlust and enough lead time to get your personal adventure off the ground. Side note: All late-comers can still apply for a semester abroad in the winter semester 2023/2024. Please contact the International Office as soon as possible.