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Exchange Program
in Graz, Austria .
Zwei Studenten pro Jahr dürfen ein
Studienjahr in Graz verbringen. Lesen Sie hier über das Programm,
die Stadt, und Austauschstudenten.
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Kontakt:
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Elizabeth Waysek
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Was für ein Abendteuer! After completing Beginning German I and II at MSU, I decided to apply for the Overseas Neighbors Scholarship to spend one year studying in Graz, Austria. It was time for me to take my interest in speaking German to a new level by living in Austria and experiencing the culture first-hand. Looking back on it now, I marvel at what an incredible opportunity I had and how much I benefited from my time in Graz. Graz is the second largest city in Austria, located only two and a half hours from Vienna by train, and it is surely one of the most exciting programs offered through Study Abroad. In addition to the benefits of studying at one of the best Universities in Austria, the BuergermeisterŐs office and ON in Graz personally look after Montclair Students. They provided me with the opportunity to enjoy both opera and theatre as well as introduce me to natives from Graz who were more than willing to welcome us to their city. You've probably heard students say that studying abroad changed their lives. My experiences were no exception! I found a myriad of new opportunities and experiences just waiting for me to take advantage of. The University is home to many international students who are eager to speak German and always ready to have a good time. After taking classes ranging from international law to classical German literature my perspectives have broadened. The excitement of studying in Graz was linked with the chance to do things I had never done before. Meeting people and being able to have conversations with them made me feel connected to the world in a way that I never could take part in before. I had a great time with my Austrian roommates and neighbors, for example. Just to give you an idea of some of the horizon-expanding experiences I had during my year abroad, here's a short list: --Hiking to a salt mine --Teaching English to Kindergarten through age 12 --Endless museums and art --Participation in joint studies with the University of Maribor, Slovenia --Guest appearances on Graz pirate radio station, Radio Helsinki --Multiple cups of coffee in Vienna --Excessive consumption of Schnitzel and beer --Buschenshranks --Opera and theatre --Buying to-die-for Austrian bread I also took advantage of my time to travel with friends to neighboring countries; Prague, Budapest, Vienna, were all on our list of places to see. Some of my favorite memories, though, come from my daily life in Graz--the friendly faces I came to know at my local bakery, long walks through the Stadtpark, discos and balls. One of my favorite memories is of a two-day project with Slovenian students from Lublijana. Along with a few Americans and Austrian law students the two Universities held a mock meeting of the UN Human Right Committee with a former Ambassador to the UN. During this time of interaction with the other students, my world view broadened as I listened to their different perspectives. After the close of the sessions I enjoyed a glass of wine with the Austrian students. Their hospitality toward me and being able to understand much of their conversation in German was the best reward I could have from my year away! These moments spent with people were thrilling and are a part of my education that shapes my life as much as my college experiences. I would encourage anyone interested in foreign language and culture to take advantage of the Overseas Neighbors program--because you have to see it to believe it. |
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