IV. ERASMUS DESTINATION. IMC FACHHOCHSCHULE KREMS. AUSTRIA

19 Oct 2011, 01:39

The incorporation into the host university, the IMC Fachhochschule Krems, was pretty nice. Both students and teachers and other staff were very receptive and kind to each new student.

A week before the official opening of the course, the IMC organized a series of introduction activities for all exchange students. These activities took place over several days and had as main objective to familiarize us with the University and its standards and facilities, with our respective careers and their teachers and subjects, and the city, Krems, and its main tourist attractions. On the other hand, all these events did much to "break the ice" and promote communication among all the new students.

The first day of activities, we performed a welcome ceremony in the Campus "Piaristengasse".
It was the first day I had contact with the facilities in which I would receive lessons during the
following 10 months. The University building caught my attention: A well-kept old building with
a mix of classic and modern decoration whose contrast was fairly attractive. Upon arrival, the representatives of the international relations department welcomed us smiling and with a suitcase for each of us containing information material about the IMC and general interest.

The ceremony was headed by the rector of the University, who was responsible of giving us an affective welcome and information related to the university and the rules that should be followed. All communications between students and university staff were conducted in English. Afterwards there was a presentation of the teachers of different subjects.

During the following days, different activities were organized in order to promote the integration and communication between the new exchange students as well to familiarize ourselves with the university and the city. We conducted a integration workshop in which each exchange student had to introduce itself and participate in group activities without much interest that the relationship between us in an enjoyable and funny way..

They also offered a guided tour through the city where the most important data and anecdotal history of Krems was explained. They also showed us where the useful establishments of the city were.

Another one of the days, the university organized trips to two nearby towns for
all the Exchange students. There we had the opportunity to visit a museum, a palace
and vineyards, as the white wine is a typical product of the area.

Definitely, there were various activities enjoyable and entertaining who helped us to
make the integration into our destiny and within our new classmates and teachers in a simple way.

Another element that improved the integration into my Erasmus destination was the “Buddies" program.

This program consisted in the allocation of an exchange student to each of the regular students of the IMC. This student of the IMC would be responsible for advising and assisting his or her exchange "buddy" in everything he or she could and related to different aspects: not only with questions about college or career, but also about the city, transportation, and so on.

The official presentation of the "buddies" was performed at an event organized by the IMC on which all the exchange students and all the regular students who had signed up for the program were invited. During the course of the event, the students were called one by one, each regular student with its own international "buddy" to be greeted and then we had to pass to take the photo of the official presentation. I must say that the program is, in my opinion, very useful and efficient. Many of us needed at some time help or support from our "buddy", especially at the beginning. Unfortunately, my "buddy" was not Austrian and could not speak German. So, there were situations when he could not help me. When I needed help reading my flat renting contract, for example. It was the same in a couple of situations. I think it is important that people who join this program have the real ability to help exchange students in specific situations of this experience. Anyway, Florian – that is the name of my “buddy” - became a great friend with whom I shared many pleasant moments.

In addition to the activities at the beginning of the course, various groups and associations helped to make the integration of exchange students even greater.
By default and after paying a mandatory fee for all students of the university, each of the new students began a member of the "Students for Students" association. This non-profit association formed by students, helps students both regular and international, in different aspects such as legal, organizing events, searching for housing, sports, etc.

As I said, the students also had the opportunity to sign up in sporting activities like football or rugby teams, but could also join acting or dancing classes.

In conclusion, as you may have read both the university and the students themselves took care of the integration of exchange students by ensuring that it was conducted in a pleasant and enjoyable way trying to offer the highest number of possibilities.

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