Deutschstammtisch for international staff
July 28, 2022
Learning the language of the country you are living in is probably one of the most essential ways of getting to know the culture. As only learning the language in a classroom setting might however not suffice, a new format was now initiated for international staff at TU Graz: a German regulars table!
Organized by the Welcome Center, whilst initiated and hosted by our highly German-enthusiastic international staff member Dr. Anastasia Kucheryavaya, we already had two nice evenings in the International House. Our language learners, from beginners to near experts, had the chance to freely practice their German in a nice and secure atmosphere, whilst also getting some tips on things to do in and around Graz, and more.
If you are an international staff member of TU Graz, and feel like you lack German speaking practice, contact the Welcome Center to get further information on our next regulars table!
Jasmin Hus, Interntional Office - Welcome Center
Forum Technik und Gesellschaft Goes International
July 20, 2022
Last Wednesday, the annual Get-Together of “Forum Technik und Gesellschaft Goes International” took place at TU Graz. Every year, local companies award a so-called “company grant” to selected outgoing students within the Erasmus+, ISEP and overSEAs programme, meaning they receive extra funding for their time abroad!
After presentations by the companies, our students had the opportunity to introduce themselves and network with representatives while enjoying finger food and drinks.
Throughout the event, it became more than once obvious that studying and living abroad boosts a student’s CV and therefore helps to land his*her dream job. As a result, our outgoing students were quite busy discussing future job perspectives and offers with the company representatives!
Manuel Außerlechner, International Office - Welcome Center
City tour for summer programme students
July 5, 2022
Amidst beautiful sunshine five summer students from Serbia and Egypt were given a tour of Graz, which will be their home for the next few weeks. Johanna, our guide, took us on a two hour city tour from the TU Graz Campus to the opera, along several other sights and finally a walk up the Schlossberg.
In addition several nice places for a dinner & drink and the best ice cream places in town were pointed out. Which will all give much needed respite after a day of lab work! We all enjoyed the tour and it was a wonderful opportunity for the summer students to get to know each other better. Barbara Lorber, Coordinator for International Affairs, who joined the tour as well got to know the city from a different perspective: "I also learned quite a bit about the history of Graz, as it was my first official city tour despite having lived here for 7 years!"
Barbara Lorber, Coordinator for International Affairs
TU Graz Summer Party - Unite!
June 30, 2022
At the end of June, the Rectorate of Graz University of Technology cordially invited all employees of Graz University of Technology to a summer party. The party took place in glorious weather in the afternoon at the Inffeldgasse campus, and this year's motto of the party was "Unite!
Unite! stands for University Network for Innovation, Technology and Engineering - a European university alliance of which TU Graz has recently become a member. As part of the festival, food from all participating Unite! partner countries could be tasted.
The cooperation in UNITE! will open up many opportunities and possibilities for Graz University of Technology in the coming years, and all employees are cordially invited to participate in the network, to get involved and to help shape it.
The reunion on campus and social get-togethers were a welcome change from the restrictions on personal contact due to the Corona measures.
Claudia Jansen, International Office - Welcome Center
Farewell Picnic: The final hooray before leaving Graz
June 30, 2022
It was a bittersweet afternoon this Wednesday, 22 June in the International Garden of TU Graz as our summer term incoming exchange students came together one last time to celebrate their accomplishments, memories and friendships that have flourished during their time in Graz.
Seeing snow for the first time, learning how to ski, gaining independence and successfully coping with the Austrian dialect were among numerous other aspects our incomings looked back on with a smile.
After sharing all of these special moments, our incomings enjoyed snacks and drinks together and made even more memories that will accompany them on their journey home.
All the best to our incomings – we are very sad to see you go but no goodbye is forever!
Manuel Außerlechner, International Office - Welcome Center
IN&OUT … come together!
May 23, 2022
On 12 May, the International Office - Welcome Center was delighted to have a full house at the IN&OUT ... come together! event. This year it was held in the International Garden at Lessingstrasse 32 for the first time.
We were able to welcome around 50 incoming and outgoing students in the International Garden. With the help of a few ice breaker sessions, our curious participants were able to get to know each other, exchange valuable insider tips for their home cities/countries, as well as talk about their expectations for their stay abroad and their international experiences so far. Since interesting conversations develop even better on a full stomach, sandwiches and lemonade provided the ideal sustenance for some international networking.
Sitting comfortably together in the International Garden, the students were able to break out of their usual bubble and network with each other while enjoying the best weather and fine snacks. A complete success!
Andrina Dolinšek, International Office - Welcome Center
Internationals get to know Graz
May 18, 2022
You can tell it's spring when the days get longer and we feel the urge to get more active again. After the winter it is now even nicer to meet other people to discover Graz together.
As a result, also the International Office - Welcome Center took advantage of this time of year to organize various activities for our international staff and students. Among them were for instance a guided tour of the Schlossberg, a trip to the Botanical Garden, a visit to the climbing park at the Hilmteich as well as a trip to the Crime Museum. With a lot of fun and enthusiasm our international guests spent time together and got to know Graz a little bit better.
Gerlinde Müller-Reinisch, International Office - Welcome Center
InComm: Feel at Home – Staff training at TU Graz
May 5, 2022
From March 30 – April 1, the International Office – Welcome Center was participating in an exciting training programme – the InComm Training. The aim of this training was to improve the onboarding process for newly enrolled national and international master and PhD students, improve their feeling of inclusion and to foster the creation of a true international campus. Together with our InComm partner universities Instituto Superior Técnico, TU Darmstadt, TU Eindhoven, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, KTH Royal Institute of Technology as well as many motivated colleagues and students from TU Graz, we had many inspiring workshops and discussions on things that could be implemented in the future. The focus was on creating an inclusive university community in the international classroom, as well as by supervising students in their PhD.
We are now working hard on the implementation of the outcomes, so that TU Graz will become even more inclusive and welcoming for all our students!
Find more information on the project on https://www.incomm-project.eu/
Jasmin Hus, International Office - Welcome Center
The Perfect Buddy - Intercultural Training
March 9, 2022
Sharing experience and challenges alongside reflecting about one’s own cultural imprint is the main goal of our workshop on intercultural awareness for buddies. I really enjoy being with all the motivated students discussing skills, competences, character traits of the “perfect buddy”. This time my favorite statement was “to lend an ear”. When I ask about the motivation for becoming a buddy all of them tell me that they love meeting people from different cultures. Some of the buddies had the pleasure of being helped by a buddy themselves during their study abroad others are planning a study abroad and want to improve their language skills, make friends in the country they want to go to … Having someone who helps you find your way around, settle in, adapt to the new surroundings is of great value. So, we want to say thank you for your voluntary engagement!
Barbara Böttger, International Office - Welcome Center
Welcome Events in winter semester 2021/22
October 4, 2021
For international exchange students, the semester started with a Welcome Activity in the International Garden at TU Graz as a first get together in person, whereas the Orientation Sessions took place online. These were three intensive afternoons, crammed with information.
In the Intercultural Awareness Sessions, ICAS for short, students from different cultures mingled for an afternoon, to talk about experiences in foreign countries and Austrian culture.
The Academic Advising Sessions were held by the Departmental Coordinators, each especially designed for the field of study to get all the questions about the right courses to take answered.
On Fridays, Guided City Tours were offered in small groups, so that students learn more about their new home town.
At the end of September exchange students participated in a Campus Survival Tour, guided by local students of TU Graz who were on an exchange or plan to go abroad.
Thanks to everyone who supported our team to organize the Orientation Events!
Gitte Cerjak, International Office - Welcome Center
Cooking Session in the International House
September 27, 2021
Ahmed and Marawan, two incoming students from Heliopolis University, Egypt, have successfully completed their summer programme at the Institute of Electricity Economics and Energy Innovation at TU Graz. Before both students are heading back home again, they been invited to a cooking session in the International House.
It has been the first time of hopefully many more times to come, that students and staff together have made use of the facilities the International House is offering and the result has been a yummy Kaiserschmarrn with blueberries and applesauce. We enjoyed our lunch in the International Lounge in Lessingstrasse 32.
Over lunch the students have told me that they have very much enjoyed their stay, and the besides many other memories they will take home with them, one of the most outstanding ones was their hike up Schöckl.
Mahlzeit!
Karin Leber, International Office - Welcome Center
Welcome Activity for Exchange Students
September 7, 2021
A warm welcome to our incoming students who will start their exchange in the winter semester 2021! We couldn't have ordered better weather for the Welcome Activity that took place yesterday and today (2nd and 3rd of September) in our International Garden. Lots of sunshine, some icebreaker sessions and open-minded students were the perfect ingredients for a successful welcome event.
Students who have not yet arrived need not worry that they have missed an opportunity to connect with others, as in the course of September we have a number of events planned (most of them in small groups to comply with COVID-19 regulations) to meet other exchange students, to learn about Austrian culture and to get to their new home.
All information about upcoming events and group allocation will be sent by email!
Lena Neureiter, International Office - Welcome Center
Ice Cream Social Event
September 1, 2021
8 formerly unknown faces, 8 different stories, 8 different nationalities, sunshine and ice cream make a super summer event with lots of laughter and moments to remember.
The reasons for staying at TU Graz are various:
summer programmes, internships, research projects and exchange semesters.
What our students all have in common: they ventured abroad and are taking advantage of the new possibilities offered, are mastering life in a new country and are enjoying themselves while doing so.
Karin, incoming exchange coordinator at TU Graz really enjoyed organizing the event:
"Thank you for this great afternoon! That’s exactly why I love being a student exchange coordinator."
Karin Leber, International Office - Welcome Center
Eggenberg Palace + Picnic
August 18, 2021
Last week the Welcome Center organized another activity for international staff and degree seeking students – a tour of the magnificent state rooms of Eggenberg Palace with a relaxed picnic in the romantic castle gardens afterwards.
Every single one of us was amazed by the architecture of Eggenberg Palace – most of it still being in its original state of the 17th and 18th century – that follows a strict numerical symbolism: We visited 24 pompous state rooms on the so-called Bel étage, with 12 splendid rooms on every site of the building, as well as 52 windows and 52 doors. The palace itself is equipped with 365 exterior windows, and 31 rooms on every floor. Topped with more than 500 ceiling paintings, a precious Japanese silk panting and one or the other surprising revelation about the interior of the state rooms and the planetary hall, it felt as we were in a fairytale.
Rounding up this event, we afterwards made our way to the picturesque castle gardens for the picnic. There we enjoyed our Styrian and Italian picnic baskets with regional specialties, sitting on our picnic blankets while enjoying the warm evening sun.
Jasmin Hus, International Office - Welcome Center
Trip to the Rettenbachklamm + Stephanienwarte
July 28, 2021
As one has the feeling of literally melting in the city at the moment, the Welcome Center organized a short hike for international degree seeking students into the only gorge in the urban area of Graz last Friday - the refreshing Rettenbachklamm!
Across rooted forest paths, bridges and small rock passages, the trail led through the beautiful tranquil nature along the water further into the forest. Partly also steeper passages were to be overcome on the way, but we nevertheless arrived at the other end of the diverse gorge after about thirty minutes. The track to the Stephanienwarte led first through the forest and from then on to a large field, where an orchard as well as a small pond had been planted. We climbed the last steep meters uphill and made it to the panoramic plateau and the Stephanienwarte.
Once on top, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved snack and enjoyed a magnificent view over Graz. Strengthened, we then returned along the road to the starting point in Mariatrost.
Elisabeth Tomaselli, International Office - Welcome Center
Minigolf event
July 14, 2021
18 challenging minigolf courses, a crowd of international students and staff, and loads of fun – this is how you can sum up our two Welcome Center outdoor activities last week. Everybody was definitely enjoying themselves on Europe’s oldest miniature golf course in the middle of Graz despite the sun and heat currently roasting everyone. While some of our participants were holding the golf clubs in their hand for the first time, others were revealed as secret minigolf pros. To keep the competitiveness high, teams of three or four were having little tournaments – the champions being awarded with ice cream as their well-earned prize at the end (even though we also borrowed some trophies for our final group pictures).
Jasmin Hus, International Office - Welcome Center
Farewell Summer Semester 2021
July 8, 2021
During summer semester 2021, the international exchange students did not have many chances to meet in person but at the end of the semester, we were finally able to invite them to a Farewell Event in the International Garden – and many followed our call for a short reunion before leaving. So at least one time in this strange semester, students could enjoy an official get-together to talk about their personal experiences during their time in Graz.
We even took a group picture as a souvenir!
Gitte Cerjak, International Office -Welcome Center
Summer, Sun, City Tour!
June 28, 2021
What better way is there to get to know your new home than by exploring your surroundings through a city tour? The Welcome Center of the International Office – Welcome Center thought so too and organized a guided city tour for TU Graz staff and guests last week. Even the blazing heat could not prevent us from absorbing numerous facts about points of interest such as the Graz University of Technology, the Opera of Graz, Glockenspielplatz, Schmiedgasse, Schlossberg and many more. Strolling through narrow alleys and squares buzzing again with people, we caught one or the other curiosity that the city of Graz has to offer. More importantly, the tour was also a wonderful opportunity for our internationals from all over the world to get to know each other.
The ice cream at the end of our tour was so not only a nice refreshment to cool down a little, but also a great way to make new friends.
Jasmin Hus, International Office - Welcome Center
Outdoor Activity: WIKI Adventure Park
June 14, 2021
Even a few raindrops could not stop our international students and staff last week: After a comprehensive safety briefing and perfectly equipped, our brave participants climbed from tree to tree between 2 and 14 meters above the ground. From wobbly bridges and climbing walls at dizzying heights to high-speed ziplines, there was plenty to suit everyone's taste. Between rain and sunshine, the participants not only explored their own limits, but also had a lot of fun.
Jasmin Hus, International Office - Welcome Center
Shanghai - Insights into Culture, Life & Studies
June 9, 2021
On June 9, 2021, took place an exciting infomation event on the topic of "Shanghai - Insights into Culture, Life & Studies".
Our colleague Yang Li, Head of the Liaison Office at Tongji University in Shanghai, talked about Chinese culture, gave tips and tricks on communicating in China and also explained how to avoid cultural pitfalls. An insight into campus life at Tongji University was also not to be missed.
You missed the online event?
You can watch the recording of the online session here: https://youtu.be/119lsyHkXiA
Lena Neureiter, International Office - Welcome Center
Virtually guided city tour through Graz
April 8, 2021
On Wednesday, April 7, interested incoming students and employees were able to enjoy a virtual city tour with Mr. David Zottler, a very dedicated Graz Guide. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, it is not allowed to offer guided tours for groups through Graz. Therefore, in cooperation with David Zottler, the idea was born to organize an online tour via Zoom starting at TU Graz. A total of 24 participants were able to accompany David Zottler in the sunshine and learn about the many details of the buildings at Alte Technik. Mr. Zottler regularly offers online tours through the different districts of Graz.
Further dates will be published under this link: Zoom through Graz (graztourismus.at).
Enjoy exploring Graz!
Gerlinde Müller-Reinisch, International Office - Welcome Center
Online Study Abroad Fair 2021
March 23, 2021
Our annual Study Abroad Fair took place on March 17, 2021, but this time online! Students could get an overview of all European and worldwide mobility programs and grants offered by TU Graz. Besides a presentation about all programs, students who are currently completing a semester abroad presented "live" their own experiences. “Success Stories” from former outgoings, who were able to broaden their professional horizons through their stay abroad, were also part of the program. Afterwards, students were able to ask their questions to the program coordinators in smaller question and answer sessions. Also the student organizations IAESTE and AIESEC took part in the event and presented their mobility options.
Many thanks to everyone who participated, but especially to Raffael (National Taiwan University of Science and Technology), Dominik and Larissa (Inha University), Lucia (Chalmers University of Technology), Tobias (Politecnico di Milano), Franz and Anita (US)!
Maria Baltzi, International Office - Welcome Center
Welcome Events in the time of Pandemic
March 23, 2021
In February, the new students of all exchange programmes arrived to spend the summer semester at TU Graz. Despite these uncertain times almost 70 students from all over Europe, Asia and both Americas decided to take the risk and stand up to the pandemic. We think that´s great!
Not only the courses take place online at the moment, but also the German Intensive Course, the First Orientation Sessions and the Academic Advising according to their fields of study have been held online. The Campus Survival Tour had even to be postponed – who needs to be familiar with a campus without having any access? Well ... right.
Nevertheless, the Intercultural Awareness Sessions could take place in real life, in small groups keeping the distance needed and all precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Therefore, the incomings could at least meet a few co-students and we are confident, that they will meet in classes at some point during the semester.
Up to then please keep a safe distance from others, stay healthy and safe.
Gitte Cerjak, International Office - Welcome Center
Recap of a turbulent exchange semester
The winter semester 2020-21 is soon coming to an end. It has been a turbulent semester with distance learning and many restrictions due to COVID-19. Despite these challenges around 100 exchange students decided to start and complete their exchange semester at TU Graz. It was great to see some of our exchange students again at the online farewell session and to recap this semester.
Especially the first 1-2 months from September to October with fewer restrictions were precious because students could get to know each other during various Welcome Events in small groups and make friends for the whole semester. The months from November to January were defined by COVID-19 regulations and more distance learning. However, the time in Graz was well spent by our students: with a busy and self-organized schedule of courses to complete, small hikes in and around Graz, sportive indoor sessions and some online events organized by the International Office.
We are happy that we could support you along your exchange journey and we wish all our exchange students who go back home all the best for their future!
With love,
your incoming coordinators
Gitte, Natalia, Lena & Karin
International Office - Welcome Center
I am feeling so blue
October 2, 2020
Working with our incoming students made me once again realize that moving away from home and surroundings you are used to can unsettle yourself deeply. You need to adapt to a new culture, new language, different climate zone, different eating times, and much more. This adaptation needs time and some good coping strategies.
Here are some tips from our incoming students: Talk to people who are in the same situation, go outside, explore the new place, find your favorite spot in town, make your dorm room your new home, do things you’ve always enjoyed doing … and most of all be patient, it will get better!
Intercultural Awareness Sessions, WS 2020
Barbara Böttger, International Office - Welcome Center
Incoming Welcome Event: Guided City Tours
September 23, 2020
The exchange semester in the winter semester 2020 starts a little bit different than in the past semesters. After the Online Orientation Sessions, our Incomings participate at the Welcome Activity - a guided City Tour through Graz in small groups. We had our first tours yesterday: we met outside of the main building of TU Graz (Campus Alte Technik) to start the tour.
To support them as best as we can we do not just provide them with useful information about studying at TU Graz, living in Graz, behaviour in COVID-19 times, but they also receive a mouth-nose-protection mask. Certainly an item that will be a really useful companion during their exchange.
Gerlinde Müller-Reinisch, International Office - Welcome Center
Online Orientation Sessions
September 9, 2020
The last three days we held our Orientation Sessions for exchange students. Due to COVID-19 we restructured our Welcome Events and held the sessions online: no matter if students already arrived or will arrive soon, everyone had the chance to participate and receive valuable information about TU Graz, registration matters and living in Graz/Austria, Austrian culture and cultural adaption in order to be well prepared for the exchange at TU Graz. In small break-out rooms we also talked about what everyone brought from home and the expectations students have about Austria.
However since social interaction is an essential part of an exchange stay we also have planned on-site activities in small groups to enable students can get to know each other and make new friends.
An overview about our Orientation Events can also be found in the section Welcome Events.
Lena Neureiter, International Office - Welcome Center
One BEST of South East year at TU Graz
September 2, 2020
Best of South East, is the name of a program for talented and dedicated students with the aim to offer its scholars excellent education opportunities, international work experience and financial support.
This year was a challenging but also a very exciting year for Gabriela and Omar, our two Best of South East students who have just ended their exchange year at TU Graz. Their awards ceremony has been celebrated at the Schlossberg and we are happy to congratulate both on their outstanding results.
Good news is that both students are going to stay at TU Graz, their chosen place for finishing their master degrees.
The International Office wishes you all the best for your future life!
Karin Leber, International Office - Welcome Center
Balcony concert at Campus Alte Technik
July 2, 2020
Challening times, such as COVID19, lead to creative ways how to cope with difficult situations. One of your exchange students from our strategic partner Tongji University, Shanghai (China) chose music to cheer him up and get through these challenging times:
Chen Wentao experienced the lock-down twice. First before his departure in China and again only a few weeks after his arrival in Austria in February.
He is passionate about music and playing the violin and at the beginning of the lock-down in Austria he asked at our International Office if there is a way that someone can borrow him a violin, his favourite music instrument. One of our staff members who is a music enthusiast could help out!
Now, at the end of his stay after practicing a lot during the semester Chen Wentao gave a small Corona style concert at the balcony of our International Office – Welcome Center.
A huge thanks to Chen Wentao for the concert and to TU Graz Educational Technology for recording this video!
Lena Neureiter, International Office - Welcome Center
Outdoor Activity in Plabutsch
May 28, 2020
What a nice afternoon! Last week we had our first outdoor activity with international students after a long break due to COVID-19. We did a small hiking tour to Plabutsch, our well-known local hill of Graz, and enjoyed a beautiful view over the city- of course while complying with the social distancing rules.
Elisabeth Tomaselli, International Office - Welcome Center
Preparing for your study abroad experience – me and my culture
May 2020
Preparing for their study abroad experience TU Graz students reflected on their cultural background. For the first time the preparatory session took place online. In two sessions students spent three hours talking about culture. With the BigBlueButton it was possible to send students into breakout rooms and let them interact on different topics like coping strategies for culture shock. The whole session was divided into four parts, each with an interactive task. In the last part returnees joined the group and reported about their experience. They gave advice on how to prepare well for studying abroad as well as they talked about activities that helped them to adapt more easily to the culture of the host country. The session had a huge success and students even wished it could last longer.
Barbara Böttger, International Office - Welcome Center
Corona lock down & social events
April - May 2020
When mid-March the Austrian government ordered a nationwide lockdown, the spring semester at Graz University of Technology had started only shortly before and we had welcomed lots of international students. All of a sudden we all heard: “Stay home! Stay safe!” The lecture halls were empty and the students home alone in their rooms or at their dorms, where they were supposed to join in the newly invented distance learning. Usually international and local students meet at regularly held events and get to know each other. This year things are different. To support international incoming students, the International Office – Welcome Center startet a set of online social events. We offered a weekly regulars’ table “Beer, Juice und Deutsch”, an online pub quiz, egg-dying in the Holy Week as well as an online “black stories” riddle in order to bring some fun into the students’ dorms.
Gerlinde Müller-Reinisch, International Office - Welcome Center
Student Welding Project Marathon
December 2019
Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (Polytech University) is a strategic partner of Graz University of Technology. This partnership allows a vivid exchange of students and staff to take place as well as guest lectures and joint research to be conducted. Right now the Student Welding Project Marathon is taking place, which aims to unite young scientists from different countries, develop student exchange and receive new research results. Graz University of Technology and Polytech University are implementing 6 projects as part of the International Student Marathon. Prof. Norbert Enzinger and Prof. Sergio Amancio from Graz University of Technology, who are supervising projects in the area of Mechanical Engineering, consider this project work to be an opportunity for the development of joint publications in the future.
Barbara Böttger, International Office - Welcome Center
East Asia Info Event
November 11, 2019
For the first time the “East Asia Info Event” took place, in which students could receive information about study abroad possibilities in East Asia (China, Taiwan -Republic of China- and South Korea. Especially presentations from current incoming students, who talked about their university and country, were amazing, so that an insight could be gained into the partner universities in those countries. Alexander Wehr, currently studying at Tongji University in Shanghai, also told us about his experience via Skype. A big thanks to all incoming and outgoing students, who contributed to this event.
More Information and pictures can be found on our TU Graz International Facebook page.
Lena Neureiter, International Office - Welcome Center
