Incoming Student Report: Experiences from Georgia to Kufstein
“My semester at FH Kufstein in Tirol, Austria was truly a rollercoaster of emotions and an unforgettable experience”, Nino Osadze a student of Georgia summarizes. She reports about her semester abroad at the FH Kufstein Tirol.
“From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for a challenge. The different place, culture and people initially overwhelmed me, and the idea of living alone seemed daunting. However, little did I know that these challenges would ultimately shape me into a more independent and resilient individual.”
New subjects of study lead to new passions
“Studying at FH Kufstein was simply amazing. Coming from a background in business administration, I wanted to explore a different field and see if it sparked my interest. I decided to take four courses that were completely different from business – electronic basics, electronic exercises, fundamentals of programming microcontrollers and rapid prototyping, 3D printing, origami. This decision turned out to be the best one I could have made. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy these courses, but they also sparked a newfound passion in me. I even contemplated changing my goals for the future, as I finally found something that truly excited me. My tip for new students would be to explore various subjects during their exchange program – you never know what hidden talents and passions you may discover!”
Amazing outdoor activities
“What made my time in Kufstein even more incredible was the town's focus on outdoor activities. I had the opportunity to hike in Wilder Kaiser, an experience that will forever be engraved in my memory. It was during this hike that I saw llamas for the very first time. Hiking not only provided me with breathtaking views of the mountains but also allowed me to bond with my fellow students. We engaged in meaningful conversations, shared laughs and pushed each other to finish the 29.1-kilometer hike. It was a true test of endurance and I'm proud to say that I surpassed my own expectations.”
New friends from diverse cultures
“One of the most enriching aspects of being an exchange student was interacting with people from different cultures. I had the privilege of meeting individuals from Vietnam, Turkey, Serbia, Italy, Ukraine, Ecuador and beyond. Never before had I encountered such a diverse group of people in one place. Not only did I learn about their cultures and customs, but I also picked up a few phrases in their languages. The most fascinating part was witnessing their reactions to snow. Many of them had never seen snow before and their childlike excitement was contagious. I took it upon myself to teach them the art of making snow angels and engaging in epic snowball fights. It was a truly heartwarming and unique experience.”
Central location of Kufstein used for traveling
“As an avid traveler, I took every opportunity to explore the surrounding countries. I managed to visit a total of six countries during my time in Austria and the proximity to Germany allowed me to experience both Austrian and German cultures simultaneously. It was like hitting two birds with one stone, only much more enjoyable! Additionally, thanks to Kufstein's location, I not only made friends within the town but also in nearby Innsbruck. These friendships have now become lifelong connections and the memories we created together will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
Summertime is the time of lakes
“Of course, my exchange experience wouldn't be complete without some fun in the water. I had a blast visiting the lakes in Kufstein, namely Hechtsee and Stimmersee. There, I bravely attempted to learn how to swim and even joined in some friendly volleyball matches with my friends. The summer weather provided the perfect backdrop for these water-based adventures and I made sure to soak up every moment.”
Sports activities lead to new hobbies
“To stay active and make the most of my time abroad, I took part in the sports program offered at FH Kufstein. I tried my hand at various activities such as yoga, Pilates, volleyball, tennis and even rock climbing. These activities not only kept me physically fit but also introduced me to new hobbies that I plan to continue in my home country.”
Conclusion
“All in all, my exchange semester at FH Kufstein in Austria was an incredible journey filled with personal growth, unforgettable experiences, and lifelong friendships. It taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. And as I reflect on my time there, I can't help but smile and be thankful for the unique jokes, camaraderie and laughter shared along the way. So, to any future exchange students, my advice is to embrace the challenges, soak in the experiences, and allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised by the magic that awaits you. Safe travels and happy exploring!”
Author:
Nino Osadze
Incoming student summer semester 2023
Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility
This exchange scholarship was based on the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility project. The funding concentrates on cooperation and exchange with partner universities located in selected countries outside of the EU Member States. The project contributes to strengthening societal links through educational exchanges and mobility, and enables the partner institutions to strengthen their active international cooperation in the field of research and science, expanding mobility in higher education and reinforcing knowledge transfer.
Links
- Partner University University of Georgia
- International Partner Universities of FH Kufstein Tirol
- Erasmus+ for students (in German)
- Experience report of an exchange student from Kufstein to Tbilisi, Georgia