The international group. The picture is taken by Iryna.

A fresh start in the new semester.

Many students have returned to their universities. But for some, the semester has started with a lot of adventure and fun.

Last week the new students have started their semester with a short trip to a picturesque town in Styria – Stubenberg am See.

These Welcome Days are organised to introduce new international students to their new study environment and to build team spirit for the new semester.

This semester the PhSt is hosting 27 students from a variety of countries such as Spain, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Poland and Germany.

In a small town in western Styria, our professors and newcomers had a really great time.

Activities with Haas-Vogl Heiko. The picture is taken by Iryna.

Day 1 : Arrival and orientation

The picture is taken by Iryna.

The trip began with a warm welcome on campus, where new students had the opportunity to explore different facets of campus life through guided tours and information sessions. They were also given all the essential details about studying abroad.

From the campus, the students set off on their first group excursion. They arrived in Stubenberg with their Erasmus buddies. In the evening, the professors welcomed the students. The students received their first instructions for the upcoming workshop. Later, the Erasmus Buddies organised a game night, which gave the students the opportunity to get to know each other better.

Ersmus buddies: Lou Heusdens, Simone Kerschenbauer, Jari Theys and Iryna Rozmaita. The picture is taken by Iryna.

Day 2: Activities. Saturday – adventures day.

The morning started with working on posters and working on the e-portfolio.

During the Welcome Weekend, the newcomers improved their teamwork skills by working on different tasks related to their personalities. This certainly helped them to bond with each other. For example, they made posters about why they chose Graz as their study destination and some interesting facts about themselves.

The Welcome Weekend is an excellent opportunity for students not only to work and express themselves in interactive workshops, but also to improve their teamwork skills.

During the weekend, Erasmus students had a great opportunity to exchange cultural aspects. It was always exciting to learn new things about different countries, which is especially important when you stay in one country for a long time.

The students have taken the first step into the ITC course. They have already attended the first theoretical class.

The picture is taken by Iryna.

The students had their first outdoor activities. They explored a small part of the region by walking around a small Styrian town.

The picture is taken by Iryna.

The picture is taken by Iryna.

The picture is taken by Iryna.

The picture is taken by Iryna.

Day 3: Back to Graz

The last day in Stubenberg was spent by the students presenting their very first task – a poster about the Erasmus+ programme – and giving initial feedback.

After having listened to the presentations, the students and Erasmus Buddies returned to Graz.

The work of incoming students. The picture is taken by Iryna.

The work of incoming students. The picture is taken by Iryna.

The work of incoming students. The picture is taken by Iryna.

The work of incoming students. The picture is taken by Iryna.

The PhSt team sends our best wishes to you all. This semester is full of exciting opportunities, adventures and learning experiences that will be invaluable in the future. We wish you all the best and remember – the Erasmus+ programme is the best experience of your life.