Austrian Autumn: Studies, Travels, and New Horizons at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien
During the fall semester of her second year in the Master’s program, Business Analytics and Big Data Systems student Nadezhda Gusentsova embarked on an international mobility program at UAS Technikum Wien. This semester became a time of bright discoveries for her: new approaches to education, a vibrant cultural life, and inspiring travels made the experience unforgettable. In her article, she shares her journey of studying abroad, her impressions of Austria, and the lessons that will stay with her for a lifetime.
Hello, everyone!
My name is Nadia, and I’m finishing my Master’s program in Business Analytics and Big Data Systems. At the start of my second year of studies, I decided to slightly shift my learning focus and went to Austria! It’s the perfect time to share my experience of studying under the international mobility program in Vienna at the University of Applied Sciences UAS Technikum Wien, where I studied from September 2024 to January 2025.
Why I Decided to Go to Austria
I was certain that I wanted to go on a mobility program in Europe. Moreover, I had already been on a mobility program in Germany during my undergraduate studies, and in the summer, I attended a summer school in France. I didn’t want to repeat myself, so I decided to consider a university in Vienna. I had already visited Vienna a few times as a tourist, which made it even more exciting to "experience" this city over a longer period. Another source of motivation was the positive feedback from my classmates who had gone to Vienna for mobility during their undergraduate studies, many of whom decided to continue their education there in their Master’s programs.
Preparing for the Trip
I can’t say I prepared particularly hard. Since this wasn’t my first time participating in such activities, I already knew how to apply to the International Office and what to expect afterward. The most challenging part was coordinating my Individual Learning Plan—courses were either canceled or overlapped in schedules, and I had to keep revising it. However, everything worked out in the end!
Getting my visa was also a bit stressful, as there were almost no slots available for submission, and the registration website was constantly malfunctioning.
First Impressions Upon Arriving in Vienna
Arriving in Vienna for the third time confirmed that this city is one of the most comfortable and elegant in Europe. Everything here seems designed for leisurely enjoyment: morning walks along clean streets, the aroma of coffee from small, cozy cafés, and an unhurried rhythm of life.
Even though I already knew what to expect, the city still managed to surprise me: new exhibitions, updated parks, and an atmosphere of peaceful prosperity.
Adapting this time was easier than my first visit—I already knew the main nuances of local life and felt confident. For instance, I was already accustomed to speaking German (thanks to my mobility experience in Germany), although absolutely everyone here speaks fluent English, which simplifies interactions a lot. I have always perceived Austrian culture warmly: a blend of European restraint and sincere hospitality makes it very welcoming.
As for challenges, this time I barely encountered any. The only thing that surprised me a bit was the strict schedule of shopping malls and stores. You have to plan your purchases in advance because all shops close by 7-8 PM, even earlier on Saturdays, and don’t open at all on Sundays.
Studying at UAS Technikum Wien
In Vienna, I took several interesting courses:
- Cloud Computing
- Data Ethics and Open Data
- Industrial Informatics in a Digital World
- Digital Marketing
- German Language and Austrian Culture
The teaching format differed from what I was used to. Here, there are no clear distinctions between lectures and seminars; the focus is more on self-study. For each session, the system lists the literature and materials you need to study and the assignments you need to prepare. During the sessions, you discuss what you’ve learned, present your completed assignments, or take tests on the material.
As in my home university, the emphasis is on group assignments and projects.
The most valuable courses for me were Digital Marketing and Cloud Computing, as they introduced new approaches to modern technologies and business that I hadn’t studied before. The courses Data Ethics and Open Data and Industrial Informatics allowed me to look at digital technologies from ethical and practical perspectives, which was also incredibly interesting.
Studying German and Austrian culture was a pleasant bonus: it not only helped me adapt better to my new environment but also gave me a deeper understanding of local traditions and lifestyles.
This educational experience provided me with new knowledge and insights. It was particularly valuable to test a different approach to learning, which contrasted with what I was used to in my home university.
Travels and Impressions
During my studies, I had many opportunities to travel, and I tried to make the most of them. I visited Bratislava and Budapest, went to see friends in Warsaw, and went hiking in the suburbs of Vienna.
One of the brightest experiences was visiting Vienna’s vineyards, where we drank sturm (a special Austrian drink made from young wine, available only from mid-September to early November) and enjoyed picturesque views.
Additionally, I traveled with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) to Linz, which also left me with many positive emotions.
One of the most profound and impactful experiences was visiting the Mauthausen Memorial. While there, I felt the full weight and tragedy of past events. Mauthausen made me reflect on human resilience, the value of life, and the importance of being mindful and sensitive to history. This place is not just a monument but a lesson that should remain in the hearts of everyone who visits.
Vienna and its surroundings gave me a unique cultural experience. I visited many museums and landmarks, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Museum Quartier, Austrian Parliament, Belvedere, the Old Stock Exchange, the Constitutional Court, the oldest zoo in Europe, and the Schönbrunn Palace. I also managed to attend the Vienna Opera twice! Each of these places revealed a new facet of Austrian culture and history to me.
I’m confident that these travels and experiences made my mobility program unforgettable. They not only broadened my horizons but also gave me many cherished memories.
Experiences and Skills
Of course, there were challenges, which I’d rather call life lessons. For instance, there were times when success in a course seemed unattainable due to a complicated ILP or a team disappearing and leaving all the project work to me at the last moment. But in every situation, I managed to find a solution, which undoubtedly made me braver and more organized.
This experience also taught me how to adapt to new environments, make quick decisions, and better manage my time. I became more confident in communicating with people in foreign languages and now find it much easier to connect with a team.
This semester in Vienna gave me the confidence that, even in the most challenging situations, I can rely on myself and overcome any obstacles!
A Few Takeaways
In conclusion, I can say that studying abroad became one of the most significant and memorable events in my life. It’s an experience I could never regret.
Studying in Vienna was an important chapter that gave me a lot, both academically and personally. Here are the main takeaways I’ve made:
-
Cultural Exchange and New Connections
Immersing myself in Austrian culture and interacting with people from different countries made me more open-minded. -
Academic Experience
The courses I took allowed me to deepen my knowledge of the modern digital environment. The learning format, which included group work and practical assignments, taught me how to work effectively in a team and find creative solutions. -
Independence Skills
Living in another country, solving everyday issues, and planning my travels strengthened my confidence. This experience taught me how to adapt quickly to new conditions and make responsible decisions. -
Travel and Impressions
Vienna itself felt like a “walking museum,” impossible to fully explore even in five months. Moreover, traveling in Europe is affordable, making mobility even more enriching. -
Personal Growth
Everything that happened during my mobility, including minor difficulties and unexpected situations, made me stronger, more organized, and ready for any challenges.
I’m confident that the knowledge and skills I gained will be invaluable in the future. So, if you’re contemplating such opportunities, don’t hesitate—it’s absolutely worth it. Perhaps this is the very reason I pursued my Master’s degree—to participate in a mobility program one more time! 😊
