Open opportunities of an exchange semester in Innsbruck
Maria Senashenko, graduate of the Master’s programme “Experience Economy: Hospitality and Tourism Management,” shares how to combine studying and leisure in Innsbruck to make an exchange semester truly unforgettable.
My name is Maria Senashenko, and I am a graduate of the Master's programme “Experience Economy: Hospitality and Tourism Management” at the Faculty of Business and Management. In 2018, I took part in an international exchange programme and spent a semester in Innsbruck, Austria.
I received this opportunity by ranking second in my programme and was awarded an Erasmus scholarship, which covered the majority of my living expenses. As part of my preparation for studying in Austria, I was also required to take an English language test to determine my proficiency level. My classmate Arina Nedorostkova was also awarded a scholarship, ranking first in the programme, which allowed us to experience all the unique aspects of living abroad together.
Spending a semester abroad is a chance to broaden your horizons, gain a better understanding of other cultures, and invest in your personal development. First and foremost, it’s worth noting that the programme is taught in English, which not only helps you become more fluent but also makes it easier to recognise familiar academic terms in English. I also took German classes on the side, since learning a language in a country where it's spoken daily fosters both deeper interest and practical application.
The subjects were selected in Moscow according to our Master’s curriculum, ensuring they would be recognised by both universities. There are no mandatory subjects at Management Center Innsbruck, as the university follows a flexible policy allowing students to choose the courses that interest them most. The academic process at MCI is designed so that students study theoretical aspects independently, while practical elements are explored in-depth during class.
One of the biggest advantages of an international exchange semester is connecting with students from around the world. Over 40% of Innsbruck’s population are students, making it easy to immerse yourself in an international environment where boredom simply isn’t an option. MCI and local student organisations constantly organise various events — from skiing trips in the Alps to Christmas dinners, punch nights with Tyrolean sweets, hiking excursions, and educational trips to nearby cities. Living in a dormitory also helps you make friends that you continue to meet up with even after the programme ends. The city itself regularly hosts various events — I attended a cycling championship that took place right outside our dorm, a climbing competition, at least five local concerts, a Christmas market, a “food truck” festival, and many other happenings.
Living in Europe gives students a great opportunity to travel. From Innsbruck, you can quickly get to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and other countries. We travelled extensively using not only trains but also intercity buses, car rentals, BlaBlaCar, and even local commuter trains.
Don’t worry about the absence of sports in the academic curriculum — all Innsbruck students have access to register for a wide variety of sports courses at the University of Sports (USI) for a very affordable fee. There’s a huge selection of activities, both group and individual. One thing to note — I encountered a small issue when I signed up for a fitness class: all sessions were conducted in German, so it’s best to let your instructor know in advance to avoid misunderstandings. Throughout the semester, we led a very active lifestyle. The city’s location in a valley surrounded by mountains naturally encourages a love of sports among both locals and students. At the start of the semester, while the weather was still warm, we hiked in the mountains with our international team. In late autumn and winter, we skied, ice skated, went on more mountain hikes to enjoy the breathtaking views, and took long walks. High-end ski resorts are less than an hour from Innsbruck, and there is a glacier nearby where skiing is available from early November. In short, if you love skiing — this is your city.
Finally, I would like to give one piece of advice to all readers: if you have the chance to spend a semester or two abroad — take it! It will not only help you see the world from a broader perspective, discover new opportunities, and open your mind to fresh ideas, but also allow you to meet amazing people, have unforgettable experiences, and build friendships that last long after your “dream semester” comes to an end.