Long-term learning mobilities of school pupils

Participants: Austra Krone (11.CV) and Alise Slaviete (11.SA)

Austra and Alice studied at the Theresian Academy in Vienna (Gymnasium der Stiftung Theresianische Akademie Wien) and lived in the school's boarding house.

Alice and Austra's school day started at 8am and lasted until 5 or 6pm, depending on extra courses, lessons and homework. Every Monday they spent 2 hours studying German in the German language courses offered by the school. The girls lived in a boarding house connected to the school, which is only for international students or those living outside Vienna. There is everything they need to live and study. There is a timetable to follow. Living in a boarding school was a new experience for both of us.

Austra: "The experience is definitely different from living with a host family, but I think that's a positive thing. I shared my room with a Hungarian and a Romanian, so I didn't only interact with Austrians."

Alice: "The first two weeks were difficult because I had to get used to a new place, language, culture, way of learning, etc., but there were helpful and understanding people around who motivated me to learn more."

In our free time, there were plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city's culture and take part in excursions organised by the school. Visits included Graz, Austria's 2nd largest city, the UN Centre in Vienna and the War History Museum, a classical music concert at the Vienna Concert Hall, Schönbrunn, the palace where Maria Theresa lived, the Vienna Technical Museum, St. The Vienna Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Prater and other sites. Vienna offered great cultural and leisure opportunities.

Alice and Austra are very happy with their studies at the Vienna Theresian Academy because they have improved their German language skills and acquired new knowledge, got to know Vienna and broadened their horizons about Austria, gained intercultural experience, developed their communication and social skills.