Majlinda Aliu joined our daytrip and is currently a scholarship holder within the Heras+ scholarship programme. She is an experienced Journalist from Kosovo, did her Masters in Financial journalism from City University London. Currently, Majlinda is doing her PhD at the University of Vienna. Her topic is: Challenges of media governance “self-regulation” in times of crisis, in European media systems. Case studies: Austria (European Union member); Kosovo (non EU member); and United Kingdom (former EU member).
“Studying is not an easy process, and studying abroad is even more challenging, as you need to adjust to a new culture and system, but at the same time, it’s one of the unique and fantastic periods of your life, which is considered a lifechanging process,” says Majlinda Aliu, Ph.D. student, Vienna University, HERAS scholarship holder.
International students in Austria who receive scholarships managed by OEAD are more privileged, because besides receiving funding to conduct their research, they enjoy other benefits and facilities.
With the ease of Covid19 restrictions, OEAD is offering international students more opportunities to participate in physical events, where they can get to know each other and learn more about the rich history of Austria.
On May 21, 2022, OEAD organized an excursion for 45 international students, to explore Schloss Hof Estate and Schloss Marchegg.
The students learned about the history of the Baroque style in Austria’s imperial family. Schloss Hof is an attractive site for tourists and was the first stop of this excursion.
The Schloss Hof estate was built in 1725, when Prince Eugene of Savoy purchased the 18th-century citadel. It experienced radical changes thirty years after when the palace was purchased by Maria Theresa, one of the most powerful and rich women of Austria at that time.
Students could explore these facts by having a close look within the palace, where each room represents fascinating and unique features, vividly reflecting “the joie de vivre” of the 18th century. They also learned about the history of porcelain, how it was introduced in the Austrian monarchy and how it was used to show wealth and power.
Students enjoyed the view of Ehrenhof, the parade courtyard, which was considered a paradise on earth, where they could take photos and enjoy the magnificent view of the sophisticated courtyard.
This was not all. After that, they spent time on the Schloss Hof estate farm, which offers 200 animal inhabitants, and the petting zoo. Among the most attractive animals for visitors are the white donkey, which was typical of the Baroque era, and the exotic Bacterian camel, friendly spices that now have become rare.
Another unique attraction for them was the kitchen garden, where students could see and smell plants with special use, including artemisia, a herb used to produce the most famous and demanded drink globally, Coca-Cola.
Part of the trip was a visit to Schloss Marchegg, founded in 1268 by King Ottokar II, and students learned that the city of Marchegg never was finished as planned. Within the castle, there are thousands of historical artifacts preserved, including animals that existed in ancient times and tools used for hunting and agriculture.
This trip was a great opportunity for students to meet, discuss their subjects, share their experiences, and as well talk about their countries of origin. Some already exchanged contacts, so they can arrange meetings and plan other excursions together.
