Lots of new scholars from all over the world have been arriving in Austria in the winter term 2024. Following the successful implementation of a two-day event last year, we again organized a Welcome Meet and Greet and Career Training spanning two days at the OeAD house.
Fun activities of “Social Bingo” and “Draw your studies” helped everybody to get to know each other and were very well received. Additionally, scholarship holders took part in a Kahoot Quiz about Austria and its culture and had the opportunity to make self-introductory videos. We will happily share some of them on our social media in the coming months. Students stayed well into the evening to socialize and enjoy some great food. Participants particularly enjoyed the kind approach of the organizers and the friendly atmosphere, and we appreciate Patience’s kind comment on Facebook:
“Thank you so much for an amazing Welcome Event last week! It was such a great time meeting everyone, making new friends, and getting inspired for our studies here in Austria! Huge thanks to Muhammad Bilal Bin Majeed for your incredible talk—your tips on staying productive were so insightful and motivating! Looking forward to more fun and learning ahead! #AustriaLife #NewBeginnings”
On Thursday evening, 60 international scholars from all over the world arrived at the OeAD house to hear about all the relevant points for their scholarship stay. Regina Radax, head of the Section for Mobility and Cooperation, welcomed the students. After that, Katharina Engel gave an overview of the services OeAD is providing for scholars. Lastly, Muhammad Bilal Bin Majeed, a very successful former scholarship holder who did his PhD at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, and who has now returned with the Ernst Mach follow-up grant, gave an impressive talk on how to navigate Austria and revealed tips and tricks on how to keep focused and study successfully. Students remarked that “it was inspirational listening to someone who has walked the journey before and has achieved great success in the end. I am very encouraged.”
We hope that apart from finding colleagues from similar fields, scholars were able to find new friends and people to share favourite leisure activities with.