A week before the official start of the semester, nearly 50 new international students are starting their studies at the University of Liechtenstein. As part of the Introduction Week running until 8 September, they are getting to know the country, the people and the campus.
Currently, students from more than 40 different countries are studying at the University of Liechtenstein. This cultural diversity is demonstrated once more this year with the admission of the new visiting students. A total of 48 young people from 25 countries are taking part in the Introduction Week before the start of the semester, 21 of whom are regular students and 27 of whom are visiting students, who are primarily coming to Liechtenstein as part of the Erasmus exchange programme. The week’s objective is to find out more about Liechtenstein’s culture, tradition, history and mindset, and to become familiar with the new environment.
Project work, German courses and International Dinner
During the Introduction Week, the new arrivals work in small groups on various projects. On their exploratory tours through the country, they write reports, make videos, conduct surveys and plan different events. Another important aspect of the week is learning the German language. The university offers German language courses at two different levels for the different language skills of the participants. The International Dinner is a special occasion, which this time is held on Saturday evening, 8 September 2012. The students prepare a traditional meal from their home country – providing an opportunity to discover more about their fellow students and their origins in a relaxed atmosphere.
Meeting Liechtenstein at the LIHGA
One of the highlights on the programme of the Introduction Week is the visit to the LIHGA, Liechtenstein’s industry and commerce trade fair, on Friday, 7 September 2012. Here the international students can learn about the initiatives, institutions and the economy of the principality. What’s more, visitors to the trade fair also have the chance to get to know the students and, by talking to them, obtain an insight into the culture of their home countries. Because, as part of the LIHGA, the University of Liechtenstein – in cooperation with the Agency for International Educational Affairs (AIBA) – is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Erasmus exchange programme, thus directly involving the new students at their stand in Hall 4.
Ideally prepared for the start of the semester thanks to the Introduction Week’s diverse programme, the international exchange students are well informed when they start their studies. From 10 September, they have signed themselves up for Bachelor’s degree programmes in Business Administration and in Architecture as well as Master’s degree programmes in Architecture, in IT and Business Process Management, and in Banking and Financial Management.