Experiences of guest students

 

Myung Ju Lee

 

from Sungkyunkwan University, Korea

Summer Semester 2011

Social Work Bachelor

 

 

 

"Hello. My name is MyungJu Lee and I’m from SungKyunKwan University in South Korea. I studied Social Work at FHV for one semester. When I decided to come to Dornbirn, I was very excited but at the same time I was scared. Because it was my first time to study abroad and Austria is quite far from South Korea. Of course, I have traveled before but staying in another country for six months was a big deal for me. However, now I know that deciding to come to Austria was one of my best decisions in my life. First of all, I met a lot of nice friends from different countries, and trough them I got to know various cultures. Also my courses at FHV were satisfying. Studying social work at FHV made me think quite differently in a positive way. And I met some nice professors and local students too. Most of all, Vorarlberg is such a nice country with beautiful mountains, rivers, the lake and so on. I will never forget my stay in Vorarlberg. It was a very good experience for me."

 

 

 

Willem Deconinck

 

from Katholieke Hogeschool Zuid-West-Vlaanderen

Summer Semester 2011

International Business Bachelor

 

 

 

"My name is Willem Deconinck and I am a business student from Belgium. I studied for one semester at FHV in Dornbirn. I took courses from the 2nd and 4th semester in Business Administration.
Ever since I started studying Business, I knew I wanted to study abroad for at least one semester. My home university offers a good exchange programme in the last semester so I decided to come to Dornbirn.
I have learned a lot during my stay at FHV. The courses where very interesting because they are presented in a slightly different way than I was used to. The professors are very interactive and they offer a lot of non-course-related information. We also have a lot of team assignments and presentations which always improve your team and communication skills.
Not only the education was very interesting, but meeting people from all over the world is priceless. Learning new cultures, new languages, new people… it is all possible during an exchange semester. These elements have changed my point of view in a positive way. By understanding different cultures, you learn to think ‘out of the box’ and this only benefits your development as a person (especially a business student).
Furthermore, I have become much more independent. I can live on my own for 5 months, so this is a good indicator for my future (professional) life. I have more confidence in myself and I feel ready for the real (working) life.
An exchange semester is also worth mentioning on your CV and employers appreciate and value this element. Having foreign experience is a surplus for a business degree and opens door to many international jobs.
I would strongly encourage all students to have an exchange semester. It may look scary at first, but the experience is priceless and it is a period in life you will never forget!"

 

 

Rasmus Berntsen

 

from Business Academy Copenhagen North

Summer Semester 2011

Computer Science - Software and Information Engineering Bachelor

 

 

 

"My experience as an Erasmus student at Fachhochschule Vorarlberg is very positive. The school is modern, the teachers are dedicated to their job and the Austrian students are very friendly and helpful. All of the incoming students have made it a really enjoyable stay for me with lots of fun (and great parties). The surrounding nature in Dornbirn is breathtaking – at least for a Dane like me – and it is so easy to get to Zurich or Munich if you miss the big city. I have got a lot of new friends in Austria and I must admit that I do not like the thought of going back home already. My warmest recommendations of Fachhochschule Vorarlberg, The International Office and for everyone to take a semester abroad in Dornbirn. You will not regret it!"

 

Sandra Beckstein

 

from Fachhochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt

Summer Semester 2011

InterMedia Bachelor

 

 

 

"People say, that you are not really abroad when you go from Germany to Vorarlberg. But I think on the one hand you can learn a new language - the Vorarlberger dialect, and on the other hand it is a great chance to meet people from all over the world! That is really awesome, I've met so many great people and made a lot of new friends. The region is wonderful, the view is fantastic and you can do sports at every season. I've really enjoyed my time here."

 

 

Thomas van den Heuvel

 

from Fontys Hogescholen, Netherlands

Winter Semester 2010

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

 

"Concerning studying abroad, this exchange semester was a very nice experience for me. The other exchange students but also the people here are great. The group of exchange students has become like a big family. I also think that the area of Vorarlberg is great to study. It is a central place in Europe and from here you can visit many big cities. Also the mountains provide a very nice surrounding and of course during winter you can go skiing here which is very nice."

 

 

Alexandra James

 

from Galway - Mayo Institute of Technology

Winter Semester 2010

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

 

"The decision to live and study abroad in Austria was a very difficult decision for me. However, looking past any worries that I had in the beginning, it was the best decision I have ever made and I wouldn't change anything. Studying in the FHV was a pleasure and meeting so many amazing people has made this experience completely worth while. I would do it all over again if I had the chance! I will always remember my time here in Dornbirn and I will take home all the unforgettable memories I have collected."

 

 

Bart van de Voort

 

from Hogeschool Zuyd, Netherlands

Winter Semester 2010

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

 

"The exchange semester was a great experience for me. I met many new friends from all over the globe. What I really enjoyed was the location of Dornbirn. You can travel everywhere, it's affordable and will not take too long. I only can say to the students of next year: "You will have to study a lot but I'm sure you will have a great time in Dornbirn"
Thanks everybody for this awesome time!"

 

 

Eva Haaverstad

 

from University of Agder, Norway

Winter Semester 2010

Mechatronic's Bachelor

 

 

 

"I chose FH Vorarlberg and Dornbirn for several reasons. First of all, because my study coordinator recommended the courses here. I also wanted to improve my German vocabulary. Last but not least due to Dornbirn's location in the middle of Europe, with good opportunities for travel and skiing.
It's great being an exchange student at FHV. The international office are accommodating and helpful. The Mechatronics faculty is amazing. The staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and are always willing to help if you're having trouble. The labs and class rooms are all well equipped!
It's been an incredible adventure!"

 

 

Maria del Mar Palau Perez

 

from Universidad de Alicante, Spain

Summer Semester 2010

Social Work Bachelor

 

 

 

"The months of my exchange semester where the best of my life. Dornbirn is a peaceful city, with nice persons and a fantastic University. Firstly, the snowy landscapes were so nice, and now, in spring, it is fantastic! During my stay I got to know a lot of people from all over the world, different kinds of studies, and I made many new friendships which I will take home with me."

 

 

Andrea Ramirez

 

from Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico

Summer Semester 2010

InterMedia Bachelor

 

 

 

"There's no way to express the wonderful experience that I had as an exchange student here in Dornbirn, it's been the best time of my life and the most incredible adventure! Dornbirn is such a beautiful place rounded by mountains and everything is so close and easy to reach by foot.Traveling around Europe is so easy and cheap!

The school is great. They have great equipment specially for InterMedia students! The German class is great too! It is a lot of fun to learn a new language. Everybody is willing to help you in everything. I've met so many and different friends from around the world and they're the most amazing persons I know and I'm going to miss them so much. Don't lose the oportunity to live this unbelievable dream here in Dornbirn! Coming here is the best decision I've made! Saludos desde México!"

 

 

Pierre-Antoine Ebersbach

from Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, France

Summer Semester 2010

Mechatronic's Master

 

 

 

"My exchange in Dornbirn was a very good experience. I discovered lot of cultures and shared good times and funny parties with my new friends. I studied in the best conditions at FHV. I could see lot of beautiful places in Austria and in the countries around. This exchange remains the best part of my studies!"

 

Olesya Zakhorolska

 

 

Gabriel Virata

 

 

Miska Savolainen

 

 

Amaury Durandet

 

 

Adrian Fallas Valverde

 

 

Eunyoung Lee

 

 

Tom Elliot

from University of Technology Sydney, Australia

Winter Semester 2009

Mechatronic's Bachelor

 

 

 

"The Mechatronics faculty is top notch.  The staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and are always willing to help if you’re having trouble. The labs and class rooms are all well equipped with some great equipment that students are welcome to use - just ask!

Dornbirn is a pretty awesome place to travel from: Cheap trains into Germany, it’s right next to Switzerland and Italy, and airports nearby flying all around Europe for cheap. Also the locals are really nice when you make the effort to hang out with them!"

 

 

Claire Delhaes

 

from HEC Liège, Belgium

Winter Semester 2009

Business Administration Bachelor

"Studying abroad is an amazing experience."
I met people from everywhere around the world. Of course I experienced the Austrian culture but also the culture of the USA, Finland and other countries. Living together with people with different nationalites is very positive because everyone shares experiences with each other.
The orientation week should be longer because it is one of the greatest times in Erasmus: Parties all the time without wondering about class, assignments,.. =)
I came to Austria partly to improve my German and my English, but finally English prevailed and German was used almost only for the supermarkt.
The experience at FHV was rewarding. The way of teaching here is completely different compared with my home institution. It was good for me to learn differently because i needed to find other methods. We worked a lot in groups which was something really interesting but not easy. Erasmus is great and I'll never forget it!"

 

 

Akif Onur

 

from Fatih University, Turkey

Winter Semester 2009

Computer Science Bachelor

 

 

 

"Before I came, I thought that the weather is going to be too cold, but from the first moment when I arrived in Vorarlberg, the people and weather dragged us into a very warm atmosphere,  just like a family intimacy.

Austria is located in the center of Europe's so who wants to travel to European centers, it offers to great advantages. The people are very helpful. You can not be unhappy and tired in FHV. I would like to invite you,  to see the natural beauty and unique geography, to see corner of the Paradise, Austria-Vorarlberg.!"

 

 

Jessika Rutten

 

from Hogeschool Zuyd, Netherlands

Winter Semester 2009

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

"I was really excited and nervous about everything before I came to Dornbirn.

Would I make new friends?

Can I really study in a different language?

What would I do in my free time?

But when I arrived everything turned out better than I could dream of.  I met so many new people and not only the exchange students became my new friends but also the Austrian people were so nice and interested.  We had a fantastic time together and it was a life changing experience for me.  I am so happy I got the change to study abroad!"

 

 

Aayushi Jain

 

from Institute for Higher Education, New Delhi, India

Summer Semester 2009

International Marketing and Sales Master

 

 

"When I left India for Dornbirn (to be very honest), I was not expecting such warm welcome from your side. I am glad that I chose Austria, over other country for my Foreign Exchange Programme.

It was a wonderful 5 month stay in Dornbirn & FHV, which happened because of all your Love. We saw a new culture, made new friends, collected wonderful lifetime memories. Danke schön! The FHV team (Faculties, International office & specially students) supported us a lot during our stay here.
To end with, we all would like to say that Dornbirn & FHV loved us & we love it too, and now we all are looking forward to come back to DORNBIRN!"

 

 

Lucia Quintana Teruel

from Universidad de Jaen, Spain

Summer Semester 2009

Social Work Bachelor

 

 

 

"I really have enjoyed this experience. I want to thank the staff of international relations everything they have done for us. I've had a lot of fun here, I've traveled a lot and I made good friends, I hope to see them again. I'll miss you!. You are welcome in Spain!!. X.O.X.O Lucía"

 

 

Hugo Fauvel

 

from Ecole d`Ingénieurs de Cherbourg, France

Summer Semester 2009

Mechatronic's Master

 

 

 

"Globally it was perfect and it’s really an experience to be lived. First of all, Dornbirn and surroundings are wonderful and it’s a very quiet and pleasant place. During all the stay, I had no time to annoy because there are always other things to be discovered. Moreover, studied to Fachhochschule Vorarlberg was super; I worked in the best conditions with pleasant persons. Thank you for all!"

 

 

Andrea Catalina Chavez Ruz

from Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico

Summer Semester 2009

Media Design Bachelor

 

 

 

"Since this is my second semester studying here in Dornbirn, it is easy to describe my student experience. Living here is for me, to live in a very peaceful environment, clean places and really friendly people. The city is full of small secrets, all hiding behind stories and tradition; you can really get to know Vorarlberg's culture when you spend time with local people, learning about the places nearby, the food and costumes.
Living in the StudentHaus is a great experience, because you get to know so many people from such different places, as well, learning from them about their countries, and just bonding in a special way, to create long-lasting friendships.
The FH, is without a doubt, a great place to study. It has really good infrastructure, modern classrooms, and my special case, studying Media Design, it has all the technology necessary to fulfill a semester of new and great learning.
The location of Dornbirn, is something really good, because you have so many places really close and so amazing, that you could travel everywhere so easily and sometimes, at lower costs. The Lake of Constance is such an amazing place, the nature surroundings is wonderful and full of life.
Having the opportunity to study in the FH and living in Dornbirn, is a very special experience that I could recommend to anyone to take advantage of it, and live it, ... if it is possible, even two times as me!"

 

 

Sebastian Lucaci

 

 

Juan Ignacio Lorca

from Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile

Winter Semester 2008

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

 

 

"I really miss you all, it was an incredible time that I had during my stay in Dornbirn. Each one of you and everything exceeded my expectations. Everything was really cool, incredible nice people all around Austria, Dornbirn and specially at Fachhochschule. Sometimes I feel a little bit sad because I think that how I lived in Dornbirn I will never live again. So I really want to be sure that you understand this: All of you, have touched me, this means, you formed an important part of my life, and I will never forget this. So, understand that the job that you all are doing is incredible and changes peoples lifes. So it's soooooo important that you keep it that way! Hope I could come back to Dornbirn and I will see you all again."

 

 

Chelsea Herzberg

 

from Northwest Missouri State University, USA

Winter Semester 2008

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

 

"This has been the best experience of my life. I expected some personal growth, some insight to myself and some new friendships with students from other countries. But what I received from this semester is something I can never replace nor repay to my fellow students, the FHV, the ladies in the International Office, Dornbirn, or Austria. I have made some really deep lifelong friendships, and how amazing to be mixed in with friends from 17 different countries. Through my entire experience here and these friendships I have truly found myself and have felt more free than most people may ever feel in their lives. The FHV has been a good place to study and such a great experience to be taught by professors from around the world. From the moment Johanna picked me up at the train station in St. Gallen, the ladies in the international office have been nothing but an outstretched hand. Always smiling, helping, and even partying :) with us.
Dornbirn is the perfect city to study in. It gives such a great taste of Austrian life. It is the perfect size, not too big but not too small, it feels so homey. There is some shopping, some bars, some entertainment - like jazz jams, ice skating, cinema, Christmas markets, etc. The city square is a great place to hang out, especially when the weather is nice and there are markets or fire dancers or bars set up. And lastly, Austria has become to feel like a home to me. It is such a great place to be. The Austrian's sense of pride for themselves and their country can be seen in many different ways. For example, everywhere is kept so clean and nice, this is controlled because you must recycle plastic, metal, glass, paper and bio waste separately from the rest of the trash. The trains and buses are so nicely kept and the cleanest I have been on throughout the all the European countries. And the Austrians have such an honest sense of being human. For example, every Austrian student I have meet has been so kind, so interested in finding out about me and so genuine. To sum up, this semester has been more than a lifechanging experience and I would recommend anyone to study abroad here in Dornbirn."

 

 

Abraham de Ochoa Rodriguez

from Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico

Winter Semester 2008

Mechatronic's Bachelor

 

 

"My experience as an exchange student was wonderful! I met many people from other countries, and even if we had many differences, we became really good friends. We had a lot of fun having many parties, traveling or just sharing time in the school. Studying in other country is not just about going to school, but learning to be independent, deal with a different language and missing the food from my own country."

Jon Jerrild

from Lynchburg College, USA

Winter Semester 2008

Business Administration Bachelor

 

"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here at the FHV and in Austria. At the school we got a new lecturer from a different country every week which I thought was very valuable because he/she brought with them different insights and perspectives on business issues. Austria in itself is at a central point in Europe making it very easy to travel to other countries; however, I would recommend to save some time to stay within Austria to witness its own beauties."

 

 

Mantas Vaitkus

from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania

Winter Semester 2008

Computer Science Bachelor

 

 

 

"After 3 years in my home university of wondering and hearing some gossips about "some wonderland Erasmus" from different people, I finally resolved to try out that mysterious place. :D Well this visit is almost done here so what can I say about it... WUNDERVOLL!!! Everything starting with: hearing SERVUS (hello) late at night in dark streets from random people... to every morning waking up and directly going to the window and seeing these amazing "little white hills" :D ahh..
I really hope that when I come back the people in my country will answer to my "Servus" at least at daytime in random places at my home city. :) Well about school stuff there's not much to say... It is hard :) but at least now I have a clear view about how much left to learn... LEARN LIFE!"

 

 

Travis Russ

from Pennsylvania College of Technology, USA

Academic Year 2008/2009

Business Administation Bachelor

 

 

 

"I really don’t even know where to start. The whole entire trip has totally exceeded any expectations I ever could have had. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hang out with people my age from almost every nation in the world while living in the Alps. Without this experience, we all would only know what we see through the media and world news about other countries. However, now all of us know it is no where even close to what actually represents people from those countries, resulting in a first hand lesson about casting judgment or stereotyping. I definitely feel we have come together as a very close family of friends. It's an experience that seems almost unreal and one I will never forget. Both myself, and my perspective in a worldly manner has been forever changed and I am fully thankful for my time spent here."

 

 

Hanna Härkö

from Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Winter Semester 2009

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

 

"I love the Christmas Market that they have here in Austria. Markets take place in many cities nearby and they last from the end of November till Christmas. Usually they sell hand-made products, for example hats, gloves, Christmas decoration and candles, and also the best Glühwein I've ever tasted!"

 

 

Dustin Droege

from Pennsylvania College of Technology, USA

Winter Semester 2008

Business Administration Bachleor

 

 

"The friends you make and the experiences you have will last a lifetime."

 

Tuomas Ruohonen

from Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Winter Semester 2008

Computer Science Bachelor

 

 

"Exchange in Dornbirn has been very positive, I have many new friends and I have seen lots of new things around the Europe. The culture is not so different if I am looking back to Finland, little differences but also many same kind of manners and habits. Working in school is little bit different and the issues are harder but local students have studied these issues whole 2-3 years and we have totally different issues back home, so that is the reason why sometimes it is really hard. But I think that I didn't come to Dornbirn just to learn all new issues at school, this is an experience to see life and different persons around the world. I think I have succeeded in that task very well!"

 

 

Camila Ramirez

from Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile

Winter Semester 2007

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

"I always wanted to study one semester abroad, but I didn't make the contacts. This year my University made the contacts with the FHV and now I am here! I have been here for more than two months and this time has been amazing! I have been traveling a lot, I know more people, and the best is that I found good friends here. This is an experience that I will never forget."

 

 

Lina Falk

from Linköping University, Sweden

Winter Semester 2007

Business Adminsitration Bachelor

 

 

"I chose to study at FHV in Dornbirn because of its ideal location in the middle of the great mountains with beautiful environment, close to other countries and cities. Dornbirn is a small city but with a surrounding which not many other schools can compete with."

 

 

Daniel Carreon

from Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico

Winter Semester 2007

Computer Science Bachelor

 

 

"I knew that coming here, to this little place in Austria, would be very different in comparison to Mexico... But precisely that was my intention when I chose this place, to have a whole new perspective of places, people and things... And fortunately, I have been living all that! The time that I have spent here has been amazing. I have met a lot of different people that have shared their culture and experiences; this is definitely the best time that I have ever had... I just hope to come back again!"

 

 

Heeuni Chun

from Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea

Winter Semester 2007

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

"Before I came to Dornbirn, I was too nervous about everything. Being alone in a strange town, studying in English, and making new friends. However, after I arrived here, it has been... just... a paradise! Really!! Since South Korea and Austria are totally different, it was all exotic first. Studying and traveling. I found the best friends and we have had a fantastic time together. And I realised that having a good time and making nice friends is not that hard than I worried. Really!!! I love it here sooooo much that I don't even want to go back to my home."

 

 

Amaia Ruiz de Eguino

from Universidad del Pais Vasco, Spain

Winter Semester 2007

Business Administration Bachelor

 

 

"To be honest, I have to say that the FHV in Dornbirn wasn’t my first election (it was the second one). ;-) I wanted to improve my German, so my first choice was to go to Germany. At the end, I had the chance to come here, and I don’t regret it at all!!!! Austria is a very “friendly” country in my opinion, and the landscapes are quite similar to the place where I come from. “Ja, ich bin Ausländerin”, but after few months living here in Dornbirn, I don’t feel myself like a stranger. I’m very happy here. All the friends I’ve made here and all we’ve done is something that I will never forget! People can tell their experiences, but you can’t imagine it until you are here! This is something you have to live by yourself!!"

 

 

Hasse Laitanen

from Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, Finland

Winter Semester 2007

Computer Science Bachelor

 

 

 

"I was always interested in studying abroad. Finally I decided to make this come true and I started to look for a place to go. I picked Dornbirn because of the location and also because of the good contact from the International Office. I've been here for almost two months and I haven't regretted. The people I have met and the experiences I have gotten are something that I will never forget. Zum Wohl in Vorarlberg!"