Student Feedback

Student Testimonials

Testimonials about the winter school

Read what former students have to say about the winter school.

Zuo Xu (China)

Zuo Xu with Richard Lein

Zuo Xu with Richard Lein (© Zuo Xu)

"It is the kind of experience you MUST have at least once in your life! Amazing professors, amazing lectures, amazing classmates, amazing excursions, and amazing program coordinators—what more could you ask for? The only shortcoming I could find is that it lasts only two weeks." 

Participant 2025

Dinh Nguyen Hoang (Vietnam)

Dinh Nguyen Hoang

Dinh Nguyen Hoang (© Dinh Nguyen Hoang)

"For a naive kid like me, just fresh out of university, this winter school meant a lot to me personally. The rich cultural exchanges, the warm interactions, the outstanding lectures, the exciting discoveries - I felt all of this during my trip to Vienna. Herr Richard’s informative class on Fin-de-Siècle Vienna helped me truly appreciate how this cultural capital came to be. Frau Monika’s engaging course on the arts boosted my visual literacy, and inspired me to always take a closer look from now on. At first, I set out to attend, without much preparation and expectation, aiming to take it as it came. But what I got was so much more - experiences that challenged me and opened my eyes. I was immersed in classical culture and the German language, I broadened my perspective with each conversation, I gained new insights, mostly thanks to the lovely teachers. All in all, this leaves me eager to further pursue my studies here at the University of Vienna, and experience this city once more!" 

Participant 2025

Eline Van Poelvoorde (Belgium)

Eline Van Poelvoorde (©Eline Van Poelvoorde)

"During the Covid period in 2022, I attended a seminar at the University of Vienna winter school, which I really enjoyed. Although, unfortunately, everything was online, we had a lot of opportunities to get to know each other and to learn about new cultures as well. The classes were very interesting and gave me a good idea about the city of Vienna. So when I go to visit Vienna in the future, I will definitely know my way around ;). Furthermore, everyone responsible for the winter school was very friendly, helpful and there was a very comforting and enjoyable atmosphere. I had less of a feeling of actually being at school and more of a fun and educational experience with other people. My teacher was Karl Vocelka, who explained everything very clearly and with great conviction and passion. It is a pity that the winter school only lasts 2 weeks but I definitely can recommend it to everyone. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to participate again one time or another!"

Participant 2022

Yufan Sun (China)

Yufan Sun took part in the online winter school 2021.

Yufan Sun

"The professors’ teaching methods and academic level were absolutely first-class. In this special period of the pandemic and the lockdown, they have conveyed us with cross-cultural care and understanding."

Participant 2021

Niamh Christine O’Neill (Ireland)

Student on stairs in the Arkadenhof of the University of Vienna

Niamh Christine O’Neill (© Joseph Krpelan)

"The univie: winter school has offered a fantastic environment to learn from eminent professors and experts in their respective fields in a small classroom setting, as well as through excursions in the city that they guided. I have taken courses in Austrian literature (focusing on the work of Arthur Schnitzler) and in politics and social developments in Vienna at the turn of the century. In both courses I have found the approachability of the teaching staff particularly valuable and it has made for an extremely rewarding learning experience."

Participant 2020

Jaqueline Cassemiro (Brazil)

Jaqueline Cassemiro in front of St. Stephens Cathedral

Jaqueline Cassemiro (© Jaqueline Cassemiro)

"The univie: winter school was a fabulous opportunity to learn new things both inside the classroom and outside. The brilliant classes we had in the morning with excellent professors were complemented in the afternoon with excursions or free time to discover the city and its fascinating museums and coffee houses.
It was very rewarding to spend some time in a city that breathes culture and is also only a short bus ride away from other amazing European cities.
It was an unforgettable opportunity to learn, travel and meet people from all over the world, truly one of the best experiences of my life."

Participant 2019

 

 

Student Stories

Stories about the winter school

Former participants share their experiences at the winter school.