Sometimes one Erasmus experience is enough to change your plans. My journey began with my first semester abroad in Graz, and what I thought would be a one-time adventure soon became a whole academic year filled with new experiences, friendships, and unforgettable memories.

With my internship at the Institute for Diversity Studies and International Relations at Pädagogische Hochschule Steiermark coming to an end, I would like to reflect on my time there, which now covers a full academic year.

At first, I was a bit nervous about coming back to Graz on my own, even though I had already studied here as an Erasmus student. However, those worries quickly disappeared thanks to the support of the people around me and the welcoming atmosphere of the International Office.

This experience has been very valuable for me both professionally and personally. I had the opportunity to learn how international cooperation and student mobility programmes are organised at a university level and to actively support the work of the International Office in Graz. Over the months, I became more confident in my tasks and gained a clearer understanding of how such institutions function in everyday practice.

One of my main responsibilities was working with the Erasmus+ Journal. I published news from OeAD and other international programmes and supported Erasmus students in sharing their experiences abroad. Later, I became more involved in selecting, editing, and structuring content, which helped me improve my organisational and communication skills.

Another important part of my work was supporting incoming international students. I helped answer their questions, guided them through different processes, and supported communication between students and the International Office. I also met many students from different countries while helping them adapt to life and studies in Graz. Through these interactions, I built more contacts and became more familiar with different cultures and perspectives. I really enjoyed these experiences, and with time, I became more confident and independent in my communication and could respond more quickly and effectively.

I also took part in organising different events and activities. During international events such as Come2Graz, I could see how much planning and teamwork is needed to create a welcoming programme for students from all over the world. I also helped with the Welcome Weekend, which gave me more experience in event organisation and working with international students. These experiences showed me the importance of cooperation in an international environment.

In addition, I had the chance to work creatively by documenting events through photos and videos. This helped me develop my eye for detail and learn how to present moments in a clear and meaningful way.

During this year, I experienced life in Graz in a very full way. I saw all four seasons in the city, each bringing its own atmosphere and beauty. From warm summer days to snowy winter streets, Graz felt different yet always welcoming. I also had the opportunity to travel around Austria and visit places I had always wanted to see. These experiences made my stay even more memorable and showed me how much there is to discover beyond the classroom and the workplace.

There were also challenges at the beginning, especially with language and adapting to new working routines. With time, I learned to work faster and more efficiently. This helped me become more independent and confident in my tasks. Step by step, I improved my German and English and became more flexible in different situations.

Looking back, this internship was more than just work experience. It was a time of learning, growing, and discovering new perspectives. It gave me confidence, skills, and memories that will stay with me for a long time. It also showed me how much I enjoy international environments and how much I want to continue exploring opportunities abroad. Although this is my last post in the Erasmus+ Journal, it is certainly not the end of my connection with Graz. I will always look back on this experience with gratitude and hope to return someday.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank the whole team at the Institute for Diversity Studies and International Relations for their support, guidance, and kindness throughout this year. Thank you for making me feel welcome from the very beginning and for making this internship such a valuable and unforgettable experience!

Photos & Text: Iryna Andybur