Zoe Zweifler from the University of Vienna has spent four months on an Erasmus+ internship at Aarhus University – and here she shares her experiences and insights. With her story, she hopes to inspire others.
How does one begin a post signaling the end of a wonderful internship at the International Center at Aarhus University for the European University Alliance Circle U.? Having thought long and hard about how I could fully honour my experiences and newfound acquaintances throughout my time in Aarhus, I’m not sure if I could sum up everything in this post. Perhaps I was also a little reluctant to write anything because I didn’t want this time to pass.
Nevertheless, I would like to provide as much advice as I possibly can through this post to motivate students, academics, and administrative staff at universities and within Circle U. in order to create (more) space and opportunities for cross-university exchange. This internship abroad has not only enriched me with countless unforgettable experiences and an indescribable personal growth, but also awakened an enthusiasm for Circle U. in me.
From Vienna to Denmark
Having recently completed my bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Vienna, I wanted to complete an internship abroad, but within Europe, to brush up on my English fluency before beginning my master’s degree this autumn. Denmark quickly stood out to me, becoming my favourite choice, due to its progressive reputation. Likewise, I didn’t think twice when I applied for an internship at the International Center in Aarhus as part of Circle U., although I had no idea where Aarhus was exactly located, what Circle U. was and how much this time would personally benefit me.
I became aware of the Erasmus+ internship position through an announcement on the website of the International Office at the University of Vienna. Only later did I focus on the formalities related to the Erasmus+ scholarship for traineeships, which included providing proof of language proficiency, signing important documents (e.g. Learning Agreement for Traineeships), as well as the possibility of financial support in the form of a mobility grant during my stay in Aarhus. All communication and the disbursement of this grant are handled through the International Office and were carried out smoothly.
A cosy and welcoming team
Already after my first days of my internship, I was impressed by the way the International Center worked. I joined an incredibly open-minded team that included me in every activity from day one and supported me with any problems I had, making me feel like I was part of the team from the start. I quickly realized that the Danish word hygge (difficult to translate, but probably the closest equivalent to a cosy, warm atmosphere), alongside the word tak (thank you), was truly present throughout the work culture here. Whether it was our joint team breakfasts every Friday, a bingo event, champagne tasting, a cooking evening, drinks on a rooftop, or our morning swim, it was evident that this team was doing something very right: focusing on social interaction. A great experience that doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to leave this place again.
A great opportunity for students
You might be curious how I partook in such an amazing internship and what I did. If you visit the Circle U. website, you quickly learn that it is a European University Alliance consisting of nine universities. For me as a student itself, Circle U. is the opportunity to get in touch with people from other countries, to exchange knowledge, to participate in courses and programmes in the other European countries and to gain experience in the university field apart from my own bachelor and master programmes at the University of Vienna.
Find out here what the Circle U. alliance has to offer for students.
Varied and interesting tasks
As part of my internship, I supported an area within Circle U. that dealt with student and employee mobility between the nine universities and looked for ways to both adapt and facilitate interactions for the needs of the target groups. My tasks were quite varied, which suited me very well and gave me the opportunity to gain an insight into many areas at Aarhus University and Circle U.
I was able to participate in meetings between the university partners, organise a language programme for students at Aarhus University in cooperation with a study assistant, develop an ambassador programme for Aarhus University students, gain knowledge in web editing, help with the preparation and follow-up of Circle U. activities (e.g. online talks or physical events) and travel to Copenhagen for a meeting.
Friends from all over the world
In addition to my time at the International Center with Circle U., I also had enough free time to get to know Aarhus and Denmark a little better. I spent my months in a student dorm, where I got to know people from all over the world and made new friends whom I grew fond of. We went on excursions together, explored many wine bars and brunch spots (my favourites!) and spent long evenings late into the night. I partly learned how to make pizza from Italy, learned a lot about holidays and festivals from different countries, enjoyed countless Danish pastries and dared to go ice bathing (in April, if you can still count that).
Falling in love with Aarhus
I have also grown fond of Aarhus itself, a modern, young city that, like many other Danish cities, thrives on cyclists, impressive architectural buildings, and an unwavering amount of social trust. Nowhere else have I seen public birthday parties in a library with the country’s flags on the table, people swimming in the sea in all possible weather conditions and being happy afterwards, a queue of cyclists in the morning rush hour, or unattended laptops placed in public places by students. These characteristics highlight the uniqueness of Aarhus and Danish culture, which has quickly rubbed off on me, allowing me to fall in love with this city.
My learnings and takeaways
I came to Aarhus and the International Center with the intention to improve my English language skills during my studies. In hindsight, this goal was quite small. Over these nearly four months, I not only grew personally, but also experienced what team cohesion, a work-life balance and trust really mean. I have not just improved my English skills as I had originally hoped, but I am also much more open to dealing with a new working and living environment. The last few months have required a certain flexibility and confidence in dealing with new situations and people, especially at the beginning, which has helped me to develop as a person.
I would recommend an Erasmus+ internship during or shortly after your studies to anyone who has the opportunity. You benefit long after your time there through newly formed friendships, professional connections, and impressions that no one can take away from you. In general, it’s advisable to start looking for internship positions early and to plan your stay in advance. Especially in the initial phase (planning and confirming the internship), there is a lot of organizational work to be done. However, I received a lot of support from the International Office and didn’t encounter any difficulties.
Zoe Zweifler studiert im Master Geography: Global Change and Sustainability mit einem Fokus auf sozioökonomische,-ökologische und technologische Nachhaltigkeitstransformationen auf unterschiedlichen räumlichen Ebenen. Sie ist Student Ambassador der Universität Wien für die Circle U. Allianz.
