The Courage to Embrace the New

For Olivia Cobaxin Antele, Mexico was an obvious choice as it is the second home of the father of their three children. Despite the family connections, the stay in Monterrey, in northern Mexico, was a completely new experience for the family. The biggest challenge was finding suitable accommodation and schools for the children. Language barriers were a primary concern. However, the family overcame these challenges with courage and support and successfully integrated into their new environment. "I was apprehensive that the language barrier would be too great," reports the master's student who studies Design & Product Management at the Kuchl campus. "But now everyone has settled well into their groups, and the girls have made great strides in language," she continues. Financially, the stay was supported by Erasmus+. The European mobility programme also offers the opportunity to study outside Europe. There are additional grants for childcare and family members who travel with you. The key is to apply for everything as early as possible.

Olivia Cobaxin Antele emphasised that the courage to embrace a new culture was rewarded. 

"As difficult as the beginning was, we got to know so many new places and people and had pre-cious and wonderful experiences," 

says the student and mother.

Bildergalerie - Mexiko

Hej hej from Schweden

Philipp Vidmar, a master's student in Information Technology & Systems Management, chose a semester abroad in Sweden. Accompanying him were his girlfriend and their two-year-old son. Besides the academic choice – FH Salzburg has close ties with Halmstad University, which offers attractive IT master's courses – other factors influenced the choice of country: "Sweden has a reputation for being very progressive in many areas, such as childcare, which naturally made us curious. I also heard that more fathers take parental leave in Sweden, which means I would be in good company at the playground," laughs Philipp. 

Despite initial concerns, the family quickly found their place in Sweden. Philipp emphasised the importance of the support from the International Office at FH Salzburg and the contacts in Sweden. "There was helpful information for every to-do in the preparation from the International Office at FH, and the contact person from Halmstad University always responded very quickly to questions and supported us excellently."

The family enjoyed the Swedish summer, the open playgroup for children, and the friendly and helpful Swedish culture. "The Swedes are very friendly, well-organised, and above all helpful, which made it easier for us to settle in," reports Philipp.

Highlight Philipp's quote: "A real highlight right at the beginning was 'Nollningen' – the introduction days for new students. There was a lot of dancing, you got to know the university and the city, and even a boat was built."

Philipp Vidmar wants to encourage others to gain experience abroad, even with more challenging circumstances: "Even if you think it's not possible for you because you might not seem flexible at first glance – whether due to a job or, as in my case because you have a child, it's worth finding out about the possibilities and making plans."