How can incoming Erasmus students learn about their new home, its history and culture? And how can you make your studies more international without leaving Innsbruck? The interdisciplinary course “Reading Austria” at the University of Innsbruck provides answers to this question. It was introduced by Doris Eibl (Romance Studies) and Silke Meyer (European Ethnology) in the winter term 2024/2025 and connects international and Innsbruck students through an interdisciplinary view of Austria.
A group of international students from Taiwan, China, Singapore, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Israel and Innsbruck students studied the role of Austria in Europe and the World by looking at entanglements in history, film, literature, popular culture and arts. Together, they learned about cultural transfers, globalization and local traditions in Innsbruck and discussed the making of national identity and the role of stereotypes. This knowledge was tested with visits to local institutions like the Volkskunstmuseum, the Taxispalais, the Brennerwelten and the town Brenner, the Alpenzoo, the arts collective of pmk and the Landestheater.
Back in the classroom, students linked their impressions to their own cultural heritage and shared visions for a global future. “It was great to learn more about Austrian culture and see all those places where European history happened,” said a student from Taiwan. “I was amazed to see that despite all the differences in our background, we also had a lot in common,” added another student from Innsbruck. Course leaders Eibl and Meyer were extremely happy with this outcome: “When students come together and see their role in shaping diversity, what more could one wish for?”
The course “Reading Austria” is part of the Aurora microcredential “Reading Austria in Europe and the World”. It is offered regularly in the winter term, taught in English and open to all incoming students and Innsbruck students.
(Silke Meyer/red)