HAK Zwettl: Experience international experiences for students in Europe

HAK Zwettl: Experience international experiences for students in Europe

The Zwettl trade academy is a lively place for international encounters and intercultural learning. Regardless of whether it is about voice stays in England or project trips to Prague, the students have numerous opportunities to gain international experiences and develop in different cultures. In the last school year, for example, the 4AK students spent an exciting week in Worthing, England, where they not only improved their English skills, but also experienced British culture up close.

currently the fourth year travel to Ireland is imminent, another highlight of the international program. These trips are not only an opportunity for the students to speak English, but also to gain deeper insights into the Irish way of life.

importance of Russian lessons

A central aspect of international engagement on HAK Zwettl is Russian lessons. Around 100 students take part in what shows that this part of the curriculum plays an important role. Despite political tensions in the region, intercultural exchange is promoted. So students from the Russian group have the opportunity to spend three days in Prague. There you can not only use the language, but also explore the cultural connections between the Slavic countries.

The planned activities in Prague also include practical exercises in which the students can resist their knowledge of Russian in realistic situations, for example when visiting a Russian restaurant.

Practical applications of knowledge of French

For the French students, exciting projects are also on the plan. Planned trips to Brussels and Strasbourg open up the opportunity to visit the European institutions and to use their language skills in authentic environments. These experiences will certainly expand their perspective on European cooperation and the functions of the EU.

In addition, the "Day of Languages" on HAK Zwettl shows how diverse the linguistic skills of the students are. Here, students who speak several languages fluently present their knowledge. Elmin, Sarah and Sude represented the languages Montenegrin, Syrian and Turkish and thus also their cultural roots. Such events strengthen the intercultural exchange and understanding within the school community.

partnerships and sustainable trips

Another important mainstay of the HAK Zwettl is to build partnerships with schools in neighboring countries. Recently attended schoolchildren in Iglau, where they not only gained cultural experiences, but also visited a chocolate factory. These visits promote exchange and strengthen the bonds between schools.

In addition, the students of the fifth vintages took an SDG trip (Sustainable Development Goals) to Bratislava. The Danube port, a transport and water museum and the old town were visited there. This trip was deliberately carried out by public transport to promote sustainable practices and to raise awareness of environmental issues.

In the first classes, the so -called native speaker Week is organized, in which international language teachers from countries such as England, Ireland, the USA and Australia bring their language and culture closer to their language and culture. These encounters are an excellent way for the students to immerse themselves in the respective language and to communicate directly with native speakers.

"The HAK Zwettl creates a learning environment in which openness, tolerance and international understanding are actively lived. Our students are prepared for a future in a globalized society," explains Martina Dorfinger, the director of HAK Zwettl.

For more information on the international activities of the HAK Zwettl, see the current report At www.meinbezirk.at .