UNO CenterAustria Press Release

25th Anniversary of Austrian Student Program at UNO

For the first time In February 1982, 40 students from the University of Innsbruck came to the University of New Orleans during their Austrian semester break to experience the American university environment (“Schnupperstudium”).

They have come for 25 years now (only interrupted by the post-Hurricane Katrina difficulties in 2006). Well over 1,000 students from all over Austria and other EU countries have participated in this program and immersed themselves in studying American history, politics, society and economics in UNO classrooms. They have  enjoyed Mardi Gras, swamp tours, gospel masses and much of New Orleans culture. There are few programs in transatlantic student mobility with such a long record of steady success.

For the 25th anniversary of this program, a group of 30 students will arrive in New Orleans for a month of study at UNO. Before their stay in the Crescent City they will visit Washington, D.C. to capture the new mood of President Obama’s America. A delegation of dignitaries from the University of Innsbruck will arrive at UNO to celebrate the occasion with them and experience New Orleans in the Mardi Gras season. Dr. Eva Lichtenberger, a member of the European Parliament from the Austrian Green Party, will deliver a keynote address on transatlantic relations after the Bush Presidency. There will also be a special book presentations on the Cajuns of Louisiana and the Acadians of Canada. The University of Innsbruck Big Band will attend the festivities and give a public concert.

For program details see www.centeraustria.org or call UNO’s CenterAustria (280-3223)