MU welcomes 140 new students from 40 different countries

Each new semester at MODUL University Vienna begins with an Orientation Week designed to introduce new students to each other, life at MU, and the city of Vienna through a series of interactive workshops, informative presentations, and fun group activities and this semester was no different! At our Fall 2016 Orientation Week, MU students, staff, and faculty were happy to welcome 140 new undergraduate and graduate students from approximately 40 different countries into the fold of our diverse international community.

One of the distinguishing features of MU is its rich community life and it is on vibrant display during Orientation Week. While students explore themes of diversity and belonging in sessions on intercultural communication and community building, MU’s core values are brought to life by the student volunteers that help Orientation Week to run so smoothly. This year’s Orientation Week featured a record high number of eighteen student volunteers in addition to the support of two MU alumni who lent their energy, experience, and enthusiasm to the newest MU cohort. Not only did our student volunteers welcome our new students and lead stimulating discussion groups, they also joined us as we ate, drank, and danced our way through the city in a series of evening social events. Thanks to fellow student Sara Praeceptor who is passionate about contemporary art, students rounded out an exciting Orientation Week with an exclusive tour of the Viennacontemporary art fair led by Sara herself.

Orientation Week is just one of the many instruments in place at MU that serve to support active student life and engagement. Students are also encouraged to explore and pursue their interests at MU by joining one of our many students clubs. After learning about ways to get involved at MU during Orientation Week, students are invited to visit the biannual Student Life Fair to meet club presidents, event organizers, and external partners that may be of interest to them. In 2015, MU welcomed its newest club, the CineMo filmmaking club, and we hope that our new students will continue the tradition of enriching our student community with their diverse set of interests and passions.

Students are also introduced to the MU Cares Intercultural Certificate during Orientation Week. The MU Cares Intercultural Certificate is specifically designed to encourage students to participate in shaping their community by recognizing their extracurricular efforts and accomplishments in one comprehensive certificate of achievement. Students who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the acquisition and practice of meaningful skills during the course of their studies at MU are able to apply for the MU Cares Intercultural Certificate which will be awarded at graduation. In this way, we hope to create a diverse and mutually respectful learning and working environment with the potential to embolden and enrich all aspects of student life beginning on day one at MU!

Check out the Facebook album!