Visit to New Design University in Sankt Pölten (Austria)
During the last week of November, Ada Martínez, Head of Admissions, and Félix Guerrero, Erasmus+ Coordinator, took part in an Erasmus+ visit to Sankt Pölten, at New Design University, an experience that proved to be very positive both academically and institutionally.
During their stay, they had the opportunity to get to know the university, its modern and well-equipped facilities, and the general campus atmosphere, which felt welcoming and dynamic. Throughout the week, they held meetings with degree coordinators and with the International Office, with the aim of strengthening collaboration between both institutions. They also delivered two presentations to students from the Interior Design and Graphic Design programmes, sharing information about their school and the Erasmus+ mobility opportunities available.
One of the most special moments of the visit was meeting Natalia Peinado, a third-year Graphic Design student who is currently completing her Erasmus mobility at this university. Spending time with her allowed them to learn first-hand about her academic and personal experience, as well as everyday student life in Sankt Pölten.
Sankt Pölten proved to be a quiet and very suitable city for studying, with excellent transport connections to Vienna, making it easy to enjoy a wide cultural offer. During their visit to the Austrian capital, they also had the chance to reconnect with Julian Jakob, a former Erasmus student at ESADA from a couple of academic years ago, a meeting that was especially meaningful.
The visit coincided with the weeks leading up to Christmas, so Sankt Pölten, Vienna and Bratislava were beautifully decorated with lights and Christmas markets, creating a particularly warm and festive atmosphere. They also enjoyed the Austrian gastronomy, which was a pleasant surprise, especially traditional dishes such as the "Wiener Schnitzel".
The trip also included a visit to Bratislava, located around an hour and a half from Vienna, a city that can easily be explored in one day and which, at that time of year, also offered a charming Christmas atmosphere.
Although the weather was cold, it added to the character of the destination and made the experience feel even more authentic. Overall, the visit was highly rewarding and helped to further strengthen institutional collaboration and highlight the value of the Erasmus+ programme.
The school would like to express its sincere thanks for the warm welcome and excellent organisation of the visit, especially to Hannah Fohringer, who coordinated everything with great care and kindness, as well as to the rest of the New Design University team, the library staff, the teaching staff, particularly Neil and Olivier, and the university management, for their openness and hospitality throughout the stay.
