The orientation programme for exchange students is MANDATORY and consists of the following events: 

• Orientation Session: The International Welcome Center's first official event for exchange students at the JKU provides information and instructions about important formalities and the first steps after arrriving. It is also an opportunity to meet fellow exchange students
• Enrolment: Students will be officially enrolled at the university AFTER registering at the International Welcome Center
• Meeting with an Academic Coordinator at the JKU: Students can discuss their course selection at the JKU
• KUSSS Training: Tutorial to learn how to register for courses online

As part of the pre-semester programme, exchange students will attend a "Cultural Sensitivity Training" course (2 ECTS credits). 

Day One:

The group will discuss the host country's cultural specificities and their own cultural backgrounds/identities. Students will also focus intensively on images, perceptions, “positive” and “negative” stereotypes associated with national cultures.

Day Two (Project Day):

In small groups and teams, participants will work on projects in town (field studies, interviewing people, observation tasks).

Day Three:

Team project findings will be presented to the entire group and each project will be reflected upon and critically analysed. Students will develop methods that they can apply when encountering their host culture and when working in multicultural teams (international student body on campus).

Sign up for the course when completing your online application. Due to the limited number of spots, enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Course syllabus, opens a file

Prior to the beginning of each semester, the JKU offers 4 levels of Intensive German language courses for exchange students:

• Beginners I
• Beginners II
• Intermediate
• Advanced

The courses are worth 3 ECTS credits and are free of charge. Indicate the level you wish to attend when completing the online application. Due to the limited number of spots, enrolment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Course syllabus, opens a file in a new window

Get to know Linz and its surroundings! The following tours and day trips are offered during the pre-semester programme:

• Linz City Tour: Guided city tour - free of charge
• Mauthausen: Visit of a former concentration camp (www.mauthausen-memorial.at, opens an external URL in a new window)
• Steyr: Get to know an Upper Austrian city (www.steyr.at, opens an external URL in a new window)
• Landhaus: Guided tour at the seat of the Upper Austrian Government

The day trip program may vary each semester. Tickets can be purchased during the Orientation Session and at the International Welcome Center for a small fee.