The University for Continuing Education Krems, the Austrian Marshall Plan Center for European Studies at the University of New Orleans, and the Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C., have agreed to jointly establish a new program on American politics and society to begin in November 2024.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the partners was signed on 12 September 2023 in Washington, D.C. by Rector Friedrich Faulhammer and Dr. Christina Hainzl on behalf of the University for Continuing Education Krems, by Director Dr. Marc Landry on behalf of the Austrian Marshall Plan Center for European Studies at the University of New Orleans, and by Deputy Chief of Mission Hans-Joachim Almoslechner on behalf of Ambassador DDr. Petra Schneebauer and the Austrian Embassy.
The new program includes two unique on-site modules in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, Louisiana. Students will spend approximately five days in each city to gain in-depth insights from local experts as part of a specialized curriculum, preceded by both an in-person and online preparation course in Austria.
Better understanding of the transatlantic partner
The program will enhance students' understanding of the United States at a time when today's complex global challenges require practical knowledge of other countries. "As a global leader, the United States plays a particularly important role," said Dr. Christina Hainzl, who will lead the program at the University for Continuing Education Krems.
"We strive to offer a cutting-edge program that provides students with first-hand insights in the United States. By visiting two cities such as Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, participants will be able to learn about the cultural differences within the United States. This will help them form unbiased opinions free of preconceived stereotypes," added Dr. Hannes Richter, co-initiator of the program at the Embassy of Austria in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Marc Landry also emphasized the importance of the international program for the University of New Orleans: "Having students from Krems here on campus will contribute greatly to the internationalization of this public university in the city."
Finja Draxler, Head of the Embassy Information Service; Vice Ambassador Hans-Joachim Almoslechner; Christina Hainzl, University for Continuing Education Krems; Marc Landry, Director Center for Austrian Studies New Orleans; Hannes Richter, Embassy Information Service
The University for Continuing Education Krems will administer the program and organize the on-site modules in Washington, DC and New Orleans together with its local partners. All students at accredited universities in Austria can enroll. The program consists of two courses, each comprising 3 ECTS credits. Through both the virtual module in Austria and the 10-day on-site module in the USA, students can earn a maximum of 9 ECTS credits, subject to the recognition of the certificate by their home university/department.
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