24.05.2012

International University Week: Impressions of Odense /Denmark

This year in April the annual International Week of the network "SOCnet98"  ( Departments of Socialwork) took place in five European cities. Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen (fairy tale poet) was our destination this year, eight people from our course in Linz took part in the program "what works" at the University  College Lillebaelt. Subject-specific workshops, field visits to social services, a city trip and a cultural program offered  the 60 participants a special, varied time in the spirit of successful networking.
In the professional and personal interaction with students and teachers – provided through a warm welcome and careful organization by the Danish hosts – it transpired, that there are quite comparable basic principles of social work, influenced by scientific reflection of theory and practice  during the respective programs . It is noteworthy that some of the universities offer a 7th semester, which is devoted entirely to the placement.
We greatly appreciated the hospitality and good organization, our students were hosted by Danish students and we enjoyed great meals together. We were made to feel extremely welcome and had a lovely time with very nice people. Learning about different cultures, even if we were all from Europe, was particularly interesting and also very enjoyable.
We experienced Denmark as a highly developed, clean and rich country, with an excellent infrastructure.
A few days in the capital Copenhagen completed this very interesting time. We were extremely impressed with how clean and organized life was even in this big city.