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LINZ: Who Will Turn the Tide?

Linz, where the Ars Electronica Festival is held, is an amazing city, simultaneously charming and easy to get around, either by foot, tramway, or bike; everything’s at your fingertips. It takes over the city’s beautiful urban landscape, from the Danube’s serpentine riverside paths to historic streets, vintage venues such as PostCity, to the Lentos Museum of Modern Art. Wherever you go, something is going on: a talk, a workshop, or an ad hoc gathering of artists and tech enthusiasts. At one point we encountered a makeshift rave at a tram stop. Linz balances history with innovation in a live festival setting, while the ease of movement ensures you never miss a beat.


The stars of Linz during this festival are undoubtedly the people. It connects creative minds from all over the world, and there is always someone to meet, either in an event or one of the cosy local cafes, or just during a walk through the streets, the festivalpass around your neck means endless friendships with strangers. The energy is contagious, and conversations flow smoothly from art to technology and toward social change. It is not possible not to be moved and bound by the great diversity of experiences and ideas that the festival draws in.
For us, who had the great opportunity to expose our work in that space, the experience was deeply demanding and full of rewards. The preparation of installations and artworks took long hours and intense focusing to make sure everything would be perfect. Of course, it was when the doors opened and the audiences began pouring in that it was all worth it. The meeting of people with whom the art would engage, individuals who would ask profound questions, give their views, and even question the ideas behind the work, was just incredible. Rarely will a more satisfying experience than having your works resound with others on such a deep level be felt.


The Ars Electronica Festival 2024 was that unique moment when art and technology, with innovation, merged into one world of merciless encounters between creation and critical thought. Treading the historical streets of Linz, one could feel the influence of the festival. Churches held raves, composting bins made food and fish were flying, and the city itself had turned into a vibrant canvas on which different voices and breakthrough ideas set aflame discussions of the present and future of our world. Churches held raves, composting bins made food and fish were flying.
Diving into the Ars Electronica Festival, I was pretty soon informed that Linz has an impressively wide and refreshing alternative scene. The whole city feels like an experiment in which creativity thrives and innovative ideas are at liberty to take root. Such an atmosphere provokes freedom and exploration, making people get out of their comfort zones and express themselves in numerous ways.
From underground art collectives and centres of experimental music, Linz presents an eclectic mix of artistic expression. Indeed, it would appear that the whole town is one big canvas, with street art and installations peppered here and there, inviting passersby to interact with their surroundings. This inspired atmosphere, at times electric, did not only attract artists but also managed to create an environment in which festival attendees and locals alike could mix and interact with ideas, thus creating an interesting melting pot of creativity fully representative of the spirit of this festival.
But what really set Ars Electronica apart was the sense of community and collaboration-not just a festival of artists, but a gathering of scientists, activists, entrepreneurs, and curious minds all bound together by their pursuit to imagine better futures. You could feel the energy and commitment of participants in everything from cutting-edge workshops to thought-jerking performances, from seasoned veterans down to young creators making their mark for the first time.


Those points of this festival did not derive from one single place. From the Lentos Museum of Modern Art to Johannes Kepler University, and to the intimate Marian Cathedral, this message of hope and change resounded throughout. Each performance venue promised a very different way of experiencing the festival, whether through experimental soundscapes, tactile art pieces, or discussions on AI and biotechnology ethics.
Yet, beneath all this seriousness, optimism was the underpinning. There was cause for celebration, not just in the potential of technology, but also in the humans’ ability to mould it into something positive. With Ars Electronica, from playfully interactive robotic installations to the meditative nature of sound-based art pieces, it was essentially showcasing ingenuity residing within us.
For those who were privileged enough to be able to exhibit in this space, the demands weighed heavily upon us, but the returns were deeply rewarding. The preparation of installations and artworks took long hours and concentrated concentration to get everything just right. When the doors opened and the audience started to arrive, that was well worth it. It has been great to meet people who were genuinely involved with the art, who asked intelligent questions, shared their views, and even questioned the ideas behind the work. It’s quite rare and a feeling of contentment if the work you put out touches another human being’s life.


The School of Arts in Nova Gorica has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the Ars Electronica Festival for several years, primarily due to the dedication and vision of the school board and our mentor, Robertina Šebjanič. Her commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital art and technology has paved the way for our school’s participation in this prestigious festival, allowing us to showcase our work on an international platform. This year, we were thrilled to celebrate Robertina’s recognition with a special mention award, a testament to her influence and the calibre of work emerging from our institution.
For a couple of years now, the School of Arts has exhibited at Ars Electronica, and this year marked our second appearance in the Campus program at PostCity. Our exhibition, titled “HOPE: Who Will Turn the Tide?”, tackled pressing questions that resonate deeply in today’s world. It prompts us to reflect: Who will lead the change? When will it happen? In which direction will we move?
Hope pushes us forward, instilling the belief that change is possible and that someone will emerge to guide us toward a positive shift. Yet, we must ask ourselves: Will we wait for that person to arrive, or will we take action ourselves? The exhibition concludes with a call to action—“Look me in the eye – the time is now!”—inviting us to recognize our shared responsibility in shaping the future.
Coming as an Erasmus student, my experience in Linz during the time of Ars Electronica Festival was little short of being life-changing. As if it wasn’t enough to travel to this culturally and creatively rich city, participating in such a prestigious event just amplified everything tenfold. The festival gave me access to an incredible array of new knowledge, perspective, and inspiration that I never expected to have the opportunity to be exposed to in such a short amount of time.
Our mentors played a huge role in moulding this experience. Matching us step by step, often with exhaustive effort, they guided us through the creative process, further developing how we present ourselves and our ideas to the world. They encouraged us to mingle, collaborate, and build contacts, reminding us throughout that these networks would lead to growth as artists and thinkers. It was hard work, especially in arranging our exhibits, but through it all, the mentors were there to make sure we strove for excellence and to help us understand just how much we could achieve with dedication and teamwork.


Then came, of course, the best part: meeting the audiences. After all that hard work, seeing people engage in our projects was sort of surreal and rewarding in a certain way. Reactions, questions, and reflections of the others provided new insights into our own work and opened up new ways of considering our work. Each single conversation made me more and more inspired, and confident that considering this Erasmus journey as an added value is not just about the technical skills, but about growing as a person and connecting with the world in a new, thrilling way.
Being part of this experience at Ars Electronica has not only allowed us to engage with important themes but has also reinforced our connection with Robertina’s vision and the vibrant artistic community in Linz. This collaboration and recognition inspire us to continue exploring the intersection of art, technology, and society, ensuring that our voices are heard in the ongoing dialogue about our collective future. It was definitely the highlight of my Erasmus experience-being part of Ars Electronica was work, creativity, and-most importantly-humane relationships combined that will feed my artistic and academic journey for a long period of time.

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My Erasmus Internship In Italy: Vines, People, And Shared Stories

Over the past two months, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in an Erasmus internship in Italy. Immersed in the world of viticulture, this experience went beyond learning about vineyard monitoring and agronomy. More importantly, it was about people, stories, and the connections that formed among the vines.

Morning views from the vineyard

Days in the vineyard

Each day began in the vineyard, with the warm Italian sun lighting up endless rows of grapevines. I worked alongside a passionate field team, learning to recognize and assess agronomical factors, diseases, and pests affecting vine health. The 4Grapes app quickly became my constant companion. It helped me gather data, record observations, and understand the intricacies of vine growth.

Best companion

Learning beyond the field

My time in the field was complemented by laboratory work. I analyzed grape must for chemical parameters and used microscopes to identify pests. These experiences allowed me to connect what I saw in the vineyard with scientific analyses, which further deepened my understanding of vine management. Also, not to forget, my most faithful colleague of all, who no matter what, never left my side.

Moments of connection

Lunchtimes were special. We enjoyed simple, hearty meals that embodied the spirit of the land. The wine flowed, and so did the stories. There was something timeless about gathering around a table, and exchanging tales in various languages, where gestures filled in the gaps, and laughter broke down barriers. This Erasmus experience wasn’t just about work. It reminded me of our shared humanity and the bonds that form when people come together. Curiosity and the desire to grow united us as individuals and as a community.

Skills and challenges

Through this internship, I developed practical skills and knowledge in vine management. Moreover, I learned to navigate real-world challenges—working in the field, adapting to new technologies, and communicating with vine growers. These two months taught me much more than I ever expected.

A journey to remember

In the end, my Erasmus internship in Italy was an unforgettable journey. It enriched my understanding of vine management, and more importantly, of human connection. I leave Italy with new skills, cherished memories, and a deeper appreciation of how, much like the vines, we thrive when connected and nourished by those around us.

Posted in Others, Outgoing students.


My Erasmus Traineeship in Italy

A Journey of Growth and Discovery

As a second-year master’s student at the University of Leadership in Open Education, I was eager to explore opportunities that would enhance my academic and professional development. The opportunity to participate in an Erasmus traineeship presented itself in January 2022 when I attended a Zoom workshop organized by our university’s international office. Little did I know that this workshop would mark the beginning of one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Departure from Nigeria

The Application Process: A Test of Patience and Determination

Inspired by Erasmus’s possibilities and experience, I decided to embark on the application process. It was a challenging journey, requiring patience and determination. The decision to choose between continuing my studies and pursuing a traineeship was not easy. However, I was fortunate to have the support and guidance of Jana Begus, our international office coordinator. Her advice played a crucial role in helping me make a decision I now consider one of the best of my academic and professional career.

After two months of navigating various application stages of receiving the institution, I finally received the much-anticipated approval. However, the journey was far from over. I faced numerous challenges, including multiple rejected applications and interviews. Despite these setbacks, I remained focused on my goal.

Choosing Italy: A Decision Aligned with My Aspirations

After so many searches, applications, and interviews I had to choose between two exciting destinations, Croatia and Italy, for my five-month Erasmus internship, I carefully weighed my options. I decided Italy was the best fit for me considering my future goals and aspirations. I was offered a European Project Manager Intern position with Extramus, a role that aligned perfectly with my academic background and professional interests.

I am deeply grateful to Prof. Suzanna Loshkovska, Prof. Tijana llic, the international office coordinator Jana Begus, and the dean of the School of Engineering and Management, Prof. Dr. Imre Cikajlo, for your invaluable support all through the process. Their guidance in completing the Learning Agreement, an essential component of the Erasmus Traineeship documentation, ensured my preparedness for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

EXTRAMUS is an organization renowned for its expertise in project execution. With a proven track record, the organization has consistently demonstrated its proficiency in successfully planning, managing, and implementing a diverse range of projects. Their capabilities extend to various areas, including the development and execution of Erasmus+ Traineeship programs. The organization’s commitment to excellence is evident in its ability to deliver impactful projects, contributing to the enhancement of the educational journey for higher education students. 

The first picture at the Extramus office

I choose EXTRAMUS and the European Project Management Traineeship program because it is aimed at building trainees who would be able to write projects under different titles, receive grants, and successfully conduct, control, and execute the projects. The EU Project Management serves as a crucial mechanism to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of projects funded by the European Union.

The goal as a Project Manager trainee was to develop skills and gain hands-on experience in Project Management. I was aimed at identifying problems, and opportunities to formulate project ideas. This involves writing proposals that meet funding standards, developing skills and knowledge for the development and management of projects funded by the European Commission, building partnerships, developing project scopes, aims, and objectives, and monitoring and evaluating projects and processes, along with reporting and the preparation of project documents and reports.

The traineeships provided me with the opportunity to acquire practical skills and hands-on experience in Project Management. It served as a bridge between my academic learning and practical application. It will help me to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting and understand the dynamics of the international professional environment. I will also apply the knowledge and skills gained to conducting my Master’s thesis project. The formal training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs will contribute to my professional development, which includes learning how to use project management tools, methodologies, and best practices.

Preparing for a New Chapter: Embracing Italian Culture

While waiting for my visa approval, which took several weeks, I dedicated myself to preparing for this new chapter in my life. I immersed myself in learning about Italian culture, values, and language. This preparation was not just about being ready for the professional aspects of the traineeship but also about embracing the cultural experience that comes with living and working in a new country.

International Dinner

The Journey Begins: My Arrival in Italy

On April 15, 2024, I embarked on my journey from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Nigeria, filled with mixed emotions, excitement, and anticipation. The next day, I arrived in Rome, Italy, where my professional adventure truly began. Coming from Africa, I had to consider the food and other basic stuff I would need before finding an African store and settling into Italian food and culture. It made my luggage heavy and challenging to move around at the airport and station when I got to Rome, and in the process, I lost two of my luggage, which I later found with the help of the police and a good Samaritan. (Lesson learned: Pack lightly 😜).

Missing my train due to moving my heavy luggage was another epic moment of my journey to my place of internship. Waiting two hours wasn’t funny, as I was exhausted after a 12-hour flight and over 10 hours of layovers and train transit but I didn’t have a choice 😉 ( Lesson learned: Ask for help, it’s better to get a NO than not trying).

Moving around the small town of Terranova Da Sibari wasn’t easy in the first days as I didn’t have mobile internet to use the map. I remember missing my way on the second day I arrived, but thanks to Simone and other Erasmus guys I ran into on my way home from the supermarket.

The traineeship experience was filled with many good and bad memories, but I appreciate the learning experience and the opportunity to explore.

Goodbye to Julia from Poland

My European Project Manager Experience

The five months of my traineeship were interesting, transformational, and fulfilling. The overview of my internship tasks and responsibilities includes:

1. Project Identification and Assessment

One of my initial tasks involved working closely with my team and supervisor to assess the viability of various problems that could be addressed through new projects. After discussions and evaluations, I identified a problem suitable for project initiation. This process sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills, allowing me to contribute effectively to project ideation.

2. Project Proposal Development

After identifying the problem, I drafted a detailed project proposal titled “MathMates: Empowering Children with Dyscalculia through Open Education.” The proposal encompassed the project’s objectives, scope, methodology, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes. I meticulously applied the SMART criteria to set clear and actionable objectives, which would guide the project to success. This task enhanced my ability to translate ideas into structured and feasible project plans.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Collaboration was a key aspect of my internship. In partnership with my supervisor, I identified and engaged organizations that could contribute to the project. One such organization was Inercia Digital, a VET center (SME) based in Huelva, Spain. We met with their representatives to discuss the project idea and formulated a participation plan aligned with their expertise and interests. This experience deepened my understanding of stakeholder engagement and the importance of building strong partnerships for successful project implementation.

4. Involvement in Project Closure

During my internship, I was involved in the project closure phase of an ongoing project titled “Empowering Young Women with Digital Competences: A Gender Equality Initiative.” My responsibilities included:

  • Final Deliverables: I participated in a week-long workshop in Huelva, Spain, which served as the final deliverable for the project.
  • Resource Release: I prepared dissemination material (Article), to share the project outcomes and lessons learned.
  • Post-Implementation Review: I organized and led a workshop on “Artificial Intelligence for Professional Use,” where I shared and discussed the lessons learned from the program in Spain with other interns.
  • Public Communication: I provided a written interview about the program’s outcomes, which would be published on the organization’s website and social media platforms.

These tasks honed my project closure skills and allowed me to contribute to the project’s sustainability and dissemination.

5. Proficiency in Project Management Tools

I learned to use project management collaboration platforms such as Trello and Asana. These tools facilitated task management, team collaboration, and workflow tracking, ensuring that all project activities were executed efficiently and effectively.

Erasmus Project Workshop in Spain

Exploring New Horizons: My Visit to Slovenia

Having been an online student for the past two years, one of the highlights of my Erasmus traineeship was the opportunity to visit Slovenia. This trip was professionally and personally enriching. I visited the university in Vipava, where I had the privilege to meet in person the dean of the School of Engineering and Management, the school secretary, the international office coordinator, the student office, and other university staff and students. The international office coordinator, Jana Begus, gave me a free tour of the school and the beautiful surroundings of Vipava, after which we had lunch with Helena Škrl (the secretary’s office) at one of Vipava’s finest restaurants.  It was an invaluable experience to connect with these individuals and gain deeper insights into the university’s operations and values.

During my time in Slovenia, I also took the opportunity to explore some of the country’s most beautiful destinations. I visited Ljubljana, the charming capital city, as well as the picturesque Bled Lake, known for its stunning scenery. The cultural richness and natural beauty of Slovenia left a lasting impression on me, adding yet another layer of growth to my Erasmus journey.

Visit to Bled Lake
Visit to UNG
Visit to UNG

Reflecting on My Experience: A Transformative Journey

Looking back on my Erasmus Traineeship experience, I can confidently say that it has been a transformative journey. It has enhanced my academic and professional skills and broadened my cultural horizons. The Erasmus Traineeship decision has proven to be one of the best I have ever made. I am excited to see where this experience will take me next and how it will continue to shape my future endeavors. The lessons I have learned, the friendships I have built, the connections I have made, and the skills I have developed will serve me in my future career.

As I continue on this path of growth and discovery, I encourage other students to consider the Erasmus Traineeship as a valuable opportunity for personal and professional development. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards.

Goodbye Photos

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Greece, University of Creete

I was lucky to visit the University of Creete for the CreteLing summer school. It is a linguistic summer school where well-known scholars teach classes for two weeks. There were introductory and advanced-level classes. For example, in my custom schedule, I combined an introductory neurolinguistics class, the science about mapping language functions onto the brain areas, and an advanced morphology class, the subfield of linguistics focusing on the meaningful components of words.

It was a nice opportunity to know more outstanding people in my field both students and professors from all over the world. The bonding went smoothly because we could share the meals and nice summer views of Crete, its gorgeous hills and sea. Now I have people from different countries with whom I can discuss linguistics and have a good laugh.

Students also could present their works during the poster session. I participated in this activity and received a lot of useful feedback. Now I feel ready to present my work at real big conferences, I became much more confident and inspired after the summer school poster session.

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Geisenheim – The heart of the Rheingau

If you’re interested in wine, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the grape variety ‘Müller-Thurgau’. It was created at the same location where you’ll find Geisenheim University (HSG) today, a place that lives and breathes wine. They offer various programs related to wine business, wine production, beverage technology, and agriculture, to name a few. UNG and HSG cooperate, and in the summer semester of 2024 I had the opportunity to study in Geisenheim with the Erasmus+ program. I recommend you do as well!

Considering I don’t speak German, the program most suitable for me was ‘International Wine Business’, given in English. Essentially, this program is focused around the business and marketing side of wine, as opposed to the production. Seeing as my major is viticulture and oenology, this provided a great opportunity to diversify my experience. HSG is used to receiving students from abroad, and everything from the enrollment process to getting settled as I arrived was streamlined and easy. The provided assistance really takes a lot of pressure off, and makes the experience much more enjoyable.

‘International’ is not just in the program name – the majority of the students were from abroad, and I studied with people from Bolivia, South Africa, Georgia, and Canada, among others. A decent part of the class was made up of German students as well, resulting in a lovely mix of cultures, languages, and personalities. Social gatherings both within and outside of the university were frequent, fun, and interesting. Since we all shared the same interest in wine, conversations could go from football (European Championship during this time) to phenolics without skipping a beat. Weekly gatherings by the old wine barrel on campus, where you could always get to know new people and new wines, was especially memorable.

Lectures were similar to what I’m used to at UNG. There was a MiTeam equivalent where all material was uploaded and easily accessible, and I never had trouble understanding what was expected of me. The professors were competent, helpful, and passionate. We had a fair amount of guest lecturers from various parts of the wine industry, something that is always interesting and brings new perspectives. One thing that differed considerably from UNG was the amount of tastings and masterclasses. We had an average of two tastings per week, and I have tried more wines in one semester at HSG than five semesters at UNG. I believe this drastically improves the students’ ability to understand wine, and is something I would love to see more of at UNG. In addition to tastings, I had the opportunity to join several day trips to other wine regions.

Daytrip to the wine producer Dr. Bürklin-Wolf in the Palatinate (Pfalz).

Geisenheim is a cute, small town in the middle of the wine region Rheingau. The region is overflowing with wine producers, and there are several in walking distance from the Geisenheim town center. The railroad that runs along the Rhine river provides access to the rest of Germany, and Frankfurt Airport is only an hour away. One stop with the train gets you to Rüdesheim, a beautiful historical town with lots to see and do. And if you’re craving a bigger city, the same train will take you to Wiesbaden in less than an hour.

View over the vineyards. Rüdesheim to the left.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Geisenheim, and when I return to Slovenia it is with more experience, new personal and professional relationships, and a broader, deeper, and more diverse understanding of the wine industry. I encourage you to seek out the same experience if you get the chance!

Rheingauer Dom in the center of Geisenheim.

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