FH Vorarlberg - International Office

Vilma Villanen comes from JAMK University of Applied Sciences in Finland and studies in the Bachelor Environment and Engineering during her exchange at FHV.

Her best experience abroad: “For me it was our trip to Dolomites with other Erasmus students very early during the semester. It was our very first but not last trip together and the scenery was out of this world. It was the begining of some very unforgettable four months.🤩”

Mirjam Bischoff-Melk studiert im Bachelor Elektronik und Informationstechnologie Dual an der FHV und absolviert ihr Auslandssemster an der National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) in Taiwan.

1. My best experience during my studies abroad so far was traveling to new countries and visiting incredible cities and landscapes.
2. Take this once-in-a-lifetime-chance; you won’t regret it!
3. Going on exchange abroad is worthwhile because you will make friends and memories that last a lifetime.

Ali Demir studiert Bachelor Informatik - Software and Information an der FHV und absolviert sein Auslandssemester an der Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finnland.

What has been the best experience during your studies abroad so far?

Meeting so many people from different countries and travelling! I made many friends here who are coming from all over the world. I was travelling with them to almost all of the neighbouring countries of Finland and it was amazing. Living in a proper city for the first time was also a nice experience, I made memories for life.


What advice would you give to other students about studying abroad?

Do it! You learn to live by yourself if you have never done it. You’ll meet people from all over the world and learn new perspectives. You learn about the culture and way of living of a foreign country. You become more mature and responsible about your decisions.

Please complete the sentence: Going on exchange abroad is worthwhile because…

I became stronger and learned how it is to live by yourself for the first time in your life.

Thomas Lønne Stiansen comes from University of Agder in Norway and completes a Double Degree programme in FHV’s Master Mechatronics.

My advice to other students abroad is to seize the opportunities that present themselves :)

Mira Bartelmeß studiert an der FHV im Bachelor Soziale Arbeit verlängert berufsbegleitend und nahm an einem Kurzzeitprogramm an der University of Lapland in Finnland teil.

“Going on exchange abroad is worthwhile because, during two weeks of summer school in Finland, I was able to meet people from all around the world with whom I connected so well that real friendships developed. These experiences strengthened my decision to become a social worker, as they showed me how meaningful exchange and sharing perspectives on social issues in different countries can be.”

Burak Kocabay studiert im Bachelor Mechatronik berufsbegleitend an der FHV und macht sein Auslandssemster an der National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech) in Taiwan.

1. What has been the best experience during your studies abroad so far?
Definitely meeting people from everywhere. It’s crazy how much you pick up just by talking to others, new ideas, different mindsets, small things that make you rethink your own habits. It’s more than studying abroad, it’s learning about yourself through others.

2. What advice would you give to other students about studying abroad?
Don’t overplan it - just go. Things fall into place once you’re there. Talk to people, try stuff you normally wouldn’t and let yourself get lost a bit. That’s where the best memories come from.

3. Going on exchange abroad is worthwhile because…
it completely shifts your perspective. You start to see how adaptable you actually are, how differently people live and think and it makes you appreciate both your own culture and theirs in a new way.

Sardar Arbaz Shakeel comes from Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology in Pakistan and studies in the Bachelor Environment and Engineering during his exchange at FHV.

1. What has been the best experience during your studies abroad so far?
The best part of my experience has been studying at FHV - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences. I really enjoyed the learning style, especially the short presentations that helped boost my confidence. The labs, the opportunity to work with new technologies and innovation, and the overall campus environment were excellent. I also appreciated that the campus was open 24 hours. Outside the university, Vorarlberg is incredibly beautiful with the Alps, mountain views, and Lake of Constance. The infrastructure and the kindness of the teachers and local people made my experience even better.

2. What advice would you give to other students about studying abroad?
My advice to new students is to visit and apply to this university if possible. FHV has a modern and effective teaching method, and the region offers many beautiful places to explore. It is a wonderful environment to live and study in.

3. Complete the sentence: Going on exchange abroad is worthwhile because…
… it helps you learn in a new environment, build confidence, work with innovative technologies, meet kind and supportive people, and experience the culture and natural beauty of a place like Vorarlberg.

Teresa Höfle studiert im Bachelor Internationale Betriebswirtschaft Vollzeit an der FHV und macht ein Auslandssemester an der JAMK University of Applied Sciences in Finnland.

Going on exchange abroad is worthwhile because it broadens your perspective and helps you grow in ways you never expected. You create friendships and memories that stay with you long after the exchange. And you get to explore amazing places while having a really great time.

Laila Villanueva studiert im Master International Management and Leadership an der FHV und macht ein Double Degree Programme zusammen mit der Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) in Finnland.
1. During my exchange in Finland (September 2025), I visited the city of Tampere, where representatives of the local government shared their sustainability strategy, which involves reducing the municipal and residential carbon footprint by utilizing renewable energy from the Tammerkoski rapids (pictured), serving as a power source.

2. I would advise every student to seize the opportunity to have a fantastic experience abroad, meet as many people as possible, and learn firsthand from others in a fully immersive way.

4. Going on an exchange abroad is worthwhile because you’ll have an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

Hashim Ali Shah comes from Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology in Pakistan and studies in the Bachelor Environment and Engineering during his exchange at FHV.

1. What has been the best experience during your studies abroad so far?
The best part of my exchange has been meeting students from all around the world and experiencing their cultures. From shared dinners to spontaneous conversations in the common room, every interaction has taught me something new. These moments helped me grow personally, opened my perspective, and turned strangers into friends who now feel like family.
2. What advice would you give to other students about studying abroad?
Don’t hesitate to make friends, just start a conversation. Don’t stay isolated in your room. Go out, interact, join events, and experience everything. The friendships you build and the memories you make will stay with you forever.
3. Going on exchange abroad is worthwhile because…
…it opens your mind, builds your confidence, and helps you understand yourself, showing you that you can grow independently! Experience new cultures, and create memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

Manuel Sagmeister studiert im Bachelor Informatik - Software and Information Engineering an der FHV und ist im Auslandssemster an der Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) in Finnland.

1. My best experience during my studies abroad was definitely all the traveling and getting to see so much of the world.

2. My advice to other students: Do it - it’s absolutely worth it and you learn so many new things.

3. Going on exchange abroad is worthwhile because it broadens your perspective, helps you grow personally and creates unforgettable memories.