Su-Mari Dreyer and Frans Benecke came to Salzburg in mid-February as part of the "Consecutive Master's Degree Programme" with the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein (South Africa) to study Business Administration at the FH Salzburg for two semesters.
The programme enables students from UFS and FH Salzburg to obtain two Master's degrees with a focus on international finance. The strengths of both institutions are used to illuminate the subject area from a European and (South) African perspective. Currently, Su-Mari Dreyer and Frans Benecke are working on a student study project entitled "Smart minds, shallow pockets: an exploratory study of the financial literacy levels of selected Austrian and South African university students", which deals with financial literacy among students.
Frans Benecke gives a positive assessment of his first semester at the FH Salzburg:
„The FH Salzburg offers a dynamic and open-minded space to grow oneself professionally and ademically. The FHS's lecturers are very welcoming, approachable, and - of course - distinguished experts in their respective fields.” Aber nicht nur das Studium an der FH Salzburg, sondern auch das Leben in Salzburg ist für ihn eine einzigartige Erfahrung: „Salzburg is a beautiful and unique place to live and study in – it has the charm and intrigue associated with a historically important European city whilst being surrounded by breathtaking fields and mountains.”
Su-Mari Dreyer confirms the positive feedback:
„Right from the start the FH Salzburg made me feel welcome and within only a few weeks the university became like home. Joining the consecutive master's degree programme for the next two semesters will enhance my perspective on the corporate environment, which will complement the highly quantitative economic approach followed by the UFS. This year in Salzburg will allow me to experience different cultures which in turn will deepen my understanding of international relationships between countries.”
To strengthen the long-standing partnership with the UFS, Martina Sageder, Head of the Department of Business & Tourism, travelled to Bloemfontein, where she taught students and took part in the graduation ceremony. Martina Sageder on her impressions:
"The Teaching Exchange as part of an Erasmus+ programme was a great opportunity to get to know our partner university and South African culture better. The personal exchange with our South African colleagues is important to deepen the existing partnership."
Contact for queries
Christine Mitter
Senior Lecturer
Department Business and Tourism
Room: Urstein - 235