  |
Hi my name is Shauna Harte and in the last few weeks I have just completed my MSc in Communication at Loughry Campus. It has been a hectic but fun year. It’s been packed with so many practical components including delivering training in the local schools, organising a conference entitled “Health and Fitness on your Doorstep” and for twelve weeks during the summer completing my thesis in Vienna. When our tutor first introduced the idea of doing research in Vienna through the course’s ERASMUS link I was a bit unsure, as I think of myself as a home bird. However, when one of the other girls in the class, said she would do it as well, I thought why not - you don’t get the chance to study overseas everyday. The trip did not start well as I was charged a fortune for my bags being overweight – it was all because of my books and nothing to do with my clothes, honest! When we landed in Vienna the staff and students from the Partner College looked after us really well, setting us up with accommodation and organising contacts for our research. In my study I was examining people’s acceptance of migrant workers in Austria and Northern Ireland. Both countries have experienced an increase in people from outside their own borders working in the agri-food sectors following the enlargement of the European Union. My research indicates there is the potential for friction through ‘non-acceptance’ but that this can be tackled by business initiatives such as diversity training and also through initiatives in schools and wider cross cultural events in the community. Vienna is a wonderful city. The people are very friendly and I did get a little bit of free time to sample the delights on offer. Going there certainly was one of the best decisions I have made. I am sure my three months completing my thesis in Austria will stand out on my CV and hopefully give me that all important extra selling factor in my job hunt over the coming months.
|
