Anamaria Sanadiradze on her Erasmus experience in Linz

Arriving in September, I was greeted by endless blue skies and warm, sunny days. The city felt incredibly vibrant and welcoming, still draped in the lush greenery of late summer. It was the perfect season to explore the hidden corners of the Botanical Gardens, visit the Zoo, and take long, peaceful walks along the banks of the Danube. These early weeks allowed me to fall in love with the city’s natural rhythm before the seasons began to shift. By the middle of November, the city gained a new kind of "magical power." As the Christmas markets arrived, the holiday spirit took over, and the streets were filled with the glow of lights and the wonderful scent of cinnamon. Beyond the beauty, I was fascinated to learn about local Austrian traditions, such as the unique and spirited arrival of the Krampus.

Compared to the city I'm from, Linz is smaller, quieter and infinitely cozier. Immersing myself in this "slow-life" was a refreshing new experience. I was really enjoying comfy cafes and coffeeshops, walks around Mariendom, and exploring new places and beautiful architecture and exhibitions at the Lentos Museum. My favorite spot remains the Schlossmuseum. Sitting there, looking out over the  city, offered a sense of peace that is hard to find anywhere else.

I was also blessed with opportunities to travel around Linz and Austria. Furthermore, being in the heart of Europe gave me the incredible opportunity to travel and discover stunning landscapes and historic towns that felt like they were taken straight from a postcard. It was one of the best parts of this Erasmus experience. I also met a lot of interesting people from different cultures and gained some great and valuable friendships throughout my time in Linz.

The academic side of my exchange was equally rewarding and deeply inspiring. I found the professors to be incredibly open-minded, and genuinely interested in our perspectives. They fostered an environment of open discussion and engaged us with many collaborative group activities. ​I also want to highlight the lecture series- "Shadow of the Past" regarding the Nazi period. Studying this heavy and significant history while living in Linz-Austria was a deeply emotional and moving experience. Being able to connect historical facts with real locations, streets, and faces transformed the subject; it was no longer just a "History class," but a profound personal journey that made the past feel tangible and real.

This Erasmus exchange was more than just a semester abroad; it was a journey into a "new world" that challenged my perspective and enriched my spirit. It taught me the value of stepping into the unknown and embracing a different way of living. 

Anamaria Sanadiradze / Georgien / Kunstwissenschaft