About Center Austria 

 

"To promote the Communication and Extension of Austrian Culture and Commerce"

zellsee.jpg
Zell am See

Founded in the fall of 1997, The Center for Austrian Culture and Commerce (Center Austria) at the University of New Orleans enlarges upon more than two decades of cooperation with the University of Innsbruck and a Sister City Agreement between the Cities of Innsbruck and New Orleans. Center Austria builds upon the involvement and advice from leaders in business and government at local, regional, and national levels in Austria and in America.

A broad partnership of business, government and academic institutions encourages Center Austria to implement specific strategic initiatives, which concentrate resources in the following areas:

 

Academic/Institutional:
Courses and programs in German language, Austrian literature, culture and commerce; Faculty and student exchange; Academic Year Abroad; Articulation and special activities with public, private, and parochial schools

 

Exhibitions, Conferences and Research:
International Conferences of Austrian Studies, Austria in the Americas, and related topics; International symposia on industry/higher education, technology transfer and related matters; Research publications and conference proceedings; National and international teleconferences; Cultural and trade exhibits: Cities to cities and regional exchanges; Conferences and know-how sharing in tourism.

Communications and Network:
Bi-annual newsletter; Teleconferences,; Developing a special information network on Austria in the Americas.

Development:
A Partner Network comprised of local, regional, national and international supporters who sponsor and advise the undertakings of Center Austria in addition to the well-established activities in academic cooperation and exchange already underway and thriving, Center Austria's activities include several new initiatives:

  • Establishing a database for record keeping, mailing lists, project development, catalog of library and other information
  • Building a financial aid fund for students to attend the UNO Academic Year Abroad at the University of Innsbruck.
  • Developing and implementing Ask About Austria as a five-year plan of cultural and commercial information on Austria for use in schools, businesses, on the internet and cable TV. Comprised of rotating display exhibits, slide and video shows, cd-roms, Internet links, immersion seminars.
  •   Developing and implementing a training module for businessmen for an immersion seminar in conjunction with the Ask About Austria program.
  • Establishing an annual New Orleans/Louisiana festival during July in Innsbruck, Austria.