Why study at CUCE?
Being a student at CUCE Graz: a special experience
As a centre of teaching and research, and of social and intellectual life, Graz Unversity College of Education has an important share of cultural and professional wealth, and strives to contribute to it and increase it, and to further spiritual development.
At Catholic University College of Education Graz, music and some plastic and performing arts are taught and pursued. Sometimes, students are given introductions to topical performances taking place at Graz opera, or at one of the city's many theatres or cabaret venues. Primary as well as special schooling in Austria has a long tradition of singing, music-making, artwork, and arts and crafts.
The German language - a wonderful resource
Being a student at CUCE Graz is also a perfect opportunity for cultural and linguistic 'immersion', on a par (at least) with Canadian examples: German is a strong, varied base for socialisation and self-expression - as well as communication, present and future learning, career opportunities, and much else.
Academic and pedagogical issues and methodologies at CUCE Graz: a selection
Various non-frontal types of teaching; individualised learning, at students' and pupils' own speed, to the best of their ability; increasing participants' motivation; single and collective action and action research; communicative language learning and teaching; new approaches to maths; an experiential approach to biology, and to other areas.
Social life at Catholic University College for Education Graz
At CUCE Graz (as everywhere in colleges), students lead very active social lives centering around the College cafeteria, refectory, or the park? As a visiting student, best put your foot in early, socialise actively, and do your bit of networking. Sometimes, a 'tandem' relationship works well, with a native speaker of English (or of another language) exchanging conversation in his/her mother tongue with an Austrian student's conversational German.
In Graz, the College is well known, not only for its teaching, but also for the fun and intensity (for want of a better word) of its celebrations - dances, end of term parties, special events - which take place in a happy, relaxed spirit, with fine half (or wholly) professional music-making, and with reliable, first rate organisational work behind the scenes.
Many University College teachers, and many Austrian and international students, take part in these cultural activities, whether as members of an audience, on the dance floor, or as active musicians, DJs, whatever. Occasionally, events such as art exhibitions, literary readings, talks with discussions, and other activities are held at the College.
Graz CUCE's small size and special approach - a bonus to its students and staff
Given the College's relatively small size, individual attention can be given to each student. This is also due to lecturers' very open, person-centered approach. As a former Assistant Teacher (a young graduate of the University of Cambridge) said - 'I've never been part of an institution before where teachers are so open to students' requests, and so generous of their time.