As part of the Safavi Institute's Summer Conversation Course, 16 women from Ukraine had the opportunity to enhance their language skills not only in the classroom but also in a cultural setting. The participants of the course, which took place in July and August with a focus on workplace language skills, visited the Vienna State Opera and enjoyed an exclusive tour of one of the world’s most famous opera houses.
The tour offered these women a fascinating insight into the history, architecture, and operations of the Vienna State Opera. From the magnificent foyer to the grand staircase and the splendid rooms such as the Tea Salon, the Marble Hall, and the Gustav Mahler Hall, the participants were able to experience the opera house from a unique perspective. A highlight of the tour was the visit to the auditorium, where the group had a view of the stage.
During the tour, the participants actively applied their German skills. They engaged in lively discussions with the tour guide, asked numerous questions about the opera house’s history and architecture, and shared insights into the architectural features of their hometowns in Ukraine. This interactive communication not only enhanced the participants' language proficiency but also fostered intercultural exchange, deepening mutual understanding.
The participants were thrilled to connect classroom theory with practical experience. One of the women commented:
"The visit to the State Opera was not only culturally enriching but also helped us test our language skills in a new context. It was inspiring to have the chance to ask questions and at the same time talk about our own cultural treasures."
This outing demonstrated the importance of combining language learning with real-world experiences to boost motivation and confidence in one's language abilities.
The Safavi Institute plans to offer similar cultural activities in the future to provide participants with a holistic learning experience and support them on their path to integration into Austrian professional and social life.
