Katharina Lierzer

 

My work is very varied: I help our participants to find the ideal placement for their stay abroad, and I provide cultural information about their host countries to prepare them for their travels from an intercultural point of view. Furthermore, I handle formalities with the partner projects in our host countries, and I work on the development of new World Unite! programs and project destinations. In addition, together with my colleagues, I look after our social media channels, blogs and the contents of our website.

 

 

I used to work as a study assistant at the Institute for Cultural Anthropology at the University of Graz and wrote articles for an online magazine in adult education. During my studies, I completed study trips and internships abroad. Also I took part in a social project with World Unite! in Moshi, Tanzania and a one-year study exchange in Guadalajara, Mexico.

 

 

I truly enjoy communicating with our participants and planning their placements abroad for them and to make sure they travel to our host countries well (culturally) prepared. The idea of ​​being able to contribute to more (inter-) cultural exchange and understanding through my work drives me. I am very grateful for being able to learn about the various factors that contribute to successful communication beyond our own cultural boundaries in our fantastic multicultural team and with our local partners on a daily basis. I especially like the fact that when working with different cultures, there is always something new to learn!

 

 

As a member of the International World Unite! Team, I have the wonderful opportunity to regularly travel to different host countries. My top 3 locations for spending my leisure time in our host countries are:

 

* A sunshine picnic at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town - fascinating biodiversity in front of the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain!
* Watching the colorful hustle and bustle of the souks while reading a good book from the rooftop terrace of a Moroccan coffee house.
* A boat ride through the floating gardens and villages of Inle Lake in Myanmar and a visit to the forgotten pagodas of India - a truly unique experience for me!

 

 

As a vegetarian, I love being in India, where only very little meat is eaten because of the Hindu culture and way of life. I especially like the North Indian cuisine, including Dal (lentils), Paneer (cream cheese) and various curries. India is a vegetarian experience!

 

 

* Watching the sunset at Signal Hill over Cape Town - the scenery is just gorgeous!
* Getting lost in the maze of narrow streets and alleys of Stone Town in Zanzibar - almost inevitable and incredibly beautiful - go with the flow!
* Crossing the street at Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo during peak hour - that's what it must feel like in an anthill!

 

 

I practice yoga regularly and always carry my mat with me when traveling! Often, there are exciting locations for practicing yoga when you travel, e.g. the rooftop terrace of our share-house with a view over Tokyo :)
 
What were the most memorable experience you made with a World Unite! participant?