European Austria-Days Background of the project Since more than 20 years "Kultur und Sprache" (KulturKontakt Austria - Servicestelle für Mobilitätsprogramme des BMBF) is offering further education for specialists in German studies and German teachers and is developing teaching materials for Austrian culture, literature and the German language. In the course of these activities we could set up a strong, worldwide network of co-operation partners who are also engaged in the vocational training of specialists in German studies and German teachers. Among others we have established co-operations with German teacher associations, language schools, examination centres, editors and universities, etc. Goals of the project The main goal of this project is to enhance the European dimension of our organisation by upgrading and intensifying existing co-operations with our European partners. It will give our staff a possibility to improve their language competences, develop a profound understanding of the diverse education systems and exchange ideas on successful teaching and learning methods. In the course of the project we organised 4 mobilities with 4 cooperation partners in 4 different EU countries; in total 5 participants were sent out: 1. Austria Days in Katowice from 14th – 16th February, cooperation partner: „WOM Katowice“ (teacher training institute); participants: Mr. Stiglbrunner and Mr. Ehrenmüller; project coordination in Katowice: Ms. Joanna Drazek. After discussion of the program with Ms. Drazek they had a meeting with the director of „WOM Katowice“ on 14th Feb. On 15th and 16th February both participants held 4 workshops about Austrian regional and cultural studies as well as methodology and didactics. During and after these workshops our participants had numerous opportunities to discuss polish particularities of teaching „German as a Foreign Language“ with polish colleagues. On 15th February our participants learnt more about the advanced training program of “WOM” during a guided tour in the school. They also met students and teachers of German of the polish high school Sosnowiec and answered their questions concerning Austrian culture, language, education and daily life. 2. Austria Days in León from 26th to 28th February 2016, cooperation partner: Universidad de León, participant: Anne Pritchard-Smith; project coordination in Spain: Leticia Garcia Brea. During the opening of the Austria Days Ms. Pritchard-Smith met Ms Kosina from the Austrian Cultural Forum, the vice rector of the University of León and the director of the Language Centre in order to discuss about teaching methods of „German as a Foreign Language“ at the University of León and in whole of Spain. During and after her three workshops about Austrian regional and cultural studies and pluricentric language our participant had the opportunity to exchange teaching experiences and learn more about specific Spanish characteristics of foreign language teaching with the head and the employees of the “Centro de Idiomas” as well as the Austrian Cultural Forum. 3 .Austria Days in Pilsen from 10th -12th March 2016, cooperation partner: Zapadoceska Univerzita v Plzni; participant: Mr. Walter Thalhammer. project coordination of the host organisation: Michaela Voltrova. After the reading of an Austrian author Mr. Thalhammer met Czech colleagues and exchanged teaching and learning experiences with them. On 11th March our participant visited the seminar facilities and had a tour through the Austrian Library. In the afternoon Mr. Thalhammer held his workshop “Grammar. Motivating Exercises” for his Czech colleagues who gave him feedback right after the end of the workshop concerning feasability in class. A guided tour through the historical centre of Pilsen and a movie presentation together with all participants of the Austria Days gave Mr. Thalhammer the opportunity to exchange teaching experiences and learn more about the Czech teaching methods. 4. Austria Days in Zadar from 5th to 8th May; cooperation partner: University of Zadar; participant: Lukas Mayrhofer, project coordination of the host organisation: Zaklina Rados. On 6th May Ms. Rados presented Mr. Mayrhofer to the employees of the German Department and showed him the faculty. After his first workshop „Austria.Celebrate.Feasts“ Mr. Mayrhofer discussed the differences of teaching German as a Foreign Language in Croatia in Austria and Croatia with colleagues of the German Department and teachers of secondary schools from Zadar/Sibenik-Knin. His second workshop on 7th May in the morning was about Austrian Cuisine. He had lunch together with the participants of the workshop who gave him feedback regarding relevance and usability of his topics and material in class. This discussion continued after his third workshop on pluricentric language.