School Partnership between Vienna and Lviv: Building Friendships Across Borders
For the fifth year since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, the partnership between GRG 3 Kundmanngasse in Vienna and School No. 8 in Lviv continues to bring young people from Austria and Ukraine together.
From 25 June to 2 July, 30 Ukrainian students spent a week in Vienna, where they were warmly welcomed by Austrian host families. Living with local families allowed them to experience everyday life in Austria while enjoying genuine hospitality and support.
The programme combined education, culture and personal exchange. Students attended school lessons, discovering subjects such as Ancient Greek, psychology and experimental chemistry, while also exploring Vienna through guided visits to City Hall, the Wien Museum, the Albertina, the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), and a full-day excursion to the Vienna Woods, including Rauheneck Castle ruins and Heiligenkreuz Abbey.
Equally important were the moments spent together outside the classroom—swimming at the New Danube, visiting the Prater amusement park and enjoying evening walks through Vienna. These shared experiences created lasting friendships and strengthened mutual understanding between young people from both countries.
Our sincere thanks go to all host families, teachers and partners whose dedication made this exchange possible.
Initiatives like this demonstrate that education, intercultural dialogue and personal connections remain powerful foundations for a shared European future.
Pictures were provided by the organizers.
