Practical Information while in Austria and the Czech Republic

Locations in Austria and Czech Republic
The quality of IPGL course modules is based on the excellent cooperation of many renowned research institutions in Austria. As a result of this cooperation, IPGL course modules are held at various locations in Austria at several centres of excellence, such as: Mondsee (Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Limnology), Scharfling (Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries Biology), Lunz (Biological Station Lunz), and Vienna (University Vienna, University of Technology, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences). One IPGL course module is held in Trebon, Czech Republic, hosted by the Czech Academy of Sciences (Institute of Botany and Institute of Landscape Ecology).

Participants of the specialisation in Limnology and Wetland Ecosystems have the opportunity to establish close links to those institutions and scientists. At the same time they reside in several top-class tourism sites. Mondsee and Scharfling are situated in the scenic Lake-District “Salzkammergut”. Lunz is one of the few remaining places in central Europe where the environment has remained almost untouched by anthropogenic influences. Vienna is the capital city of Austria with nearly two million inhabitants. It is a major tourist attraction due to its historic buildings, cultural events and lively atmosphere. Trebon is a tourist destination in the Czech Republic and well known for its scenic landscape, historic city centre and 800 years of tradition in fishpond aquaculture.

Education in Austria
There are 19 governmental universities in Austria and several private universities. The higher education system of Austria offers a variety of courses in academic, applied and professional disciplines, and has an excellent international reputation.

Facilities and Services
Specific facilities and services vary at each of the course locations. Participants are very much integrated into the host institutions and benefit from special facilities and services available there.
Facilities and services include:
· Lecture theatres
· Specialised libraries
· Specialised research laboratories
· Research vessels, field equipment and laboratory equipment
· Computer and ICT facilities

Accommodation
Accommodation is provided by private landlords/ladies and is organised by the course administration. By arrangement and payment, laundry service is available.

Travel arrangements
Transport between the different course locations is organised by the course administration by chartered busses, and public transport will be used at times.

Student Services
The IPGL office and local course module coordinators offer services and information to participants in order to familiarise them with their unique location and surroundings. On arrival, participants are helped to deal with formalities such as residence permits, insurance, etc. The IPGL office and local course module coordinators organise a number of activities to make life as interesting and pleasant as possible, including intercultural evenings, various excursions and sportive events.

Health
Participants can consult medical doctors at each course location. Most costs for medical assistance is covered via the compulsory health and liability insurance.