Austrian Author Monika Helfer Visits AIS Vienna

Today, January 21, highly accomplished Austrian author, Monika Helfer, visited AIS Vienna to read from her works Die Bagage and Schau mich an, wenn ich mit dir rede!.

Ms. Helfer has been writing for decades and has been awarded numerous prizes for her many works, including the Austrian Decoration for Science and Art, a distinction she shares with the likes of Jane Goodall and Arvo Pärt.

Students in both the mother tongue and advanced foreign language German courses studied her works in class, and we hope it was meaningful for them to get a chance to meet Helfer in person; it is certainly a distinct honor for AIS Vienna to host her.

Students asked Ms. Helfer about where she finds inspiration for her writing, her creative process, the various characters in her works, and many more insightful questions. At the end of the session, students all lined up eagerly for an opportunity to have their books signed by Ms. Helfer.

Inspired by Die Bagage our Grade 10 students created a book to showcase the story graphically and presented to Ms. Helfer as a thank you for her visit.

This truly unique experience was made possible for our students by the AIS Vienna Annual Fund.

Inviting guest professionals into the classroom is one of the many ways our teachers create innovative learning opportunities, enabling students to pursue their passions, imagine possibilities, and make them real.