On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Class 2AHBTH, run by Mr. Johannes Feichtinger, went on a field trip to Vienna. The unusual aspect: Mr. Eaton declared it was to be an English Language Day. Every tour and interaction took place in English.
The first stop was Webster University, a private American college based in St. Louis, Missouri, with branches all across the globe. Students were able to enjoy a tour through this extraordinary institution of higher education, featuring an extensive library, state-of-the-art seminar rooms, sound-proof study cubicles and much more, all located within a renovated six floor palace, that includes a spectacular atrium, near the Prater.
After a 20-minute walk, the group reached Christ Church Vienna, the only Anglican church in Austria. It is located in the heart of the Embassy District off of Rennweg. There, Father Patrick Curran shared some history about the Church of England (the official name). It is the only Christian faith church, which is headed by a king, King Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, and whose operations are governed by a parliament. Also, the first ever female priest in Austria was ordained right there, at Christ Church Vienna.
After a well-deserved lunch break featuring burgers, fries, and some Italian, the group was welcomed to the Albertina for a tour through the Roy Lichtenstein Centennial Exhibit. Lichtenstein was one of the most prominent representatives of the American pop-art movement from the early 1960s on, next to one Andy Warhol. Students saw the development of comic strip transformation to incorporation, only using principal colors and, finally, abstract expression inspired by Picasso, amongst others. The tour was followed by a workshop, where students and teachers had the opportunity to use their creativity in re-imagining some art on paper themselves, applying techniques they had seen and learned about. A hands-on American pop culture experience!
The students did a wonderful job on the bus rides as well, using the time to Vienna to complete some research on the costs of American Universities, and to compare both private and state-run institutions from California to New York, and the costs of living. They also held short presentations on the way home, covering facts and highlights of this one-day English extravaganza.
