Emma’s section covered diversity research in both clinical psychology and psychology as a whole with the wonderful assistance of IES intern Caroline Thoman. Emma gave insight into the relevance of the diversity topic and encouraged the students to reflect on how research is done and what best practice minority research could look like. The remainder of the lecture was spent illustrating the impact of research paradigms and theories in the context of two case studies, namely asexuality and disabilities.

Anna’s lecture on her experiences as a student in Vienna sparked an intercultural exchange between the American exchange students and our European interns. This lively discussion persisted through the section on the role of Vienna in the development of psychotherapy with a special focus on Freud’s school of psychoanalysis. After gaining insight into Sigmund Freud’s biography, the students considered whether and how psychoanalysis is still relevant to modern psychology. To conclude, Anna thematised the controversy regarding recovered memories in therapy.

This experience gave the interns a great learning opportunity regarding research skills and presenting in an academic context. Thanks to their mentor, Dr. Ekaterina Pronizius, they had yet another opportunity to grow academically and personally. Emma and Anna appreciate Dr. Pronizius’s support throughout it all and look forward to more chances to foster their skills in the future!