“Especially in distance study programs like UNIGIS a key factor of personal success is getting to know fellow students in the beginning and to develop a culture of discussion and mutual support in learning processes” explained Prof. Josef Strobl, Director of UNIGIS Salzburg and Chair of UNIGIS International to a group of 14 new UNIGIS professional students participating in an introductory workshop last weekend in Salzburg. At latest by the dinner in a traditional pub in the city center the ice was broken. No matter if this was a result of the mentioned advice or just a natural consequence of having a group of nice people around a table in a snug atmosphere – the workshop provided a good starting point into a year of learning together.