A new year usually starts with good intentions and hope. It is amazing how a single person with a plan and some stamina can move mountains. An Austrian, for example, bicycled around the world in 62 days, raising 220 million USD for the eradication of an infectious desease. Or, Chicago’s Austrian Society collected enough funds for the medical treatment of a young cancer patient - see "Light of Hope."

You may find this issue very "educational," with three articles relating to Austrian culture and language. Read about how Austrian the German School Washington is; about the career opportunities for Austrians and the educational advantages for young Americans provided by the language village Waldsee; and find the updated list of Austrian summer schools.

The Ninth Viennese Congress on Culture discussed one of the most complex topics: Where does "Old Europe" stand in relationship to the "New World?"

Yours sincerely,
Christoph Meran