Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ubahns, Weihnachtsmarkts, & Schnitzel Past Review

By (Business Admin, Austin College) - abroad from 09/20/2012 to 01/31/2013 with

Central College Abroad: Study Abroad in Vienna, Austria

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My German skills improved tremendously from living in Vienna. I learned to make a fool of myself, allow my comfort zone to vanish, and explore a new life and culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes offered through Central College were not difficult and the professors served as great resources. They were able to assist students with anything both in and out of the classroom. Students have the option of taking University courses and intensive German study.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Ruth and Michaela's experience living in Vienna and working with Central College is shown through their great assistance for students. They will answer questions about anything, and if they don't know the answer they will help one find the answer. They are great resources for students in the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Students have several student housing options in different parts of Vienna. I lived in Haus Salzburg, a cozy, colorful, and friendly dorm. It was one of the closer dorms to the Central College office and it's location in Vienna makes it easy to get almost anywhere. Burgenland III is also a good option.

* Food:

Students are responsible for all of their own meals. If you don't know how to cook, you will by the end of your semester in Vienna. You will also learn how to save as much money as possible on food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We lived among Austrian students in the dorms, but I found myself mostly hanging out with the other American students. It can be hard to reach out, especially with a language barrier, but it's a vital part of truly discovering a culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Although it is a large city, Vienna is one of the safest. I felt safe walking around the city, alone and with others, at all hours of the day.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Students have to pay for everything in Vienna. I spent about $75 each week on average. It is hard with no steady income. Most students saved enough money before that they would could also go on weekend trips.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to spend money on food or little unnecessary things in the US. You'll much rather spend it in Europe.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

All of my classes were taught completely in German, the office assistants always speak German with the students (but will speak in English if you are not comfortable), and encourage students to speak as much German outside of the classroom as posssible.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 202
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If you have someone with whom you can speak conversational German (or the language that you're studying), do it!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Small program size
  • Very helpful directors
  • Central College provided tickets each month to the opera, concert house, jazz clubs, etc. Music is a large part of Viennese culture.
* What could be improved?
  • Host family option
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had no idea how much I would change throughout the semester I spent in Austria. I feel much more confident tackling public transportation around a huge city like Vienna and speaking to others in German.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.