Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would highly recommend! October 12, 2024

By (Case Western Reserve University) - abroad from 05/24/2024 to 07/05/2024 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Psychology & Social Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about compassion in a different light and the value of understanding other people when you're the outsider. It was 1000% worthwhile and would recommend anyone to study abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Many hotel rooms in the Social Hub were missing items or had broken items

* Food:

Food can be a bit expensive in Vienna

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

As someone interested in social sciences, language and music, Vienna was the perfect destination. I learned so much from my classes, and I was able to apply my newly learned German skills in the real world. There are so many things to do in Vienna, and I especially loved exploring the museums, cafes and restaurants!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the grocery store and cook rather than going to restaurants

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
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? Use the language at local stores, restaurants, cafes etc

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
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?
  • Lots of things to do in Vienna
  • Kind and supportive staff and professors
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would've learned a bit more German before leaving

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.