IES Vienna [redefined] my life. Past Review
By Michael T (Music, Loyola University Chicago) for
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
As someone who had never been outside of the United States before, I was nervous about traveling and studying in a foreign country. When I got there, however, I completely fell in love. I have never learned so much about myself, cultures, travel, other people and societies before in my entire life. The knowledge and memories that I gained from this trip will last me a lifetime--absolutely.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took only english-taught courses, which were very similar in teaching method/grading style to my home institution. I noticed that the academic quality was much lower than my home institution and that the courses were also much easier. Nevertheless, many of the courses incorporated field trips, which helped in getting to know my host city (Vienna, Austria). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators in charge made us feel comfortable and gave us great insights about Austrian culture. They were very friendly and easy to talk with. The employees who work for IES Abroad headquarters in Chicago AND in Vienna impressed me. They were kind and quick to answer any questions--they really wanted you to be happy with your experience. My expectations were exceeded! Program size was about 130 students from all different Universities in the United States. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a nice modern apartment in Vienna's 5th district. The apartments were fully furnished with kitchen supplies and bedding. The apartment was located in a very safe area and close to the city's city center. I had 5 roommates who have now become my good friends. |
| * Food: |
Wiener Schnitzel! The cafes are ridiculously amazing. Me and my group of friends had "cafe Friday," which allowed us to go to a new and different cafe each week. There are so many! And all so good and unique. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program had great and cheap field trips, which allowed us to see more of Austria and Eastern Europe. The program had a ten-day trip to Prague, Krakow and Budapest, which was very enjoyable and was a great time for bonding with fellow IES-ers. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Vienna is ridiculously safe! No one (that I know of) had a problem with violence or feeling unsafe and no one I knew felt uncomfortable late at night. I'm not even sure that anyone got pick-pocketed! I always felt so safe, which really made my experience THAT much better. As for health-insurance (I never had to use this), the program requires you to have an International health insurance. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I had not taken German prior to arriving in Vienna, however, the program had a mandatory German intensive for two weeks that helped. We also were required to take a German class for the semester and the program had a language buddy system, which paired an IES American student with an Austrian University student. Although many students speak German in Vienna, I used German a lot in everyday interactions, especially at restaurants, cafes, bars, etc. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Vienna is highly underrated. Although it has been ranked #1 repeatedly as "The Most Livable City," I feel like it is often forgotten. The city is beautiful, safe, fun, and perfectly located. Please look into Vienna! You'll fall in love, I promise. |
