Step into Europe Past Review
By Laurel B (French Horn Performance, University of Minnesota) - abroad from 07/29/2012 to 12/15/2012 with
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I learned independence, the ability to think globally, and a thirst to learn more about the rest of this massive world! It was worth it because IES and Vienna allowed me to explore a city in depth and yet get a chance to travel on my own to other areas of Europe.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Most of my classes were fairly easy. The merit was in touring local sites through the classes and seeing building in a new way. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Friendly, approachable staff. Helped you if you wanted to participate in an outside class such as recreational sports, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The place was beautiful and the landlady nice and easy to talk with. Within walking distance of the U-Bahn. |
| * Food: |
Austria simply has a high standard of food. It may be pricey, but everything was delicious and healthy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I personally felt I didn't integrate as much as possible. Living with other Americans lessened my desire to integrate and see more local culture. However, there are many opportunities for this. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Within reason, Vienna is a safe city. People generally walk around and stay out later. I would never say a person should walk by themselves late at night, but Vienna was not dangerous. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
It was not a very student-friendly budget. I used more money than I would have liked. The Euro was worth more than the dollar while I was there, so it was easy to forget that 5 Euros was much more than 5 dollars! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I don't remember. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Utilize the staff's knowledge of cheap food! They will lead you in the right direction. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
My beginning-level German improved ten-fold while I was in Vienna. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | German I |
| 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? | Get out and talk with locals! Sign up for the language buddy program, and try to make Austrian friends. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | Take less with you, and you will have more to bring back. In terms of packing, make sure to leave room for souvenirs and gifts, but this also applies to preconceived ideas about what "study abroad" is and how it will look. I never knew how much I could grow as a person because of living in a different country, but I am enlightened because of it. Expect less, and you will explore more! Most of all, don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself every day, because it means a chance to learn from your mistake and grow as a result. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
