Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IES Vienna Semester Abroad Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., University of the South) - abroad from 08/20/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had an amazing time while studying with the IES program in Vienna, Austria. I chose to study in Vienna because I am a psychology major and I wanted to be able to learn psychology in its' birthplace. I was nervous about leaving because I had never done anything like studying abroad before, but from the minute I arrived in Vienna, IES was so welcoming. IES does an amazing job of working directly with the students to make sure that everything goes smoothly throughout the semester. Everyone on the staff is amazing and so fun! I loved being able to go to the reception and ask for recommendations on where to eat, shop or places to see, and they were always full of ideas. Vienna was an amazing city because it is so full of history and a beautiful city to live in for four months. I had an incredible time and would recommend this program to anyone who loves traveling and wants to have a good semester abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

* Food:

* 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

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? about 150 euros

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? Spanish 303
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • I loved the location on the center and how friendly everyone was
* What could be improved?
  • Receiving grades sooner after the final exam
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there are friday classes

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.