My Semester in the Country of Mountains and the City of Music Past Review
By Bridget K (Anthropology., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 08/20/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
It was definitely worth while. I learned how to navigate and live in a large city. I learned so much about the history of Vienna and created my own favorite places and memories in that city. I gained confidence in my language abilities and my ability to travel on my own and take care of myself.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We had an excellent location |
| * Food: |
Austrian food is excellent, but you have to buy and cook all your own food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were opportunities to get involved with the local culture but it is sometimes hard when you are with all Americans all day. Language Buddies are great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There were some issues in my neighborhood but Vienna is very safe overall. |
| 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) |
Vienna is expensive and no food or travel in the city is covered by your program fees. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $350 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Learn to cook cheaply and budget. There is really no way around spending a lot if you also want to go out and experience the city. |
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 |
They encouraged us often, but most of our classes are in English. |
| 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? | in German I had finished 150 |
| 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? | I lived in a language pledge apartment and took a class in German and this is really the best way, because then you have other friends to speak in German with while you explore the city. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | I wish I had known how much money I was going to need for food and transportation. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
