Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Can you get any better? Past Review

By (Music and Psychology, Tufts University) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 05/16/2015 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Every class I took with IES was extremely informative and challenging enough where I still remember what I learned to this day. From traveling, I gained a broader perspective of the world, a passion for exploration and even filming, and more understanding of myself as a person. I definitely came out of this program more mature, independent, and appreciative of what I have and of cultures different from mine. Overall, IES Vienna is an amazing program in an amazing city in the center of an amazing continent. As the philosophical Shia LeBeouf would say, "DO IT!"

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not the hardest, which is certainly not a bad thing, but though most classes were a hit, one or two were a miss.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Top-notch staff! Super helpful in all aspects of the word.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great apartment space. Very simple commute to class. Wifi was meh sometimes, but the staff was very quick to jump in if the RA's/Landlord were nonresponsive.

* Food:

You gotta make your own, but Viennese food is AMAZING so don't miss it!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

VERY. Go to as many operas/concerts as you can!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was there and if you needed it, it was provided. I never needed it, so I can't say much.

* Safety:

Besides the occasional protests, Vienna is VERY safe. Like...SO safe. The staff is also very good at protecting students by informing them on where protests are (if there are any)

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)

$10 a week. It's possible. Go to Penny Markt, not Billa.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $200-300 depending on where I was traveling. Vienna cost was cheap. Traveling cost of significantly more.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be smart with your money. If you can save a few dollars on groceries so you can use it in another country, do it.

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

Mandatory German course.

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? Never learned German before
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? Duolingo

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Resourcefulness
  • Staff
  • Field Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Attendance policy
  • German requirement
  • Wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you like music, check the schedules of the main musical venues to see if any concerts/operas interest you.

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 Adventurer
The 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.