Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in the City of Music Past Review

By (Music, University of North Texas) - abroad from 01/08/2015 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 aspect of my life was impacted and honestly, all for the better. It was extremely worthwhile and I grew immensely in my time abroad.

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.

While these were not the most strenuous classes (the professors WANT for students to experience Europe), I learned so much and my professors were wonderful!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Fantastic support system and very approachable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My only issue was that there were too many of us in one apartment and that our wifi wasn't strong enough for all of us to use it.

* Food:

This is hard to give a rating because we weren't provided with food, but I did not have a bad meal while in Europe, so five stars!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had to take some initiative because while they will help you, the administration cannot hold your hand. I took as many opportunities as I could and don't regret it one bit!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have any health issues, but know someone who did and the IES staff helped this student out immensely with these issues and had the best doctors at our disposal.

* Safety:

Very safe city!

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)

Some of my friends spent more than me and some spent less- it's all about budgeting!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It depended on the week and what I was doing.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to go to the grocery stores!

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

They encouraged us to use the language every chance that we got.

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? I had not taken any German, but I did take two years of French in high school.
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? Speak the language as much as you can- both to your friends and to locals.

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?
  • The people I met
  • The opportunities I was made aware of
  • How personable the faculty and staff were
* What could be improved?
  • The housing could be improved to be more practical.
  • The German courses could take even more advantage of the city to learn the language.
  • They could have even more opportunities/spots for travel.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't need a ton of the things that I packed!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.