Amazing Experience With IES Vienna Summer Music History and Performance Past Review

By (Music, Vanderbilt University) - abroad from 05/22/2015 to 07/04/2015 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In just six weeks, I grew tremendously as a performer and a student. The instructors were wonderful, and with plenty of performing experience, they were able to give us great advice on how to perfect our skills. I also enjoyed taking voice lessons with a woman who had a long career in opera. I was amazed at how much I improved in such a short time. The program was absolutely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Resist the temptation to go shopping every week - the IES center is very close to a lot of shops.

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? none
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? Don't be afraid to tell waiters, shopkeepers, etc. that you are practicing German. Most will be happy to help you practice while you are eating or shopping!

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?
  • beautiful music
  • travel opportunities
  • cultural immersion
* What could be improved?
  • more practice rooms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a little bit more about the typical climate in Vienna. I packed clothes that I would wear during the summertime in America, but there were times when the weather was a little cooler in Austria, and I had to buy some warmer clothes.

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 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.