Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing Past Review

By (University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/21/2016 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can be an independent traveler, and that I am capable of a lot more than I gave myself credit for.

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.

I always felt challenged, but never like what they were asking was impossible. If you are looking for only easy classes, this is not the program for you. However if you are looking for an academic experience enriched and enhanced by being in one of the most historical musical cities in the world, you couldn't find a better program

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always there to help, and truly invested in our health, safety, and well being.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was one of two students with a host family, and it was an amazing experience. I will say that it looked like the student apartments I did see were very nice and well kept as well. But my host mom had a dog and that was basically the best thing in the world.

* Food:

I cooked most of my own food, and when I didn't I explored the multi-cultural and exciting culinary scene in Vienna. There is truly something for everyone in Vienna.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I believe that the fact that I had an internship helped me feel like I was integrated with the local culture. IES Abroad Vienna offers many internships in all different fields, and I highly recommend you take advantage of that.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While I did not directly take advantage of the healthcare in Vienna, I did get sick, and the center made sure to tell me about all of my options and how to use my insurance. They had a constant list of recommended doctors that all spoke English and were ready to help IES students at a moments notice.

* Safety:

Vienna is an incredibly safe city. You won't believe how safe it is and how safe you feel at all times until you experience it for yourself.

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)

Vienna was not as expensive as everyone made it sound. If you stay out of the first district when you go out with friends, and know which grocery stores to go to, it is really a reasonably priced place to live.

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

I was already in an advanced German course, and took another course taught in German.

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? Third semester German
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 center staff
  • The classes
  • Getting to live in Vienna
* What could be improved?
  • The facility could use some care
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Making friends won't be as hard as you think it is

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 Linguist
You 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!