Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Inspirational Musical Adventure in Vienna Past Review

By (University of Redlands) - abroad from 01/12/2016 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 gained an appreciation not just for what I was studying, but how what I was studying fit inside of the Viennese culture as a whole. I went to tons of performances, walked through Mozart tourist shops, and was constantly surrounded by the arts. Being involved with this city and those students made me appreciate performing collaboratively more than I ever have, and I feel like I am now a more mature musician. It was certainly worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

As a music major, studying in Vienna is a no-brainer, and I am definitely glad that I chose this city. IES did a great job of creating a positive learning environment that promoted cultural exploration and collaborative, musical learning.

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? 100-150 euros

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? Intermediate
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? Just make sure that you speak it when you are out and about, even if it is just in greeting. It makes a huge difference.

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?
  • The Music Performance Workshop
  • The city itself
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I just wish I would have taken more opportunities to surround myself with the culture. IES gives students those opportunities, and I would encourage any student going into this program to be constantly searching for those experiences.

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!