Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the most valuable experiences of my college education Past Review

By (Georgetown University) - abroad from 01/16/2016 to 05/20/2016 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself. I had a lot of time to reflect since I was in a more relaxed environment that I'd never been in before.

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:

No meal plan, which was awesome.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's harder if you know less German.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Doctor's visit was cheap and covered by insurance

* Safety:

Vienna was a very safe city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This was such a well-balanced program, and the staff was really incredible. They were supportive and helpful without being overbearing.

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? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home, budget for late night food-excursions and nights out

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? 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? Intermediate I
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? Force yourself to not use English, and even if someone talks to you in English, reply in German!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 city/locals
  • the food/cafes
  • the staff
* What could be improved?
  • didn't love the ies trips
  • trips were kind of expensive
  • would be nice to not have class every day of the week, but they made that impossible
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing really, I went into the program very open-minded and I'm glad I did.

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.