Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best 4 months of your life! Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/17/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
You learn so much about yourself and gain a new perspective on global issues.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

My living arrangements were very nice - a clean, spacious house with nice amenities. However, it was a 40 minute commute into the heart of the city where my classes were. The public transportation is Vienna is so great though so it wasn't bad.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program is what you make it. I signed up for the language buddy program, so I was paired with a local Austrian student. We hung out once a week, and I enjoyed getting to know her and her culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to visit a doctor once during my time abroad. The program staff set up my appointment with an English-speaking doctor, provided me with directions, etc.

* Safety:

Vienna feels very safe. I don't like to be out by myself at night in any city even in the US, but I never felt threatened or in real danger in Vienna.

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)

This is a tough question to answer. It depends on your lifestyle, the standards in the country you visit and whether you include travel costs in your weekly budget.

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

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?
  • they can answer any questions you have about living in a new culture
  • they set up housing, school, etc.
  • everything is taken care of for you in the beginning so it's less intimidating
* What could be improved?
  • orientation activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

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.