Vienna: an Introduction to History, Culture, and Life from a Different Angle Past Review
By Amy R (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Rochester) for
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I improved my German language skills, discovered how another people live, and tested my ability to start in a new place. I would do it again despite the less than satisfying intellectual experience in the classroom.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Two of my five courses were great. My German class was challenging but comfortable, and the teacher was amazing. My Austrian literature course was also a great experience. On the whole though, I found the teaching style very unstructured and unplanned. The related readings were scattered and not comprehensive. Instead of being directed to key chapters or ideas to prepare for tests, students were left to surmise what topics among the random ones discussed in class would be on the exam. I found this left me with a vague understanding of course material and left me feeling unprepared for tests. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was given the information I needed when I needed it. I was sent helpful reminders regarding deadlines and always had my questions answered promptly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the city center which was a very nice area. I was a ten minute walk away from the institute and had all the amenities nearby that I wanted. I had my own room and shared bathrooms and a kitchen with my host family. I was not required to bring anything to settle-in, but towels were helpful. My host family was genial and slowly warmed to me. I consider them to be friends now. |
| * Food: |
I was able to shop around for reasonably priced foods and use my host family's kitchen. I was able to find all the things I like to eat and much more. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was unable to attend the field trips. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We were required to have insurance through HTH, which provided access to local doctors and reimbursed us for prescriptions. No one I know of had issues with this. From what I know, everyone felt safe. Even late at night people in Vienna mind their own business and don't bother people. It was mainly a matter of being smart and staying with a group. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | When shopping for myself, I spent maybe 20-50 euros a week on food and more if I ate out. Personal expenses were minimal since I didn't do excessive shopping. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would have LOVED to know about the key and laundry deposits that were due upon moving in. Somehow no one was informed until the fees were due. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginner German I |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice German with most faculty if I wished; I was encouraged to take advantage of the language buddy system prepared to match me with a local student; and I was able to speak German with my host mom. Most people I encountered, however, spoke English to some extent. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Give people ample time to warm to you; do not doubt the fierceness and tenacity of Austrian winters; plan something new every week to do or see! |
