Vienna Feels Like Home Past Review
By Erika Coy (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 05/26/2017 to 07/07/2017 with
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I was immersed into the culture through classes with learning the language and also taking field trips. Vienna was a very safe city, so I could go out and explore with others, but also did not feel scared to go out and explore by myself. I also got the chance to take field trips with the program to Semmering, Austria and Budapest, Hungary. I also got to meet students from all over the United States that I have kept in touch with and plan to continue to keep in touch with.
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? |
|
| * 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
This experience was something that literally changed my life. It was my first time outside of North America (I had been to Canada) and it was also my first time traveling alone. IES Abroad and Indiana University did a great job with orientation to prepare me and were always there to answer my questions if and when they arose. |
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? | Remember to budget for things like safety deposits for your apartment, public transportation, and other small random costs. |
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 |
| 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? | Find mobile apps like Duo Lingo and to practice. Also try to practice with your roommates. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have budgeted better. Food was not included in program fees and I did not do any research about how much I would need to take to the grocery store. I got there a day early, which I think was definitely beneficial. You can get Euros early from AAA or some banks, so that is good to have cash on you just in case your debit card isn't working (plus with cash there are no fees). |
