An Ad{Wien}ture for the Books Past Review
By Alli Jones (Texas Christian University) - abroad from 08/21/2017 to 12/16/2017 with
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
My experience abroad enhanced my studies as a music major, bringing history to life, literally, as I got to watch and perform works in their original settings and location. I also gained personally as I discovered more about myself, like that I have a spontaneous side. I challenged myself and experienced true growth as a person as I got outside of my comfort zone and "bubble" to learn a new language and understand and embrace other cultures.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program met all of my academic needs and exceeded all of my expectations. I had an amazing time and the program faculty and staff were supportive and genuinely caring. |
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) |
Vienna is one of the world's most livable cities. The cost of living isn't super high and if you buy groceries and cook your own meals, you can easily live on a student's budget there. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Split grocery costs with your roommates and trade off who cooks dinner each night. It's easier and cheaper than trying to make a bunch of meals only for yourself! Don't eat out often in your home city- save that money for travel and food in other places. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The German courses offered by IES Abroad were phenomenal and so integral to my study abroad experience. Students at all levels of German must take a course and we had a 2 week intensive before classes officially began. I feel much more confident in my abilities than when I first got to Vienna and IES Abroad also organized Language Buddies and events to practice my skills in a fun and culturally engaging way. |
| 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? | I only had high school level German before. (3 years) |
| 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 ways to be involved in the local community. I attended church and made relationships there that challenged and improved my German. I also always attempted to communicate my questions at stores or restaurants in German and only resorted to English if confusion arose. Be uncomfortable and put yourself out there. Most native speakers will only encourage and help you! |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I know now how quickly 4 months passes by. I wish I had understood that more as I began my semester so that I could pace my travels better and be more intentional with the time I spent in my host city, Vienna. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
