Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wholistic European experience of the East and the West Past Review

By (Emory University) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 05/09/2019 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile. I learned about how history has shaped the Austrian society's concepts of race, politics, education, and social living. I learned about perspectives I had never thought about before. Also, throwing myself into a foreign country was a maturing and confidence-gaining experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes had amazing professors and interesting topics, but not rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment I was placed in was amazing, great neighborhood, and even more amazing resident Austrian/advisor.

* Food:

What more could you need than high quality cake and coffee.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As someone coming into the program and country with no previous German language experience, it was inevitable that I felt a bit less integrated than other students with more experience, but IES definitely helped close this gap.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any need for healthcare resources, but I was well aware of them and was impressed.

* Safety:

One of the safest places i've ever been or lived.

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

Studying abroad with IES Vienna was one of the most important and influential decisions i've made in my college career. It was a perfect mix of learning in the classroom and out of the classroom. The city was amazing --filled with culture and history-- so getting to learn about it and step foot in it was remarkable. And IES did an amazing job of facilitating this interplay which reached outside of Vienna to greater Austria as well.

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)

Vienna is an expensive city, but it wasn't so hard to budget with some effort.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would estimate under $100/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a credit card with no international fee transactions, know how to access cash without fees (cash is a lot more widely accepted in Austria than card), and consider getting a free student Austrian debit card with Erste Bank.

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

Going to a cafe and an ice cream parlor with my class and ordering in German was one of the coolest days.

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? Advanced French at Emory
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? Use it whenever you think you can, the effort is always appreciated even if you get responses in English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • It's encouragement and facilitation of discovering the city
  • IES trips to explore Austria outside of Vienna
  • Classes and class discussions
* What could be improved?
  • Only a couple classes were disorganized or not taught well
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing really, the surprises were welcomed.

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 Linguist
You 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!