Living my best life Past Review

By (Purdue University) - abroad from 08/20/2018 to 12/15/2018 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Friendships !!!! German knowledge!!!!! Cultural awareness!!!!!!

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.

Many experienced teachers who are willing to help you out and for you to succeed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration is strong and does a good job connecting with the students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living arrangement was in a great section of the city and was close to an u-bahn stop which was very convenient

* Food:

Grocery stores are very close to living arrangement and you can always get cheap food at food stands all over the city

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Many opportunities for you to get involved with the culture of Vienna

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Strong health care system and providers

* Safety:

I feel more safe here then back in the United States. Rarely any crime and you feel safe walking at night

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)

I would say it;s doable to live affordably in Vienna but you need to budget. It is an expensive city but you can do it for less if you plan ahead

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50

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

Strong German teachers and a German intensive weeks before classes started

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • staff
  • classes
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • German 101
  • more program wide field trips
  • more language body activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had studied more German and learned more about the history of Austria

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.