IES Vienna: A Life Changing Experience! Past Review
By Bethany M (Music Performance, University of Denver) for
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
My world-view was positively impacted as well as my appreciation for other world cultures. I have a strong desire to travel and teach abroad.
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. |
The workload was up to the student to decide - from easy to hard classes offered. The teaching methods were fantastic, even though there were very few differences in the educational system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
This was overall a great program with support in every area and every issue that may come up. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was fully furnished and beautiful. Close to the center, nearby any needed amenities. I did not need to buy anything. A cleaning lady came in once a week and cleaned the apartment. |
| * Food: |
There is a wonderful bakery right down the street from the center. A must-try is a kasekraner (a cheese-filled, breaded hot dog), not to mention apfel strudel and wiener schnitzel. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Three of my classes took us around Vienna and to Budapest, and there was a wonderful program which allowed you to be reimbursed financially for any museum entrance in Europe. There were also field trips which I did not participate in but heard it was amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Vienna is one of the safest cities in the world and I never felt unsafe. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
You could practice language with teachers, staff, people in the grocery store, everywhere you go. I mostly chose to speak English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Anyone enjoying cultural experiences and travel around Europe would benefit from this location. City and country destinations and activities are available - anything you desire! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Austrian Art and Architecture |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Dr. O |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Amazing class with a great teacher and once-a-week in-person viewing! |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I was given 6 transfer credits from my university. |
