Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I miss Vienna! January 24, 2026

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/24/2025 to 12/13/2025 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
living somewhere outside of the US has changed my worldview. i was born and raised in california, i go to school in greater boston, and i've lived in nyc for one summer. it is so different in a city like vienna. i get the sense that americans don't know much about what goes on in europe in the same way that the europeans know about what's going on in the states. it was eye-opening to see the US from a different point of view. it was definitely worthwhile— one of the best decisions (if not, THE best) i've made in college.

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.

I wasn't too big a fan of the professors. Some of them didn't seem as qualified as the professors at my home institution are which was to be expected. IES isn't an educational institution like many of the universities in the States are. It seemed like most of the professors were just everyday people with a passion or hobby for the subject they were teaching. Classes had good structure and if you want to learn and engage, you'll get enough out of the academics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very surprised at the organization and access to resources we had through IES. Everything was incredibly organized. It's clear that IES has thought very thoroughly about how to best support their students. Made everything a lot easier!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved living in The Social Hub. My room was nicer than my normal dorms are! I had a room to myself with a full-sized bed and a private bathroom. The shared kitchen wasn't that bad. Everyone in my hall was super nice and considerate. The location was also amazing. 2nd district is super accessible via Praterstern station and the Strassebahns that run nearby.

* Food:

You need to cook for yourself but the kitchens were nice and well equipped. Only downside is that groceries are expensive in Vienna.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't feel super integrated with local culture. I wouldn't say it's the program's fault but I think it was the language barrier. Austria is a fairly good English speaking country but I think that it makes a big difference if you can speak German.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Amazing. Insurance was great. Seeing a doctor was quick. I never had an insurance claim be rejected.

* Safety:

Vienna is one of the most livable cities in the world! Can't complain.

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)

Depends if you're traveling. I didn't have a set budget per week. I probably spent on average maybe $800-$900 USD a month? I traveled quite a bit.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? not sure
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely have a couple thousand in the bank that you can quickly access. I'm assuming that if you're going abroad, your parents are going to be supporting you too but if you're not relying on your parents for money, I'd say have at least like an easy $5k. You're going to want to do things and it adds up.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* 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?
  • housing/locations
  • class schedules
  • extracurricular activities/opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • cultural immersion
  • taking classes at the university
  • more opportunities to talk to locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.