Viena Opened my eyes to a happier world Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was manageable, but the classes challenging. The grading system was normal. The teaching was a bit more disorganized and lecture based than I was used to. However, the professors had to follow certain procedures and layout the class in a way that American students are used to. They didn't like this because they thought we should experience university like an Austrian. I think that would have added to my learning experience.

On-site administration of your program

I thought they were efficient. I just think the program isolates people from the country by having a bunch of Americans with Americans all the time in their own building.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a student house. It was mostly Austrians from all over the country, as well as many eastern Europeans and some students from Asia. It was really close to everything! There were 3 grocery stores within walking distance and the open air market was also within walking distance. It\'s right near the underground that takes you straight to school and connect with all the other lines easily. There are also several busses that stop there. It\'s about a 30 minute walk, or a 20 minute U-bahn ride and walk to school. It\'s right near Mariahilferstraße, which has all the shopping and restaurants, cafes, and night life nearby. The underground connects to the Airport train and Schnell-Bahn (fast, further distance train) station. Vienna is just really safe overall. I needed to buy some dishes, which I left for the program, so there should be dishes there now for that dormitory. They provided beddings, but I bought new bedding, because the bedding they left was kind of gross. I also left the new bedding. Internet is really fast if you use Ethernet, which costs 5 Euros for the whole semester, and another 5 to get an Ethernet chord if you don\'t bring one. The Wifi has a free password, but doesn\'t work as well.The Bathroom was Ensuite, and everybody gets assigned cabinets in the kitchen and fridge that lock. There is Sauna, a guest room for family members, a big living room/conference room with a huge TV and dvd player and such. They have computers and printers and photo copiers you can use. They have a room to store bicycles, another kitchen/living room area with a ping pong table and another tv that gets used for parties. There is a kitchen on every floor. There is a study room on the top floor and a little roof balcony.

'I got my own food, during the semester, but the program had excellent food for us if you opted to go on field trips. They were good about dietary restrictions and making sure everybody had a good experience. They tried to give us authentic food, and usually it was 3 courses.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Vienna is probably the safest place I\'ve ever been to. As usual you should be careful, though. Keep your wallet where you can see/feel it. Don\'t wander around by yourself between midnight and 5 am. Don\'t wander by yourself at night at all in areas like Karlsplatz, Schwedenplatz, or near Westbanhof on Mariahilferstraße. Women shouldn\'t leave with guys they don\'t know, even from Balls at the Hofburg. There was a situation with a girl in my program. Don\'t anger people. There is a lot of prejudice that goes on between Austrians and Turkish people. I watched my friend(austrian) got beaten up in the street, because he walked through a group of Turkish guys and they thought he was being racist when he wasn\'t. There was a miscommunication. Overall, you will FEEL very safe in Vienna. Just don\'t slip on your precautions. It is an incredibly safe city.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I had to take a 3 week German intensive, and then 3 days a week during the semester. I could practice with anybody, really. They set up language buddies, but I found my own friends to practice with in my dorm building who study English. I didn't have to use German everyday, but I tried to. Almost everybody speaks English. '

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• Dorm

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• International Students
• Local Students

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• Americans