Vienna: Everything It Seems. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were so interesting, but they were a lot more work than I was expecting. I wanted to travel a lot (and did) but found myself doing homework while on the trips. Most of the professors are absolutely amazing, and can teach you so much not only about Austria, but about their own expertise. The classes were very small, so you did learn a lot and most were discussion based classes. The professors really care about their students, but it is ultimately up to you to do well in their class. IES tries to bridge a gap between the differences in an Austrian university and an American university, and they did a very good job.

On-site administration of your program

IES did a good job of making students feel comfortable, but they also babied us. At the time, it was helpful, but toward the end of the program and after it, I feel like I did not have the intercultural experience I could have had if I were forced to do things by myself rather than IES holding my hand. The staff were exceptional and could help you learn about the country and gave us tips. The program size seemed just right -- just under 100 people. We all became close but continued to meet new people throughout the semester. The program overall went above and beyond my expectations. It was such an amazing experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were choices as to whether we wanted to live in a dorm, with a host family, or in an apartment. About 90% of the students chose to live in the apartments, and I would fully recommend it. We lived in private apartments throughout the city with an Austrian landlord/lady. While we did live with other students, we had Austrian neighbors, had to go to Austrian grocery stores, and had to take public transit daily to classes. This helped us to see more of the city and to meet more of the city's wonderful people! It took some people about an hour to get to class because they lived so far out, but other people could walk because they were so close to the center. You really had no say in where you got to live. The apartment had most everything we needed except food. We had laundry facilities, sheets, towels, etc. Every apartment had a maid come every two weeks to wash the sheets/do some minor cleanup. The public transit closed at midnight, so if you were going out, you had to take a taxi back or find someone to stay with that was close to the club/bar you were going to.

Food in Austria is amazing, but it is expensive. There are a few cheap dining options, and the staff tells you were they are, and might even go with you! What most students did was to go to the grocery store and buy food and pack their own lunch every day. It made it much more affordable. My favorite lunch when going out, though, was just a Döner Kebab--just shaved lamb with spices, veggies, and other stuff. So good!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Vienna is smack dab in the middle of Europe, so it is not too expensive nor far to travel to many different places. IES does offer some trips, but I would recommend going on your own -- much more of an experience, cheaper, and you get to set your own schedule. I only went on the IES sponsored ski trip, and it was a lot of fun!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Vienna has consistently been ranked the safest city in the world. I never felt unsafe walking around by myself in the city. As one of my friends who visited mentioned, there is no real "bad" part of town. IES made us aware of everything you need to know in a big city (theft, just being aware of your surroundings). We also had health insurance and and English speaking doctor to deal with any of the health issues we had. I don't remember anyone having a bad experience at the doctor. Also, it was free, thanks to their health care system!!

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

Our first three weeks in Vienna was only an intensive German course, in which we learned about the equivalent of a semester of German in three weeks. We learned phrases/culture differences that helped us to survive on our own in Austria. There was also a 'Language Buddy' program in which we were paired with an Austrian student that let us practice our German and helped them practice their English -- and you also made a new friend!

Select all that apply

• Apartment
• Hotel
• Hostel
• Other

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Other