Best place to go with ISEP! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, my educational experience was not that great. With one exception, it was hard to feel engaged in my classes.

On-site administration of your program

Christa, the contact for the international students, is very helpful if you go and talk to her. However, the structure of everything does not make it easy for international students. You will have to figure most things out on your own. You will be given an Austrian buddy to help you with things when you first arrive, but many of the buddies are no or very little help.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got very lucky with my living arrangements, but it's really a gamble. You will be living in a flat with Austrian students of both genders. I loved my flatmates, but I know many people who did not even talk to their flatmates. If you opt for a roommate, that is also a gamble. My roommate is another American exchange student, and we get along great, but a friend of mine is living with a 30 year old woman who is a student as well. Also, the dorms are not near the university or city center. It is about a 40 minute walk to the university, 30 minutes on the bus or a 20 minute bike ride. In addition, you have limited, wired internet access. You get so much internet per month, which is usually not a problem but still a pain.

You will get a food stipend of 300 euro per month. Unless you go out to eat more than once a day, this is plenty of money.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Graz is a university city, so there is great student life, which I definitely felt like I was a part of. I never felt totally integrated though, as I don't speak German.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You will be required to purchase ISEP insurance and Austrian insurance. It's expensive, but if you get sick/injured, you won't have to pay to go to the doctor or hospital.

Graz is extremely safe. I lived on the "bad" side of the river, and it was still fine - my flatmates and I rarely even lock our door. I never worry about getting anything stolen or my physical safety, even when walking alone at night.

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

Anywhere the euro is used will be more expensive than in the U.S., but Graz isn't as expensive as some other EU cities. The food stipend will cover your meals. I mostly spend money on alcohol/going out and travel. Obviously the cost of those things will vary for each person.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It is recommended to arrive a month early to take a German language course. I also recommend doing this - I learned a few basic Germany phrases, and this is the best way to make friends.

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• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• 3 week spring break
• From Austria, you can travel anywhere in Europe
• It's very easy to make friends with other international students

• Getting a visa should be easier
• The buddy program needs to be improved!
• The dorms need unlimited wifi

The Avid Adventurer