Graz, Austria: Too good to be true--but true nonetheless! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic system is completely different from the American one. The workload varied significantly based on the professor and type of course (lecture, seminar, etc.) Overall, the system's organization is very confusing and bureaucratic; as such, the learning process can be hindered. I had some professors who expected a lot and required a great deal of work, while others didn't care if I attended class. Generally, there are no syllabi, and it can be difficult to ascertain a professor's expectations.

On-site administration of your program

Christa Grassauer is the program administrator at Uni-Graz, and she is absolutely phenomenal. She communicated so well with me beforehand and helped me know what to expect and what I needed to do. Even though the international relations office was not always open, Christa was quick about replying to emails and answering questions. One of my professors was Canadian, so he understood the American system well. The majority of my professors were understanding about the differences in the educational systems. The program did a lot with the ESN office, and they were awesome at planning trips and events for the international students. The orientations at the beginning were also very beneficial. Overall, I cannot think of a better place to have studied abroad for a semester.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

On one hand, I lived in the best possible student housing; it was recently-built, spacious, clean, with a weekly cleaning by a maid, secure and safe with a good location. I also really enjoyed living with international students; however, that didn't improve my German at all. The location was sometimes frustrating, though, because the building also housed a diskothek (dance club); the noise was so loud and bass so strong that I was often unable to sleep. Also, the staff at the OeAD was often less than helpful. Though I personally only had one unfortunate experience with them, many of my friends struggled often with it. The doorman (building supervisor) sometimes came in unannounced at 8 a.m. before we were awake and ready, and the Graz area boss came off as unfriendly and accusing. Many of my fellow residents were dissatisfied.

I LOVED the food in Graz. The local cuisine was absolutely delicious and relatively affordable. I wish I had had the money and time to dine at more restaurants in Graz. Usually, I bought groceries (there were 4 stores within a five-minute walk) and cooked them in my apartment. Also, I have a gluten allergy/sensitivity, and I found it remarkably easy to find appropriate food. Two of the grocery stores had reasonably priced gluten-free sections, and most restaurants were very accommodating. Actually, I found it easier to live gluten-free in Austria than it has been here in the U.S.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Graz has hands-down one of the best programs for international students. The ESN office organized so many trips and events, and there was ALWAYS something new and fun to do. Some of my favorites were: the ESN summer event with other Austrian universities at Lake Ossiach, the Weinstrasse Trip, the open-air museum at Stuebing, the pub crash, the Graz city tour, and the international dinner... and so many, many more. Every other Tuesday, they hosted a Stammtisch (club meeting) at the Propellor pub, and it was easily one of my favorite things to do. Stammtisch was the best way to meet, mingle, and hang out with all the other international students in one place. Also, ESN organized the welcome and goodbye parties for the international students, which were both a blast. Plus, there were plenty of impromptu gatherings organized unofficially by the ESN. The International Relations Office also organized and sponsored a few teams for the 26th annual Kleeblattlauf, and I was able to be on one of the teams. It was a blast. The ESN office in Graz is simply the best.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Graz is an incredibly safe city with very little crime (Austria averages 40 murders total per year, which is very few). I didn't spend time wandering around by myself at night, of course, but I never felt unsafe. I bought a bike and rode it everywhere, and I felt like that was safer than walking. I did get sick a couple times, and the Austrian student insurance (that the Graz university enrolled us in) worked out well. I visited doctors twice in Graz and once in Ireland, and I had no trouble getting in to see or getting help from the doctor. I did have one friend who needed to go the emergency room, and it was fast, cheap, and remarkably easy. The Graz program provides international students with all the information and resources they need. I didn't need any vaccines for the program, but many people got special tick vaccines because a certain type of Lyme disease is prevalent in the area. Overall, though, I was very safe and well.

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

The intensive course at the beginning of the program was very helpful; however, I was placed in a level that was not difficult enough for me. I should have registered for and met with a "tandem learning" partner weekly to practice German; that would have been beneficial. Most people spoke English, especially within the international student community. I did get opportunities to use German on a regular basis, just not as frequently as I would have liked. Taking courses taught in German was good, but I probably should have taken a class during the semester through the Treffpunkt Sprache. Attending a German-speaking church was good. I just wish I had been able to meet and get to know more Austrian students.

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• Apartment

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• International Students