Austria: Like A Second Home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of reading, but the assignments were reasonable and the grading was fair. I enjoyed the small teacher-to-student ratio, which made the teaching system much more effort. My "host university" was really professors from America, so not many differences there.

On-site administration of your program

It was all very efficient, but sometimes instructions were not exactly clear. Support was very accessible, and my professors were very knowledgeable and gave good advice about the host country. It felt a bit restricting at times, though.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing arrangements were pretty simple. I specifically requested a non-English household, and it wasn't a problem. It was a little far away from class, but I found my way around easy enough. Everything was provided for me and I was treated as an honored guest. Unfortunately, our schedules didn't always coincide, so I could not often talk with my host family.

I didn't have any dietary restrictions, so everything was easy for me. I loved the restaurant we got free meals at every day, and breakfast was always nice and hearty. Lunch was a little tricky because of money restrictions and a lack of cooking facilities, but I went to a Japanese restaurant in the shopping area once and it was good. Döners were very popular and cheap, as well as Brötchen that you could get at the local grocery store.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The field trips were nice and informative, but I preferred my own trips more. Sometimes I went with one friend, but going by myself had its advantages, such as not feeling obligated to speak in English.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues, so I can't comment on the health system. As for safety, the neighborhood was exceedingly safe. There was not a time when I felt in danger. Some of the shortcuts I took to school and to the train station involved passing through dark tunnels and things, but even then I felt perfectly safe. I had no incidents.

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

I took the advanced German class, in which we mostly spoke in German. I personally requested a German-speaking household so that I could be immersed. However, many of the students and teachers were not fluent in German, so a lot of time was spent speaking English. However, I did my best to speak in German to shopkeepers and waiters and I was immersed in it when I went out with my German friends.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Free weekends for individual travel
• The neighborhood was safe and had many interesting events
• The timing did not interfere with other obligations

• More freedom
• More opportunities to meet Austrian university professors
• More opportunities to get to know other students