Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I LOVE SALZBURG Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 02/20/2017 to 06/30/2017 with

University of Salzburg: Salzburg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Amazing friends, German Language skills, Knowledge of other cultures, Independence, Patience, Responsibility. Yes it was very worthwhile .

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Loved Irina, she was so helpful and prompt!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I integrated a lot with many international cultures because the dormitory I lived in was filled with students from around the world, however I integrated less with Austrians themselves, though I did make a few great Austrian friends!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any experiences with healthcare.

* Safety:

Most areas of Salzburg are very safe, though I would say around the main train station area it can be sketchy at night. I carried pepper spray with me if I needed to walk alone at night, it is legal in Austria.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I met so many amazing people in Salzburg. I lived in a dormitory that was unaffiliated with the Uni, so I lived with students from all the Universities in Salzburg as well as young people who were doing internships, etc. Therefore I met people my age from all over the world, it was such a warm and friendly atmosphere. Salzburg is the perfect size city for study abroad, not too big and not too small. Plus it is central in Europe so you can travel to MANY countries around you.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

Salzburg is quite expensive when it comes to grocery shopping, transportation, eating/drinking out, and entertainment. I spent over $200 a month.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and land a free/cheap bike like I did. You can bike all over the city and it'll save you the 120 euros for a bus pass. Buy beer at grocery stores in bulk, don't eat out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

I took an intensive German course while I was in Austria. 4 times a week for 6 hours/week. It was amazing, I learned so much German and by the end of my trip was using it everywhere. However, it is really up to the student how much they want to use/learn the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If you have no German experience I would DEFINITELY recommend taking the German A1 course at the University. It is a lot of work since there are 2 exams and it meets 4 times a week, but you learn so much. If you do not want to take the class another good way to learn is DuoLingo

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends
  • Travel Opportunities
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Amount of courses required
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't bring things with you that you can buy in Salzburg. There are times when it is going to be very hard but it is all worth it in the end. You won't miss home as much as you think you will!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!