Innsbruck- Take Me Back Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think the academic rigor of the program was exactly what it needed to be. I had one professor from UNO and one professor from UGA, and they were both incredibly nice and always positive in the classroom. They gave just the right work load, as they knew we were spending our weekends traveling and as much time as we could in our home city of Innsbruck. I still learned a lot about some subjects I wouldn't normally come across as a business major, but at the same time I could enjoy my travels and immerse myself in other cultures, as there was no need to obsessively stress about school.

On-site administration of your program

The administration in the main office was great. You could go in any time they were open or even e-mail them, and they were always eager to help with whatever you needed. I even borrowed some hiking polls from them!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were even better than I expected. Although simple and without air conditioning, they were perfectly suitable for a 6 week stay. (Just get a fan!) Also, what was incredibly nice was that maids would come in at least once a week to change out your towels, wipe down the floors or bathroom sink, and change your sheets! Huge plus.

Breakfast was served every morning-- conveniently located on the first floor of the dorm. Of course anything will get old after 6 weeks, but they had a nice little variety (eggs, crepes, yogurt, fruit, bread, etc.). Lunch was also always provided (if you don't lose your meal tickets!). Although I usually got a salad (one of the to-go options in the university cafe), there is also a sit-down lunch across the street from the university (just a little more buttery than I'm used to :) ). The to-go option gives you plenty of food even to last you throughout the day, as dinner is not provided by the program. I usually just bought some fruit from SPAR (a convenience store right next door to the dorm!) for dinner, but many students would go out to a different restaurant every night on the town! Just watch how much money you spend! However, I found the cost of living in Innsbruck was cheaper than in America. Groceries and meals are a little bit cheaper!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being integrated into the culture in Innsbruck was my favorite part. There is always at least one local Austrian student in every class, and I got to know the Austrian students in my classes very well. We asked each other questions about our different lives or even talked about things we had in common every day. It was marvelous. They also have local Austrians included in the program staff; therefore, I had the wonderful opportunity to befriend those locals that worked at the front desk of the dorm who were around my same age! They showed me some places in Innsbruck that I never would've gotten to see otherwise and taught me some of the differences in culture in Innsbruck specifically and in Europe in general. Don't be scared to befriend the locals! (Especially in Austria, as they are so, so nice!)

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Thank goodness, I had no health problems, but there was a nurse that worked for the program if you ever had an issue. Just remember to bring any prescribed medicine you need with you from the US.

Coming from New Orleans, being in the city of Innsbruck was probably the safest I've ever felt. Of course, it's better to travel in numbers, but I never felt uncomfortable or threatened walking by myself at night. There is not even any pick-pocketing in Innsbruck.

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

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• Dorm

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans

• Meeting the Locals
• Taking Fun Classes
• Being Surrounded by the mountains every day

• Some of the kids are crazy wild
• Having more organized field trips... I liked them
• Increasing the number of locals in the program

The Avid Adventurer