Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

WU-Wien - Lessons from Abroad Past Review

By (Finance and Financial Management Services., Bentley University) - abroad from 09/04/2012 to 01/11/2013 with

Vienna University of Economics and Business: Vienna - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad at WU was the experience of a lifetime. Although I suffered a hiccup when a misunderstanding led to not being able to complete a class, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive. I picked up a little of a new language, was able to explore a city full of history and culture, made new friends, and had the opportunity to experience a different method of schooling and teaching.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go crazy, buy groceries instead of eating out all the time, and don't waste all your money going to clubs/bars.

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? College-level Latin
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? Take the immersion course, it helps a lot. Also, try to practice common sayings a little bit each day and don't be afraid to test them out.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Quality of courses
  • The city itself
  • Accessibility
* What could be improved?
  • Accessibility of administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the Austrians were so strict. Future students, make sure to follow every rule/course guideline to the T so you don't end up in the same position I was.

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!