The best decision made in my College experience! Past Review

By (Vanguard University of Southern California) - abroad from 09/05/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

AIFS: Salzburg - University of Salzburg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to take risks and truly be adventurous. I threw myself into every situation: hiking, swimming in the Adriatic, trying interesting food, etc. It was so much more than what I ever expected it to be.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes where very easy and simple to get a good grade on.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms, Internationalles Kolleg, were great! The only downfall was that it was a 15 minute bus ride into the city.

* Food:

Incredible! Austrian food is delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We attended the University of Salzburg with Austrian Students so that allowed us to incorporate a bit into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never did I feel unsafe walking in the streets at night!

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)

The cost of traveling adds up quickly but it is a once in a lifetime opportunity so its very much worth it!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of your spendings. This will help you see how much you spend in every country and keep track of where your money is going!

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 a two-week intensive German course

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? 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? It would be a good idea to take the semester-long course to learn more and communicate with locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People in my program
  • Ability to travel
  • Small Town feel
* What could be improved?
  • Dorms in the City
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Live in the moment.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'