Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Alles Gut in Salzburg! Past Review

By (Music Education, Illinois State University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Salzburg - Salzburg College

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I saw a completely new part of the world that I had only read about. It opened my eyes to the European way of life and brought me out of my comfort zone. It's absolutely worthwhile to anyone that wants to expand their horizons and see the world with their own eyes.

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.

The classes were of appropriate difficulty for the students, the professors made sure to include many excursions to different places around the country, and I feel that I learned a lot in my time overseas!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The two administrators on-site were friendly and they wanted to get to know their students on a personal level.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a hostel/dorm with an Austrian roommate and had a fantastic time there. I do somewhat regret not living with a host family, but I think that it was for the best considering my major involves playing an instrument.

* Food:

Bavarians know what they're doing with their pork. Sausages, schnitzel, Schweinsbraten--all of it delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because I had taken classes in German before I left for Austria, I had an easier time integrating myself into the culture than most of the other students. I feel that I really attempted to connect with the locals and speak their language whenever possible

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have to use the health care system, but from everything that we were told about it, it's efficient and relatively inexpensive.

* Safety:

I never felt as if I were in any danger in Salzburg. The city is dealing with a bit of a homeless situation, but for the most part everything is safe in the city.

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)

Salzburg is sort of expensive; granted, I lived in a dorm where we did not have meals provided for us on the weekend. I'm sure that the students living with host families would say that they found it easier to get by with less.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Anywhere from 30-60 Euros a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? SPAR Markt is generally cheaper than Billa, but the latter has a larger selection of higher-quality products

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

We tried to use our German whenever possible. Being in the culture really helped to promote our usage.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? College-level German literature studies
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? Work with your peers--chances are that they'll know something that you don't and you'll know something that they don't.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Awesome friendships were made
  • Exposure to new ways of thinking and lifestyles
* What could be improved?
  • The first week in Munich was extremely rushed, especially when we all suffered from jet lag
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Jet lag is a thing. It's not very fun to deal with, so make sure you get some sleep on the flight over.

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!