I Left My Heart In Vienna Past Review
By Caitlin T (PSYCHOLOGY., Providence College) - abroad from 01/09/2013 to 05/18/2013 with
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I learned a lot about myself and gained a lot of confidence in myself. I also learned a lot about a new culture and the vast world outside of the teeny tiny United States. I also got the travel bug. I wanna travel more!!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics were not that hard. As long as you go to class you will be fine. The program wants you to do well and succeed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They are so incredibly helpful! They want you to make the most of your experience abroad and are willing to help you get the resources you need in order for that to happen. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
A little small for three people. But really nice apartments and in a nice area of the city |
| * Food: |
I either cooked for myself or went out to eat. It is easy to find the cheapest way to do both. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went to a few festivals and performances. But I met very few locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Vienna is one of the safest cities in the world. That being said, you still have to be smart while living in a city, especially if you are a woman. But it was very safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Vienna is an expensive city to live in. However, there are cheap ways to shop and eat. Cooking for yourself is a great way to save money. If you eat out constantly you will notice that you have very little money left. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat in Don't eat out all the time It is never worth it to pay a cover charge. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Everyone is required to take German German language buddies are available |
| 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? | I hadn't taken any German |
| 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? | When you are out shopping for food or other things, use the language. You will gain confidence that you can use it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take the time to get to know the place you are studying in. Although travelling is fun, it feels awesome to feel like a local. |
