Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Life-Changing Experience Past Review

By (Music Education, Providence College) - abroad from 08/16/2012 to 05/17/2013 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Beyond learning a new language I was able to take lessons with a world-class opera singer, I learned how to be confident in a strange city, I learned how to travel well by myself and with others, and overall I learned what is really important to me instead of what I thought was important. Definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

No meal plan is provided but there is no shortage of good and affordable food in Vienna

* 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? My grocery bill was about 25 euro each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use sites like studentuniverse.com and hostelworld.com for savings on travel, cook for yourself as much as possible, bring some school supplies from home

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

The 3 week German intensive was very helpful and all the faculty and staff were very encouraging if you want to speak German

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
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? Don't be afraid to make mistakes, speak with your roommates and professors, get a language buddy, make local friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Faculty and staff
  • The city itself
  • My voice teacher
* What could be improved?
  • A 500 euro stipend for private lessons is helpful but not enough
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much I was going to love Vienna. And that peanut butter is not really a thing there so if you're addicted to it like I am, pack a couple jars!

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!