My Unforgettable Semester in Vienna with IES Abroad Past Review
By A student (Psycholoy, Boston College) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 05/08/2014 with
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I was able to meet new people and learn about new cultures. I was able to travel to watch a football match in London, ski the alps, skydive in Italy, cook local Viennese cuisine, and go to mass at Stephansdom Cathedral. I gained independence and confidence and loved my time abroad!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I LOVED my classes! Intense german class really helped me improve! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES was very helpful and efficient! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment- it was very well furnished, plenty of space, and not too far from school! |
| * Food: |
We had to cook for ourselves, no meal plan, but the food in Vienna is wonderful!!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The teaching experience helped me feel very immersed, and there was an opportunity to take classes at the local Uni Wien. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I ended up getting sick and IEs was very helpful getting me seen and assisted with paperwork. |
| * Safety: |
Felt very safe in Vienna! |
| 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 not super expensive- but if you want to travel you will end up spending money- just need to find the cheapest options where you go! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Airbnb.com, hostelworld.com or off-season cheap hotel rates! Look into cheaper flights and train passes! |
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 |
German class was intense and very helpful! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | 3 years of college |
| 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? | Try to speak it with natives (at shops, restaurants, etc) as often as possible! |
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? | Pack lightly! Save up and plan out traveling in advance to save money! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
