Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I could not ask for a better way to spend my time in Europe. Past Review

By (English & Government, Wofford College) - abroad from 08/20/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was such an incredible and eye-opening experience. I could not ask for a better way to spend my time in Europe.

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.

The course load of the program was similar to that of my home university. I studied politics and the arts. I enjoyed all of my professors and gained a greater appreciation for Europe countries.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration consists of amazing individuals that really wanted students to experience the best of Vienna and made themselves readily available to students if any problems arose. Also, they were helpful in navigating us around Vienna.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment conveniently located near the IES center, which is located in the historical first district. The apartment was large enough to accommodate four people and allow us to live together with minimal problems. I enjoyed living there!

* Food:

I do not have enough words to describe my love for the food there.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture of Vienna is slower paced than American life. I was unable fully integrate and always felt like a tourist.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The Viennese healthcare system is incredible because most everything is free.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in the city and had no problems.

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)

I lived comfortably in Vienna.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not always buy the most expensive products because sometimes, they are not the best.

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

They always wanted the students practice German everyday and use the language in our daily interactions.

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? Upper level Spanish
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? Flashcards are life-savers.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling on the weekends
  • The friends that I made
  • The teachers were cool
* What could be improved?
  • Class times
  • No German on Fridays
  • More access to material
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The fashion of Europeans is very different from the dress back home. I wish that I would have done more research on that. Also, I wish that I would have done more initial research on Vienna rather than just picking a random city.

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!