I chose to change my life... Now I'll never have to wonder "what if..." Past Review
By Zach H (Music Composition, University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/20/2015 to 12/20/2014 with
IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I went into the IES Vienna program to learn more about myself, my own artistic identity as a composer and my personal needs as a human being. I learned that so much of what I value in life stems beyond just my career goals, and that there is an entire world of people, places, and things to be explored. My joy came from the constant high of new experiences, and every cultural barrier became an exciting new challenge to overcome. I loved the process of learning a foreign language to communicate, as well as the experience of finding what I did/didn't like about various cultural lifestyles. Studying abroad was the most life-changing opportunity I've ever had, and I am so grateful to never have to regret not taking such an empowering, thrilling experience.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Courses were challenging and applicable in both my personal goals and my goals as an abroad student. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Faculty and staff members were extremely responsive to student needs, very approachable and friendly, and well-informed on the country and program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Access to practice rooms was very useful, and the living space was large, but the wi-fi never functioned properly which became a detriment to my studying (and the studying of other students). |
| * Food: |
IES offered food on occasion, though most dining was done outside of the program. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions IES made to different areas in Europe was phenomenal, and the location of IES in the center of Vienna made it easy to stay connected with the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
IES staff members made sure that students were aware of any hazardous health risks, as well as where to get flu shots, etc. |
| * Safety: |
Vienna felt generally safe, though there were several incidents involving women being followed; students should not wander in the dark, should look for well-lit areas, carry their key in hand as they near their apartment, and not be afraid to seek help if needed. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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? | Studying abroad helped me reach every goal I'd set out to achieve, but in ways I never would have expected! Stay open-minded towards every new opportunity that comes your way, and you will learn about yourself and your passions far more quickly than pretending you know what's best for you :) And don't be afraid to step far out of your comfort zone! |
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. |
