Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Vienna is the most amazing city! Past Review

By (Wofford College) - abroad from 01/11/2017 to 05/20/2017 with

IES Abroad: Vienna - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and how I am able to cope with social differences and travel issues. The program definitely helped me to mature and changed my outlook on the world from an American point of view to a global one.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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

I absolutely fell in love with Vienna and all that this city and Austria have to offer. It is beautiful and enchanting and you actually feel like you get to live out history.

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? I would estimate that I spent around $100 per week if I was not traveling and probably $250 if I was.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan your trips early because ticket prices only go up the closer you get to your intended travel dates.

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

We had 3 weeks of German intensive, which was difficult, but definitely helped me to learn the language.

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 had completed 303 Spanish but had never taken any German Language course.
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? Duo Lingo is a useful app to help expose you to the language before immersing in the culture.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city and its transportation.
* What could be improved?
  • I think it would help if the American students were introduced to more Viennese students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You cannot buy everything at one grocery store like you can in the states.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.