I Know I Will Be Living Here Again. Past Review

By (Public health, Utah State University) for

Karl-Franzens-Universitat Graz: Graz - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There's no place I'd rather be right now. This was the absolute greatest thing I could have ever done. I hope everyone can study abroad and feel the same way about their program. I love Austria.

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 workload isn't bad at first, but it'll catch up towards the end. You're expected to do a lot more work on your own than in the states so you have to keep up with the class. And classes don't count for as many credits as the US usually and are only 1, maybe 2 days a week. Its very different but you get used to it. Most professors love international students and are really welcoming.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I can email my international advisor anytime and she instantly responds. They're the best over in the international office!! And always help when there's a problem, which there usually is when you first move to a new country. There are a ton of international excursions, activities, parties, etc. So much to do for international students, and you meet students from literally everywhere.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very clean, nice dorm and a kitchen. I save alot of money by eating here. The housing staff and administration are not very friendly though and it can sometimes be a pain dealing with them.

* Food:

The food is amazing in Austria. Be prepared to try a Kebap, a Turkish fast food. And schnitzel of course, at the stands near Hauptplatz. You will not find very much white meat but there are a lot of vegetarian options. I'm allergic to milk so I thought I would have a hard time with that. But there's a ton of lactose-free products.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made friends with some Austrians and I will be friends with them for life. They are the most amazing people and they really made me feel like I had family here in Austria. I've had some amazing, pure Austrian, experiences with them because they're locals and they know what to do and where to go. Plus they help me with every problem that I have as a foreigner. I couldn't have asked for a better experience here.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I feel very safe in my city, you just have to be smart like any city. Don't walk by yourself really late at night, etc. Healthcare is really easy and readily available. You're required to get Austrian health insurance but it's nice to have.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Pretty much everyone speaks English to you if you don't understand the German. They know you're a foreigner. Which can be good and bad, depending on your goals as a speaker. There are programs through the international department that can help you speak more and there are language classes as well. The language classes are only 1 day a week so I would recommend finding other people to speak and practice with as well if you want to really improve your language skills.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met here
  • It's easy to travel anywhere in Europe from Austria
* What could be improved?
  • More courses in English
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The 1st week sucks!!!! Don't get discouraged. Its great and only can get better!!!!