Past Review

By (Applied Behavioral Analysis Psychology, SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Binghamton: Graz - Study Abroad at University of Graz (European Studies)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Overall I found it extremely worthwhile and am thankful for the opportunities I was presented with while abroad. I learned a lot about others, the country, and myself. It strengthened my yearn to travel even more.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Winter 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were challenging but in the end significantly imrpoved my German skills.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I would give Christa's international office a very good rating, but specifically the SUNY Graz staff were not all helpful, and the mix of the two was sometimes confusing and information got lost or was wrong.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was a student dorm where I shared a room with one Austrian girl and a floor with about 20 other students. We had a kitchen, 3 bathroom/ shower stalls, a TV area, and a dining table. It was Leechgasse 1, Graz. <br /><br /> It was in an excellent location, but the dorm itself was old and small.

* Food:

I liked cooking for myself, although sometimes it was fun to go out too, and there were plenty of places to go. It did get pricey by the end.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My history class' weekend trip to Vienna was my favorite part, and the weekend festivals that are held in Graz.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The university is very helpful with assisting for health insurance, and directed us every step of the way, and provided medical assistance addresses and phone numbers.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent 50-80 euros per week, food and traveling were by far the most expensive aspects.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead of time to budget travelling for trips.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

The only problem was with the amount of other international students, everyone's common language was English, which many people used on a casual basis.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It will help improve your German but do not expect to be completely fluent; most Austrian speak near-perfect English, and it will be tempting for both you and them to use it rather than speaking German. You have to force yourself.