Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Austrian Adventure! Past Review

By (GIS Env Sci & Policy, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 09/06/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

University of Northern Iowa: Klagenfurt - Semester in Klagenfurt, Austria

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It gave me a new perspective on Europe, and the rest of the world. It also gave me a new perspective of America. How our media influences the whole world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were very easy compared to at home. I studied very little. I believe this is the difference between America and Europe.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The office hours were very seldom. They were hard to email.

* Food:

I bought my own groceries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I spent a lot of time with Internationals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with this at all.

* Safety:

I felt safe in Austria.

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)

It's a more expensive country, but you can decrease your spending by shopping smart. Travel to other places would cost more.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Store-brand foods are a cheap alternative.

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

Everyone speaks English!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 4 years of high school German
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • The people
  • The Mountains
  • Thanksgiving with Internationals
* What could be improved?
  • The housing people were hard to contact
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't know how to cook very well.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.