A thoroughly enriching experience in Vienna! Past Review
By Catherine C (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology., Wellesley College) for
University of Vienna: Vienna - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My abroad experienced made me realize how valuable cultural exchange is, and how necessary it is to be in the country to truly learn the language and to understand the people. There is so much to discover and experience; there are similarities and differences between countries and it is helpful to consider both to better understand a country. I have learned to value my education at Wellesley more, because by comparing the two systems, I realize how spoiled we are at Wellesley. Still, it was important for me to experience different educational environments and to learn to work and study in different ways, especially since I want to go into academia.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was reasonable, and required a lot of independent planning. I took mostly seminars so there was a lot of discussion and student presentations. Classes are much larger than those at Wellesley, and professors seem to be busier, at least they do not have as many office hours. There was usually one big exam or one big paper and presentation at the end of the semester, rather than assessment throughout. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The study abroad office at the University of Vienna was helpful in helping us register for classes and gave us tips on contacting professors. They had reasonable office hours for students to drop in and ask questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I would encourage students to visit the Naschmarkt where there is a tremendous amount of international food. I would also take advantage of the many historical coffeehouses dispersed throughout the city. They are truly unique and will change how you think about drinking coffee! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was so wonderful to have traveled to several cities in Austria, such as Stift Melk, Durnstein, Goesing, as well as to Berlin, Germany. I was able to experience different ways of life, learn about the cities' history, and to experience such diverse cultural scenes. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Vienna is really safe, I had no problems with being out late at night with friends. I got sick once during my stay in Vienna, and was able to easily reach a doctor and get medical advice. There was an insurance, but I was still required to pay a certain amount for my medications. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 50 Euros a week on food. As for personal expenses, I did not need very much, so perhaps only 20 Euros a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling was relatively cheap in Vienna, especially to nearby cities and countries. I had put aside a travel budget, so that may be wise to do, since Vienna has such a central location in Europe. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had 4 semesters of German before studying abroad (GER 202) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced German with my floormates, with the other Wellesley study abroad students, and with other students I met while abroad. Most people were also able to speak English but preferred to use German. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is sad to hear that this program may not be open for next year. I would encourage future students to take advantage of the offerings of the city, from the multiple world-renowned museums, concert halls, parks, and easy access to nearby countries. Travel if you can, to Eastern as well was Western European countries. It is not too expensive! |
