AYA UNO Innsbruck: from Schnitzel to Skiing, a semester I'll never forget! Past Review

By (Economics, Harvard University) for

UNO Innsbruck: Academic Year Abroad at University of Innsbruck

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely- I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was light, but the course material was still very interesting. It was the perfect mix for an abroad experience as it allowed for time to experience Innsbruck and Austria outside of the classroom without having to stress over assignments. The teaching methods were great: I had mostly small discussion or seminar classes that facilitated student student and student teacher interaction. The grading system was slightly confusing coming from an American schooling background, but they provided more than enough explanation of it in the orientation days.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Margaret Davidson from UNO was amazing! She helped us with everything and had everything organized so that we could enjoy our experience and not have to worry about things such as finding a room, picking classes, finding grocery stores, opening bank accounts, getting a visa, etc.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Such good food in Innsbruck!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went to so many great traditions that I cannot mention them all, but there is opportunity to see many fun cultural elements of the region.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe city. I didn't have any health problems, but I hear the hospitals are some of the best in the world.

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? Because of my various ski trips my expenses were probably between 200-300 Euros a week, but that included a substantial amount of Austrian travel and overnights in hotels.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend to much at the bar.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Active students that enjoy the outdoors and mountains would enjoy this experience the most- especially if they are into snow sports or climbing/ mountaineering.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Austrian Culture and Field Studies

Course Department: A&S 2900
Instructor: Margaret Davidson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was amazing as it brought us on field trips throughout Innsbruck and Tirol while teaching us the history of the region. Truly the perfect course for anyone abroad in Innsbruck. The instructor was very knowledgeable about the material and was very nice and helpful if you didn't understand the material or if you missed a class.
Credit Transfer Issues: