IES Abroad Vienna

I spent Fall 2014 in Vienna with IES and it was one of the best decisions I have made in my time in college so far. I had studied German for two semesters before arriving in Vienna, but I was definitely not that confident in my speaking ability at first. However, the intensive German classes and my language pledge apartment helped me develop my skills and have fun speaking German as much as I could. I especially enjoyed the option to take a class in German in which we got to visit numerous cultural sites and many of the outstanding museums in Vienna with German speaking guides. It is a fantastic way to feel like a part of the Austrian community, to see Operas in German, or the Wiener Philharmonic or wander through the Kunsthistorisches Museum or Belvedere (Both famous art museums). And all of these opportunities are available to you whether or not you speak German well or just like to try like me. The city is incredibly easy to get around and well laid out. The IES community is also quite open and friendly. There are many opportunities (from filed trips, to small classes, or even just meeting in the famous Café houses at random) to develop lasting friendships and have your horizons expanded not just from an international perspective but also through classmates from all over the US. Fall is an excellent time to study in Vienna as you begin with summer, witness the leaves changing in fall and still are around to experience the Christmas Markets and the first of the balls in the fairytale Ball Season. However, I utterly recommend the experience any time of year. Vienna is well worth the trip and IES will help you make the most of it.

My time in Vienna was an incredible experience. IES helped me find a balance between academics, exploration, and travel that made my time in Vienna exactly what I wanted. Unlike some other abroad programs, IES values a rigorous academic schedule that allows you to get the most out of the city by learning about it's past while you are living it's present. Classes not only encourage students to explore, but also take students on excursions throughout the city of Vienna. Lastly, the program organizes trips all over Europe and Austria that are available for students to participate in. Additionally, they aid students in planning their own fun and safe travel. The staff were incredible, helpful, and extremely knowledgable about the city. They were always accessible to all students. IES did everything they could to support us without being an overbearing presence. I was independent, but always felt I had the support I needed. That independence gave me the time to figure out that Vienna is an incredible place to live. From the delicious bakeries on every corner to the impeccably run public transportation system, Vienna was easy to call home. I learned about a new language, the beauty of classical music, and the history of a fantastic place. Walking through the streets of Vienna was like living in a fairytale. My experience with IES Vienna was invaluable and I could not ask for a better semester abroad. I recommend this program to all.

I had an absolutely incredible experience studying in Vienna for a semester. From exploring beautiful palaces like Schonbrunn and the Belvedere to writing my first string quartet and having it debuted in our composition concert at the end of the semester, these four months were full of adventures. I also met a group of absolutely wonderful people during my stay, traveled to many new and exciting places, and learned so much about the world and Austrian culture. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who is looking for an amazing semester.

Everyday as the Viennese autumn sunlight filled my apartment, I would get excited for the new adventure I was in for. Every student in the program was as hungry for new experiences, for challenges. Whether it was committing to only speak German at one of Vienna's classic Coffee Houses or exploring the entirety of the Schoenbrunn Zoo in only one afternoon. Or maybe it was just seeing your favorite opera or symphony at one of Vienna's amazing performance halls. Vienna was eye-opening, thrilling, inspiring, and just plain old beautiful. Having the opportunity to study music there was and will be one of the best times of my life. The program encourages students to push themselves as musicians, as students as well as brand-new, if only temporary, Viennese citizens. Everyday was an adventure in Vienna.

I had an amazing time in Vienna! The city is amazing and such a fun place to study. As a psychology major, I really enjoyed getting to learn about Freud and Jung in the places where they taught and studied as well. I absolutely loved IES. It was an amazing program that catered to the needs of every student and made sure everyone had an amazing time. All of the staff and students in the program were so fun and I met so many great people. IES is helpful in all regards and the center is beautiful. It is located in the heart of Vienna, making it easy to see everything that Vienna has to offer. I highly recommend this program to anyone who loves to travel and have a great time.

In Vienna, I was able to gain new perspectives on classical music through my exposure to Viennese culture, classes on Austrian Composers, chamber music workshops, and watching amazing concerts by ensembles like the Vienna Philharmonic. IES gave me the ability to study music intensely while also traveling extensively through Europe. Vienna was an amazing city to live, explore, and learn in. The experiences I had and memories I made will stay with me for life. I can't wait until I can go back to Vienna!

Studying abroad helped me become a more independent and confident person. Through IES I was able to meet new people and learn about different cultures. Vienna became a second home to me, and throughout the semester I was able to get outside of my comfort zone and explore new things!

Studying abroad with IES Vienna European Studies could not have been a more positive experience. I did not know much about Vienna before arriving, but it turned out to be a great place to study abroad. Every night there are tons of cultural activities going on in the city and it is also one of the safest cities I've ever been to, so I never felt inhibited because of that. The program was also very good about organizing events for the students and helping out with any issue we had or any housing complications.