Costs. Austria is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, so suffice to say it will not be the cheapest place for a gap year abroad. Still many costs of living are covered in general program fees, so gappers will not have to worry too much about on-the-ground expenses. To help cover the costs of a gap year program in Austria, students should make an effort to take advantage of all the scholarships and funding opportunities, like FundMyTravel, before heading to Austria.

Accommodations. During a gap year program in Austria you will likely be put up in either a homestay or enjoy dormitory style living. Each option has its perks; homestays are a great way to immerse yourself fully into Austrian family life and practice the language on a regular basis, while dorms can also be a fun environment living with other gappers from all over the world.

Visas. Students coming from within the European Union will not have to obtain a visa to travel to Austria, while those coming from outside of Europe face a different situation. Some citizens are afforded the opportunity to stay in Austria for up to three months visa-free, while others will have to apply for a visa before entering the country, all depending on what nation you are coming from. Be sure to check out the GoAbroad embassy directory for more information.

Safety. Austria is one of the safest countries in the world, with one of the lowest levels of serious crimes and street crimes in the world. However, since Austria attracts more than 25 millions tourists each year, the level of pickpocketing and bag snatching are high on main touristic areas. ATM frauds are likely your biggest threat so exercise caution while withdrawing money from the ATM, keep your credit card in sight, and monitor your transaction statements regularly.