Music Study Abroad Programs in Austria

While I have had the opportunity to study abroad in multiple countries, through multiple different programs, AIFS Salzburg is by far the best program/experience I have ever had the pleasure of being apart of. From on site personnel, to the immersive experiences, AIFS Salzburg has not only provided me with the best abroad experience, but given me the tools and resources to continue to grow and navigate the globe. I am forever grateful for having had the opportunity and privilege to be apart of such an amazing and inspiring experience.

I studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria this past summer 2025. In comparison to many other program providers, AIFS has a ton of amazing choices for shorter length programs like summer and January term. Summer term was a great option for me because my major requires several important classes during the term on campus. From before departure through my time in Salzburg our program coordinators and instructors were amazing! They were so helpful, easy to work with, and excited to help us build connections and experience Salzburg. My program offered dorm-style housing which was a great way to meet people in program as well as other international students. The Salzburg program had a ton of awesome excursions scheduled for us which ranged from a baking class to taking a weekend trip to Vienna! I improved my language skills by getting involved in a German speaking community, gained more confidence solo traveling, and developed my communication skills by building relationships with some great friends I made and some members of the Salzburg community. I would recommend this program to any students who are looking for a program that has a good balance of structure and free time. I would also recommend this specific program to students in humanities majors. I'm a History Major with a Minor in Art History so I especially enjoyed the Austrian Folk Art and Folk Customs class where we got to visit a bunch of amazing museums!

My time in Vienna through IES Abroad was the most influential experience I had in my college career. I had the opportunity to meet life-long friends, explore new cities, immerse myself in new cultures, and take courses that challenged my worldview and helped me grow into a more compassionate and well-rounded individual. The people I met in Vienna are some of my closest friends. Our time traveling together cemented a bond that I will cherish forever. IES: Vienna also sponsors trips and provides information to aid students in traveling both in Austria and across Europe. IES: Vienna provides a space for its students to take academically rigorous courses that are designed to interact with the city of Vienna itself. My classes took trips to museums, parks, churches, and monuments to explore Vienese history and culture. IES guided us every step of the way through pre-departure, our time abroad, and as we transitioned back home. I would recommend the program to anyone looking to study abroad!

Although I was definitely nervous to live in a foreign country, Studying Abroad untimely turned out to be one of the greatest experience of my life. The life experience I gained there is invaluable, and the memories will stay with me my whole life. I would definitely recommend studying abroad in Salzburg with AIFS. The staff was accommodating and the professors were passionate about teaching. The workload is relatively light, with is good for those who want to travel (which I would say is a necessity if you want the entire study abroad experience). Salzburg is a beautiful city that I loved every minute of my living there. I would say that, even if you are hesitant, at least look into this program, as this is the only time in your life to sign up for something like this. I know I would regret not studying abroad had I not signed up. For your own sake, please study abroad in Salzburg.

My choice to study in Salzburg was considerably the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. The city itself is a charming mix of the old architecture and history you will find in smaller cities and with also an added hustle that is common in cities the size of Salzburg. The people who head up the Salzburg sector of AIFS are lovely and accommodating to any issue that should arise during the duration off your program and all of the professors are professional and helpful. If you are looking for an experience like no other, I highly recommend choosing Salzburg!

Salzburg study abroad: where culture classes met cobblestone confusion, schnitzels challenged my face size, and the Sound of Music tour became a questionable karaoke session. Amidst strudel-induced wisdom and late-night cram sessions, friendships blossomed, creating a chapter filled with laughter and personal growth. Pro tip: embrace the chaos, savor the strudel, and let Salzburg's charm shape your semester.

I expected studying abroad would change my life perspective, and it did. Immersion in the culture opened my world and mind. What I didn’t expect was the immediate forging of friendships that changed love and inclusion as I knew it previously. I experienced collaboration as each of us unguardedly leaned into our strengths to build a diverse and enriched whole. The experience changed my soul. Thank you for the opportunity.

I cannot express enough how truly thankful and blessed I am to have had the opportunity to study abroad in Central Europe with AIFS. I had many reservations and concerns about studying abroad, as I was doing it by myself. I had not been out of the country for extended periods of time, and I had also never been to Europe. After about a week in my new home, however, I quickly became attached to the people, culture, and opportunities offered to me there. Few countries rival the beauty and history of Austria, and this made my experience all the more enjoyable. During my 3+ months abroad, I made countless friends, traveled to 9 different countries, learned an enormous amount about European history and culture, experienced dozens of new and astounding opportunities, tried many amazing foods and drinks, collected several awesome souvenirs, and made scores of amazing memories that I will cherish forever. I firmly believe that the staff at AIFS Salzburg is second to none. Ingrid, Marie, Gunda, Andreas, and all of the professors and department coordinators were absolutely amazing. Not only were they extremely kind and welcoming, but they were also there for my every need, whether it was financial, medical, academic, etcetera. I truly cannot say enough about how amazing my experience was studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria with AIFS!

I really enjoyed my time in this study abroad program. There were only ten of us which made making friends easy. Salzburg is a beautiful, historical, and safe city. It was also a great location in Europe -- I was able to easily travel to Munich, Hallstat, Vienna, and Bratislava by bus. Having the opportunity to travel elsewhere while abroad was important to me when I was researching programs. The classes were excellent (German Language & Austrian history / culture). The professors were locals from Salzburg and were incredible knowledgeable and engaging. The classes were all two hours in length, however, so be wary if you struggle with longer classes. The hostel we stayed in was wonderful for the most part but a bit loud at night. It was in a perfect location in the city so of course there are trade offs. Overall the program was well organized and I truly had a fulfilling and expanding experience studying abroad in Salzburg.

A truly spectacular program. Not even sure where to begin. We had about 40 total students in the program and it was unbelievable how close we all became in the span of 3 months. The group turned into a family and turned every experience into one of the greatest core memories of my life. In terms of academics, I had not one complaint about the professors or workload. We rarely received homework yet the teaching style was perfect and translated into real learning, not grades based on assignments. Austria itself is like a playground, with something new to do everyday just around the corner. The staff was extremely nice and supportive and provided snacks everyday which was beloved by all. I can assure you that joining the experience that is provided by this program, you will become a much happier being!

There are no words to describe how incredible my experience with AIFS was in Salzburg, Austria. I never had to question my safety or my education value that was I was receiving with the program. I tell everyone about how amazing and perfect the program was for me. I was able to improve my German in and outside of the classroom. The optional excursions, the field trips with my classes, the interactions with my Austrian professors, and the friends that I made from this program is something I will never forget.

I had so much fun in Salzburg! It was so easy to get used to the city and feel like you know your way around. Groceries were super cheap, and there were lots of Erasmus students to mingle with as well as other AIFS students. The living situation in Institut St. Sebastian was super central and so pretty, especially the roof! The bus system made it so easy to get around, and the train station is also sooo nice, so once I got a eurail pass, travel was quick & easy! All of the professors for my program were also very kind and interesting. Also, the AIFS staff were super attentive and ready to help in any situation, which made me feel safe and supported. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone! Salzburg is wonderful! :)

As a classical voice student, Vienna was the only location that I considered for study abroad. Looking back on it, Vienna was absolutely the best location for me (and for most music students!). Although there was not enough support with the Visa process, the pre-departure staff were generally helpful with choosing internships, housing, and courses. The on-site staff were phenomenal, organizing frequent community-building activities. They did organize some culturally immersive activities (such as matching us with "language buddies"), but I wish there were more. The staff gave us suggestions for additional events, customs, and restaurants to try out in Vienna. The classes were of a high standard. All my professors made an effort to teach me about the culture of Vienna, and we frequently went on cultural excursions. Safety was taken seriously, and I always felt safe in Vienna. The music professors were fabulous, introducing me to new aspects of music history. If I could spent another semester (or year, or years!) in Vienna, I would do so in a heartbeat.

I studied abroad with AIFS in Salzburg, Austria in the Fall 2019 semester, and it completely changed my life! I always knew I wanted to study abroad, but had never been out of the country and didn’t know if I could really handle a whole semester living in a non-English-speaking country. But AIFS provided the perfect level of support; they include health and travel insurance, a meal plan, cultural excursions and activities, on-site staff, and so much more! Whether it was figuring out how to send/receive mail, navigating the healthcare system, or finding ways to get involved in the local community, the on-site AIFS staff was always there for anything I needed. But they also were incredible about allowing all students to shape their experiences however they wanted. This wonderful dichotomy was the perfect balance between challenging myself to figure things out independently, and always feeling like I could go to them with anything I needed. The classes I took at AIFS were so engaging and interesting, and I really got the chance to see how they played out in real life! I took classes in Contemporary Austrian Culture, Art and Architecture History, International Conflicts and Resolution, and German. These courses allowed me to understand the historical and contemporary context that shapes Austrian culture. Not only that, but we were even able to do tours around the city observing different styles of historical architecture and art too! All of the courses that AIFS offered transferred back to my home institution easily, and even counted toward my double minors in German and Government, or for core credits! Salzburg is the perfect place for anyone who wants a more intimate local experience due to its smaller size than other metropolitan areas, and is nestled right in the northern foothills of the Austrian Alps, so there are plenty of great hiking and outdoor adventure opportunities if you’re a nature person! It’s small enough to really get to know the city, but large enough to have everything you could need or want - restaurants, nightlife, museums, shopping malls, etc. Salzburg holds such a special place in my heart, and I owe my amazing experience all to AIFS for guiding me through the process, and allowing me to just focus on having the best time possible. Something else that is unique to the AIFS experience is the level of alumni engagement. Coming back from abroad, I definitely experienced reverse culture shock, and was eager to connect with any of my peers that I could relate to and share stories of my time abroad with. I didn't really find that community at my home campus, but AIFS had so many opportunities to engage with other alumni from different programs and helped me find that community. It's clear the impact an AIFS experience has on people, because even those who studied abroad with AIFS more than 20 years ago still connect with each other through alumni social media pages! I can't recommend studying in Salzburg and going with AIFS enough!

I spent my spring 2019 semester abroad in Vienna, Austria with the IES program and overall found the involvement in the cultural space and the academic environment to stimulate my desire for further learning and personal growth. Lots of food, music, art, and language to learn about and many opportunities for me to develop myself as a person. Overall good experience.

The IES program in Vienna created one of the best experiences I have experienced and will ever experience in my life. The staff was extremely attentive in the process of preparing for study abroad and while in Vienna. They created incredible opportunities for us such as setting up a ski trip to the Alps, provided us with insider information on our new city, and have a hot line to call in at any hour in emergencies. IES really set up a home base for me while studying abroad in Vienna. I lived in an apartment in the 5th district of the city with an easy 20 minute commute to school (Vienna’s public transportation system is so easy). Classes take place in an old palace in the city center between the Opera house and St. Stephen’s cathedral. For many classes I got to tour museums during class period and really learn about art, history, architecture and psychology first-hand. The central location enabled me to explore the ins-and-outs of Vienna on a daily basis after or between classes. The IES program helps make things happen for its students. They make known events such as the film festival at the Rathaus and they help create incredible experiences. They helped us get discounted tickets to an infamous Vienna ball and provided dancing lessons to prepare. I was able to see the dress rehearsal for a world premiere at the State opera house. We were able to have a big Thanksgiving dinner in a traditional countryside tavern. And they helped people get involved with locals through setting up local German language buddies and helping students get internships. The program at IES Vienna creates a community and enables its students to explore and soak up every possible second of the most incredible semester imaginable.

If you are wondering if this program is for you then I have your answer, it is. This program is for everyone regardless of major or interested there is something for everyone in this program. It is well organized and the staff are amazing, they are truly there for your best interests. Vienna is an amazing and easy city to live it.

I loved every second of my time abroad. I was full of anxiety prior to leaving...this was my first “solo” trip away from home and I started second guessing whether or not I was ready for such a big step. Immediately after I stepped off the plane and into Vienna, I was already in love. The fears melted away and from that day forward, I knew I had to come back in the future. The IES staff members were incredibly kind, helpful and encouraging during the whole semester. They were always available for any questions, concerns and for a lending ear if need be. IES truly provides you with all the help you need, so you are never alone in the process. I was very anxious about not knowing any German, especially since I needed to see health doctors during my time there for medical reasons. The IES staff helped me every step of the way and was able to connect me with English-speaking doctors. (Also! You will learn the language very fast while you are there. I was able to learn a good deal of basics through the IES course and was able to communicate in German at a beginner’s conversational level with natives! Not to mention, nearly every Austrian in the cities can speak perfect English.) As a musician, Vienna is dear to the hearts of all classical music lovers. I was able to see some many historical sites including the gravesites of some of the most famous composers (such as Beethoven, Strauss, and Brahms), Brahm’s birthplace, and of course the famous State Opera house (a 2 minute walk from the IES center!). Before this trip, I was feeling rather uninspired musicially and was considering putting my instrument away and pursuing another path. However, after this trip I have found my inspiration again and I cannot be more grateful for that. Thank you IES for such a wonderful experience!

I studied abroad in Salzburg during the Fall 2017 semester and can proudly say that I highly recommend this program with AIFS. Immersing oneself into the city of Salzburg not only makes you feel like you're stepping into a fairytale city, but causes you to realize how much the world has to offer. With AIFS, this immersion was seamless. The courses I took with AIFS and the University of Salzburg were intensive, but not overwhelming. Many courses integrated the city itself as well, with trips to various museums and historic sites throughout the Altstadt. One course I took especially had a great effect on how I view the world surrounding me and the future of my academic career. It has inspired me to pursue a Master's degree, which I also plan to do overseas. The housing options offered by AIFS were incredibly diverse, allowing for each student to have their preference of accommodation style. All accommodations offered were similar, however, in that they were clean, comfortable, and affordable and allowed for a unique opportunity to live in an international environment. In these ways, the lifestyles that these accommodations offered allowed for easy integration into the Salzburg and university communities. Upon arrival, orientation was very comprehensive and answered any and all questions that may have surfaced. The Resident Team in Salzburg was very welcoming, leading to a sense that they truly were our caretakers and leaders. The excursions that they took us on were very well planned and were some of my favorite memories I left my time abroad with. Overall, my experience with AIFS in Salzburg was truly an unforgettable one. I can proudly say that it gave me a new sense of emotional intelligence regarding myself, my future, and my place in the world. I would highly recommend this program to any interested students.

I studied abroad in the fall of 2017 and was able to experience the full immersion of the Austrian culture thanks to my homestay. AIFS worked hand in hand with me from beginning to the end, by helping with course selections all the way until I had my transcript sent to my home university. Having a program that is so easy to work was seen as even more of a plus of the program as many my friends had gone programs that were not all inclusive so they had to make a lot of their arrangements themselves or work with multiple people. I definitely believe that the program structure itself is a great starting point for students to challenge their German, and get to know something outside of what is considered to be normal on their home university's campus. However, while you learn a lot, a large portion of that also comes from a willingness to push yourselves into harder situations so that you can grow through those challenges. If you do happen to find yourself in a predicament that you are unable to get out of yourself, i.e. medical, visa, etc. the on-site staff from AIFS are always able and willing to assist you in whatever ways it may be or direct you to someone who can. They want you to get the most out of the experience and enjoy your time doing so. All in all, if I were to do it all over again, I would choose Salzburg, Austria in a heartbeat with the help of AIFS.