Academic Year Study Abroad Programs in Salzburg, 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.

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

My semester abroad in Granada, Spain was absolutely unforgettable. I decided to stay with a host family and I lived in their home with another student in the same program. Living with a roommate, we became really close friends. My host family was so kind and welcoming, they included us in everything they did. I learned so much Spanish culture and tradition from spending time with the family. The school was called Center of Modern Languages and I had a mixture of Spanish and Business classes. I loved speaking Spanish in class and getting to know other students. AIFS provided a level placement test at the beginning of the semester so that everyone found courses that were appropriate for their knowledge of Spanish. The classes were very fun and I enjoyed going to class. The AIFS program excursions were some of the best experiences/trips that I went on. I was blown away by the Morocco trip as well as the Seville/Córdoba/Gibraltar weekend. The trips were well planned, affordable, and allowed for free time to explore with friends. I made so many connections with locals, got to experience once in a lifetime activities like riding camels next to the ocean, and tried amazing foods. The program application process was hassle-free and the program advisors in Granada are so helpful. I would often visit their office and just chat with them or ask their advice on where to visit on the weekend. They organized cooking classes, art classes, sporting events, and cultural activities like a flamenco show. Granada is such a wonderful city. It is very walkable and the people are very friendly. There are endless tapas bars in the city where you get free food with each drink purchase. I made friends with lots of locals and other students from across the US. I attended exchange club meetings where you get drinks and tapas, and you chat in whatever language you are trying to learn with people from around the world. AIFS did a wonderful job providing opportunities for all of the students in the program to get to know each other. I made a close-knit group of friends and we spent so much time together. I am so thankful for having met them thanks to AIFS. We even visited each other once we arrived back in the US! I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Spain on a more personal scale compared to bigger cities. I think Granada is the most beautiful city, and the Alhambra is a must-see!

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.

Berlin is a really wonderful and historic city to live in. My German is basically nonexistent and I still felt like I was able to get around fine. The AIFs staff are very supportive, and the organized actives were well structured and thought out. If you weren’t interested in some or all of the activities, you didn’t have to participate and there was plenty of time to do your own thing around Berlin or travel throughout Europe. I didn’t particularly enjoy my academic experience at Humboldt, there were a few good classes but also a few really awful ones. So, if I could do it again I would probably do the AIFS program with Freie Universität academic program.

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!

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! :)

My colleague and I have had the pleasure of accompanying 21 amazing humans on a 3 month journey that will most certainly change them for the rest of their lives. Thank you to AIFS for sharing Rome with us and attending to every detail that made this an experience that will live with us eternally. The AIFS Rome center staff were excellent in providing impactful excursions, extra-curricular courses, and ensuring that all of us were well informed and provided for in every part of our journey.

I had a lovely time here, although it was not without flaws. The amenities were not great especially considering how much we paid to be here. The company guilt tripped and body shamed us. But I made innumerable new friends and had experiences that I will cherish forever.

Very nice experience, learned a lot. People I’ve met here are now friends I will still be in contact with. The internship was where I learned new skills and networked with people within the fashion industry and got inspired by being here abroad

I definitely had a really exciting and wonderful trip. There were a few aspects like traveling and staying at more cities besides just Salzburg would have been a lot more fun. But the tours and field trips were absolutely incredible and the people who showed us around were amazing! Loved to see the history and beauty all over

From arrival to departure, AIFS made my study abroad experience a 11/10. Great staff through and through allowed for a complete cultural assimilation in the time I spent there. It was the experience of a lifetime that I would recommend to everyone.

AIFS was definitely the right choice for me and I think it will be for anyone else seriously considering study abroad. From the moment I signed up for emails (before applying) to now (over a year out from leaving Germany), I have felt so supported and have had a lovely experience. The included trips and activities were definitely my favorite parts (the street art tour and cooking class especially!) and I’m still in contact with our Resident Director, Nele :)

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 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.