Music Study Abroad Programs in Vienna, Austria

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!

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.