Study Abroad Programs in Vienna, Austria

I had a fantastic time on my semester abroad in Vienna, Budapest, and Belgrade. Based in Vienna, the program took us deep into the heart of European politics, democracy, and diplomatic institutions. Through excellent guest lecturers and site visits, we were introduced to the complexity of Europe. Vienna is a hub of international happenings and a city soaked in history, art, and culture. Staying with a host family was an amazing opportunity to get local knowledge and practice cross-cultural skills. From Vienna, we traveled to Budapest and Belgrade. Through cultural outings, academic discussions, and political events, our knowledge was challenged, changed, and cultivated during the excursions. During the ISP period, I was able to dive deep into the politics of Vienna by exploring the democratic implications of it's excellent public space infrastructure. For anyone interested in international relations, European politics, diplomacy, or democracy, I would highly recommend the program.

I thikn the most worthwhile is when all of us go through things togther and work together the last two days to finish our final project. I think it is a great idea to put a big final projectd combined both art and graphic design

An exceptionally well-designed program through which participants gain valuable experience in sustainable construction. The practical project, site visits, and discussions with experts are particularly valuable. The international environment adds a special charm to everyday activities as well as to enjoying life in Vienna.

Recently, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Vienna with IES Abroad this past spring semester of college. At first, I was a bit skeptical - everything was happening so quickly. I was adjusting to a new environment, meeting new people (and repeating the same introduction over and over), and on top of that, beginning to learn a new language - German. As the semester progressed, I became increasingly grateful to be in Vienna. I met so many wonderful people, many of whom I still stay in touch with, and gained a fresh perspective on many aspects of life. The IES staff were incredibly supportive and fun, and I genuinely enjoyed most of my courses. One of the highlights of my experience was how much I was able to travel, far more than I could have back at my home university. I would absolutely recommend Vienna as a study abroad destination.

From the immersive courses to simulations of country negotiations, I enjoyed every bit of it. learning the history of finance was equally eye-opening, and looking into sustainable systems that are currently working and resolving challenges of sustainability or impact-driven cooperation.

I had the honour to be a part of the Green.Building.Solutions. Summer University in Vienna last year. For three weeks, international students from all around the world came together for a joint study program in Vienna. The program offered a variety of activities, including lectures at the TU Vienna and the BOKU, panel discussions, excursions and evening events. The students' accommodation was located in the beautiful 2nd district, near the Prater (a huge and very beautiful park), in a very lively neighbourhood with many bars, restaurants and coffee shops. After the first two weeks of the program, the students would work on their own projects in groups that were afterwards presented in a beautiful setting at the TU. The project work was supported by architecture professors from TU and various practitioners from different fields who supported the groups with their specific knowledge. All in all, I can only recommend the GBS! We built a wonderful, international community, the staff was very sweet and supportive and the practical work was interesting and productive. Plus, Vienna in summer offers great activities for many different interests and is definitely worth the visit.

I had an incredible experience with the Summer University at GBS. The program fosters critical thinking through outstanding lecturers who cover highly relevant, future-oriented topics. One of the most enriching aspects was the opportunity to connect with people from around the world and gaining insights into how different countries approach the same global challenges in different ways. On top of that, I made friendships across borders that I truly cherish. It was an unique and unforgettable experience that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss!

I could see from the beginning that it will be a very good experience., starting with my application (very precise, detailed and useful information) and the pre-summer school period. There was always someone there to answer my questions, offer support, find solutions to the problems that came up or even remind me of the deadlines. And most of all, there was so much understanding when there were delays from my part. Everything offered in the summer school was useful to me. The experience itself was rich. First of all, there was the location - Vienna is such a beautiful city, noone should miss it! Then there was everything that was made available for us, as a group - all the presentations, workshops, excursions, educational, cultural and leisurely activities. The teaching methods were something that I, for one, have never experienced before. The organizing team did a really good job. It was like a feast. I only wish I could have gone without sleep, in order to make use even more of everything that was just laid out for us... and of course, I wish it lasted longer!

Participating in the Green Building Summer School in Austria was an incredible experience. I had the chance to connect with students and academics from around the world, expanding my network in meaningful ways. Being immersed in Viennese culture - commuting like a local, discovering hidden gems, and learning in such a vibrant city made the experience even more rewarding. The program offered a rich look at both current practices and future innovations in green and sustainable building, and I left feeling inspired and energized. I would highly recommend this program to any students interested in making the built environment a more sustainable place

The best study abroad program I have done till now - unlike many other programs it was perfectly organised - all the information was delivered to us in advance, lots of activities planned for the students. The courses and lectures were extremely informative, perfect for someone who wants to get to know all the aspects of the environment and green building. I recommend it to all my friends!

Participating in the Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems (AEMS) program in Vienna was an incredible experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in a truly global environment, surrounded by brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds, all eager to explore innovative economic and sustainability concepts. One of the most rewarding aspects of AEMS was the opportunity to connect with participants from all over the world. These connections went beyond networking—they fostered meaningful exchanges of ideas, cultural perspectives, and lifelong friendships. The collaborative spirit of the program created an inspiring atmosphere where discussions about alternative economic models were not just theoretical but practical and applicable to real-world challenges. The content of the program was equally impactful. The sessions, led by experts and academics, provided deep insights into sustainable economic systems, monetary reform, and climate-friendly policies. What made AEMS unique was its emphasis on how we can apply these concepts in different contexts, making the knowledge gained not just valuable but also actionable. Overall, AEMS Vienna was an enriching experience that broadened my perspective and reinforced my commitment to sustainable economic solutions. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of alternative economic systems while building a global network of like-minded individuals.

I was thrilled to be part of this amazing experience in the summer of 2017 after being awarded a partial scholarship. I had one of the most memorable times of my life and still reminisce from some of the moments I had with people from all over the world. I enjoyed the group sessions we had (the disagreements as well, LOL!), the sightseeing activities and the bonding we had. Looking forward to visiting Austria some time soon and maybe dropping by the summer school. I am forever grateful for this experience and looking forward to connecting with some of my colleagues some time in the future.

I had an amazing time abroad in Vienna! The IES staff are so resourceful, and the people I met have been incredible. The professors are great, and there were so many opportunities for different activities outside the classroom in our free time.

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 someone who's studied abroad multiple times, I was beyond excited to participate in a program closer to home! Initially, I wanted to come out of the experience with a little bit better Serbian, and some new friends and experiences! Upon completing the program, I realized I got those and much more! During my three and a half months in Serbia, I had an incredible host family and gained relationships I hope to foster for life. My favorite part of the program was its internship component, which allowed me to connect with the local culture more by interning at a local organization that perfectly fits into what I want to do in the future!

I participated in this program during the spring 2024 semester. I had never been to Europe prior to the program, and was unfamiliar with the Balkan region aside from some historical context. During the program I gained invaluable perspective on the region and Europe, experienced the culture first-hand through day-to-day life and my host family, and made lifelong friendships. I really enjoyed the excursion aspect of the program where we got to visit other countries and learn comparatively. I would recommend this program to any student interested in expanding their studies internationally and eager to step outside their comfort zone!

There was a great variety of lectures. Lecturers had a lot of different backgrounds and shared their real life knowledge. We did a lot of simulation games were we gathered own experiences how it feels to be in certain economic situations where you have to make decisions. The location and facilities were also very nice! And Vienna is always worth a visit.

Studying abroad will always remain one of the best decisions I will have ever taken during my college career. It was an opportunity for me to learn about myself more. I am already an international student in the USA at the University of the South, and at first I did not know I needed to expand my horizons by participating in the Study Abroad Program as well. I am so grateful that when I did, I chose IES Abroad Vienna! The IES Abroad Vienna Team is very organized and super interactive. It has been nothing short of a blessing for me. The classes were awesome, and the professors are excellent, they remain part of my connections today! My experience in Vienna has been rewarding, educational, transformative, and most of all, FUN! I am super grateful that I went to study abroad in Vienna with IES!

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 spent my fall semester of 2022 in Vienna, and I can safely say it changed my life. Each day I would wake up excited to see what was coming next. IES Vienna gave the opportunity to explore not only Vienna, but Austria as a whole. I attended the Psychology and Social Sciences program as a psychology major, and I had the chance to take courses that were not offered at my home school, such as Psychology and Society in Vienna and the Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination. These classes met usually once a week at the IES Abroad Center, in the 1st district, near Stephansdom. I also had an intensive German class that met 3 times a week; I had taken German before so I was placed in a higher German class, but I heard from friends that they benefitted greatly from intro German classes. I lived in the 2nd district, in a studio apartment with a shared kitchen. The shared kitchen let me connect with new friends from IES while still having a space to go back to that was my own. The commute from the 2nd district to the 1st for class was about 15 minutes, and the IES Vienna staff walked us through it the first time. I appreciated this as someone who had never lived in a city before. IES staff were incredibly welcoming and easy to talk to; they helped with everything from housing issues to personal issues, and were a great resource to better understand the culture of Austria. IES also offered trips around Austria, such as to places like Wachau (the wine region) and Graz, as well as the legendary ski trip in the Austrian Alps. I also had the opportunity during the week-long break to travel around other parts of Austria with a friend - we toured Salzburg, Vorarlberg, and Innsbruck, and were able to do it all by train. Overall, I saw as much of Austria as I could, and I grew as a person in ways I could not have imagined. I had the time of my life and would do it again in a heartbeat.