Vienna, Austria

Austria Through the Lens of Sporting Events: Tourism & Hospitality in Vienna

Customizable Global Pathways

Length:

Summer

Disciplines:

Hospitality & Tourism Management, International Business, Management

About the Program

Length: 4 weeks in late May through early June

Explore the dynamic relationship between tourism, hospitality, and sporting events in Vienna, one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural and international destinations. This four-week study abroad program examines how Austria leverages sporting events to attract visitors, strengthen destination identity, and create economic and cultural impact.

Through a combination of academic coursework, site visits, guest lectures, and experiential learning, students will investigate the planning, marketing, management, and long-term legacy of sporting events. Vienna provides an ideal setting for examining these themes, from international competitions and major sporting venues to community-based events and Austria’s broader sports tourism infrastructure.

This experience will give students more than background knowledge—it will help them develop international experience, cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and an understanding of the intersection of tourism, hospitality, and sport, on a global scale.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee the availability of all housing, excursions, cultural events, guest lecturers or tours.

Academics

Academic Program includes:

One faculty-taught course (content TBD by the University, not transcripted through IES Abroad Registrar)
OR
Enrollment in one customized, cohort-only IES Abroad Vienna course, selected in advance by the partner institution (3 credits, taught by IES Abroad-sourced faculty)

Program Components

Classroom Space - IES Abroad Vienna Center:

The IES Abroad Vienna Center, also known as the Palais Harrach, is an elegant palace and architectural landmark in the heart of Vienna, just minutes from many of the museums, theaters, and other major cultural attractions that have bestowed international fame on the city.
Students and faculty members will have access to study and lounge spaces, including a small historical library. Wireless internet is available for use with personal laptops, and students and faculty will be able to use printers and copy machines at the IES Abroad Vienna center.

Guest Lectures:

Program includes three guest lectures focused on the following academic areas: International Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, European Studies, Industrial & Labor Relations, Industrial Management, Marketing, International Relations, History, Cultural Studies, etc. to follow program theme. Distinguished lecturers from IES Abroad Vienna faculty, with backgrounds in these fields and/or industry, offer additional academic enrichment.

Support & Administration

U.S.-Based Customized Program Manager (CPM) and Coordinator (CPC):

Will assist your students in planning and preparing for your program.

Chicago-Based Dean of Students Office and Crisis Management Team:

Available 24/7 in case of serious student emergencies.

Center-Based Staff (Program Manager/Coordinators):

Available 24/7 in case of emergencies. Will be your Center contact for the program and work closely with you to prepare and implement the program. Will accompany students on all IES Abroad-sponsored events.

Enhanced Health & Safety:

Additional predeparture orientations for the cohort prior to arrival on-site. Additional reflection time built into coursework/pre-/post-excursions.

CISI Insurance (Required):

This insurance covers IES Abroad students, faculty, and guests anywhere in the world during the specified program dates. Coverage includes doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, mental health treatment, and prescription drugs.

Orientation & Farewell

Orientation (Required):

Virtual and on-site orientations, including overview of the campus and the city, and comprehensive health and safety.

Walking City Tour:

Program includes a historical city walking tour.

Meals:

Enjoy two delicious meals (Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner) at Vienna's most loved restaurants and traditional wine taverns to build sense of community and cohesion within the cohort.

Transportation

Housing

Student Housing:

Studio apartment in a student residence. Students will live in their own one-room studio apartment with a full-size bed, private bathroom and study space. Other amenities include a gym, Wi-Fi, washers, dryers, bike share, and shared kitchen space. Meals are not included.

Program Leader (Faculty/Staff Housing):

Program leaders are typically housed in self-catering apartments, each with a fully-equipped kitchen. Internet access is available, but not guaranteed. Meals are not included.

Excursions

Site Visits Within City:

Program includes three integrated site visits that bring together academic focus with Vienna's world-renowned attractions. Examples include: Schonbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace & Museums, Viennese Coffee House, Ringstrasse Walking Tour, Hofburg Palace, Prater Amusement Park, University of Vienna, Vienna State Opera, and more.

Field Trips Outside of City:

Program includes one 5-day excursion that will be built into the program that may be linked to the program theme. Accommodations, meals, and activities included. Includes admission to the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo Motorcross event in Eisenerz and the F1 Redbull Ring in Spielberg (official host venue of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix).

Cultural Events:

Program includes one cultural event such as a cooking class, theatre performances, wine estate visits, local hikes, athletic events, concerts and film screenings.