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Vienna - Music
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. We offer unique courses that explore Austrian History, Culture, Art, and many other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors, as well as course options at prestigious local universities, enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day both in and out of class.
You take 15–19 credit hours per semester, and all courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified. Language courses are taught in German, and all other courses are taught in English, unless otherwise noted. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week.
If you have taken fewer than two years of college-level German or the equivalent, you enroll in English-taught IES Abroad courses. If you have advanced-level German language proficiency, you may enroll in a combination of German- and English taught courses or all German-taught IES Abroad courses. If your German is at an advanced level, and scheduling allows, you can enroll in partner university courses.
You create your academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:
- IES Abroad German course (required, 4 credits)
- IES Abroad Music courses (at least one required, 3-4 credits)
- IES Abroad area studies courses (3 credits)
- Please see the European Society & Culture Program page for additional course options
- German-taught courses at local university (3 credits)
- IES Abroad Internship or Field Experience (includes internship/field experience seminar, 3 credits)
Music Performance Workshop
A special feature of the program is the Music Performance Workshop, a course designed to offer instrumentalists and vocalists the opportunity to expand their repertoire and enhance their performance skills. Interested students submit a special application and audition on-site to be admitted to the workshop. As part of the Music Performance Workshop, you can enjoy the following features:
- Student participation in weekly in-class performances of chamber music and solo repertoire
- Emphasis on vocal/instrumental chamber ensembles, opera theater (including Viennese operetta), and German Lied
- An ensemble instructor to help prepare your group in performing works of chamber music
- An in-house pianist/accompanist/coach to help in preparing repertoire
- Performing in Performance Workshop recitals in our Rococo concert hall
- Guest lectures and masterclasses with internationally renowned performing artists
Auditions
Music Performance Workshop auditions are usually held during the first or second week of your stay in Vienna. This is an opportunity for every performer to perform for everyone else; it gives the music department faculty a chance to assess your artistry and technical proficiency and lets all the musicians start to develop a sense of working together. That, after all, is the point of the Workshop: creating music with one another in a rich learning environment.
Additional Program Features
- Private Lessons – Take partially-reimbursed music lessons for credit with instructors from some of the top orchestras and music schools in Vienna (see MS391 Individual Performance Studies syllabus).
- Practice Rooms – Numerous practice rooms are available at the IES Abroad Center and at nearby facilities.
- Concert and Recitals – As a Performance Studies student, you can perform a selection of works during a group concert and can also present your own recital during the course of the semester.
- Concert Hall - IES Abroad Vienna boasts its own performance space - a beautiful Rococo concert hall with outstanding acoustics and a 50-person seating capacity. The space, which has two grand pianos and a harpsichord, serves as the venue for student concerts and recitals.
- Our Steinway D - Measuring just under nine-feet long and finished in polished ebony, our grandest-of-grand pianos was manufactured in Hamburg, Germany, around 1926. It has been painstakingly restored by one of the top piano technicians and restorers in the business. Truly one of the great concert instruments in the world, our Steinway is not only a joy to hear, but gives you the opportunity to play an instrument of the highest caliber.
- Field Study Excursions - You attend events such as rehearsals of leading ensembles in Vienna, visits to music-related historical sites like the homes of Mozart and Beethoven, and guided tours of famous music venues and museums in the city.
- Instrument Storage – A limited number of lockers are available at the Center, allowing you to bring your own musical instrument to Vienna and avoid rental fees.
- Instruments – A contrabass and an F tuba are available for rental directly from the Center; other instruments are available from local rental companies.
- Guest Speakers - Professional musicians and other guests provide a series of modules on topics including the Alexander Technique, auditioning for Euopean houses or ensembles, sound and recording, early music, and personal performance experiences.
Note for Clarinet, Oboe, Horn, and Percussion instrumentalists
The clarinet, oboe, and horn as taught and played in Vienna have a different construction and require a different technique than found in the U.S. However, IES Abroad maintains contact with instructors that teach and play in both traditions, so lessons are not a problem. You can view this as a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge of the instrument. Percussion studies in Vienna are particularly distinct from in the U.S. IES Abroad does not encourage timpani or percussion students to pursue their studies in Vienna unless they are particularly willing to overcome this complication. The same applies to most areas of jazz, computer, and popular music.
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account.
In addition to your program’s specified coursework, you can take any of the area studies courses offered through our European Society & Culture Program. Please see this page for additional course offerings.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/MS 271 - History of Jazz | Fall | English | 3 |
| EU/CU/MS 351 - Opera History 1: Beginnings through the Classical Period | Fall | English | 3 |
| EU/CU/MS 352 - Opera History 2: Romantic Through Modern | Spring | English | 3 |
| IN/CU 395 - Supervised Arts and Culture Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN/ED 395 - Supervised Teaching Field Experience | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/CU/MS 351 - Opera History 1: Beginnings through the Classical Period | Fall | English | 3 |
| EU/CU/MS 352 - Opera History 2: Romantic Through Modern | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GR 101 - German Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 201 - German Language in Context: Novice Abroad III | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 301 - German Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 351 - German Language in Context: Independent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 401 - German Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 403 - German Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad III | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 451 - German Language in Context: Competent Abroad | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| IB/GR 333 - Wirtschaftsdeutsch / Let's Talk Business | Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB 365 - Global Supply Chain Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IB/GR 333 - Wirtschaftsdeutsch / Let's Talk Business | Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN/CU 395 - Supervised Arts and Culture Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IN/ED 395 - Supervised Teaching Field Experience | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IN/MS 395 - Internship: Music Research | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 281 - Vienna 1900: Literature in the Modern Metropolis | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT 382 - Responses to the Holocaust in Literature | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MR 305 - Principles Of Sound: Recording And Room Acoustics For Musicians | Fall, Spring | English | 2 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/PS 320 - Political Psychology | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO/PS 320 - Political Psychology | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
Universität Wien
www.univie.ac.at
Enrolling approximately 90,000 students, the Universität Wien offers a wide variety of courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. The University boasts recognized academic strengths in Germanic Studies, Political Science, and Theology. Founded in 1365, the Universität Wien is one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Courses
Listed below is the broad range of disciplines available at the University. Advanced-level German language skills are required to enroll in courses.
For specific course offerings, visit the Universität Wien website, and click “Blättern” to browse options. Please note that course offerings vary from semester to semester.
- Business & Economics
- Chemistry
- Computer Sciences
- Earth Sciences, Geography & Astronomy
- History & Culture Studies
- Law
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Molecular Biology
- Musicology
- Philology & Culture Studies
- Philosophy & Pedagogy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sports Science & Sports
- Theology
- Translation
Internships
Did you know that, while in Vienna, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
- Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
- Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
- Experience what working in Vienna is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
- Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. Proficiency in German language is not required for the Education Field Experience or Public Service internships, but is recommended for Music Research, Arts & Culture, and Business internships.
Personalized Job Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the ideal placement that satisfies your interests and goals. We’ve placed student with a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If we don’t currently offer placements in your field of interest, we will look for one that’s right for you.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always looking for new internship opportunities for our students.
- Music Research Internships — Experience an inside view of the professional activities of a musicologist and deepen your knowledge of music history by assisting a faculty member with his/her research. Duties may include conducting research online and in Vienna's research facilities and archives, managing databases, and attending local talks and conferences. A limited number of placements are available. Music research internships may require competency in German.
- Arts & Culture Internships — The arts and culture internship offers first-hand experience and involvement in Austrian cultural institutions (including museums and theaters), businesses, and service organizations engaged in the fields of arts, culture, and entertainment in Austria. Proficiency in German may be required for certain placements.
- Business Internships — Apply foreign language skills while building an international résumé. Proficiency in German may be required for certain placements.
- Education Field Experience — Supervised teaching involves 30 hours of teaching English in selected Viennese secondary schools. Students attend lectures once a week on the structure and function of the Austrian school system and comparative teaching methods. Proficiency in German is not required.
- Public Service Internships — Supervised public service internships involve 30 hours of work with environmental, social, medical, and charitable organizations. Proficiency in German is not required.
Field Trips & Events
Although your adventure begins in Vienna, our field trips take you to other great cities in Austria and beyond to provide contrast and context for what you are learning in Vienna. These trips are partially subsidized by IES Abroad. Past destinations are listed below.
Austrian Alps
3 days | Fall & Spring
Enjoy the skiing and the breathtaking scenery!
Wachau
1 day | Fall & Spring
Visit the famous Melk Abbey.
Styria Tour
2 days | Fall & Spring
Tour this Austrian region known for its delicious wines and vineyards.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Program-Related Trip*
Musical Tour Through Austria and Germany
4 days | Fall & Spring
Covering relevant course material and complemented by resident experts in music history, you will visit the homes and haunts of some of the greatest composers of the 19th century. The tour starts in Upper Austria and Salzkammergut (Bruckner, Mahler, and Brahms), then heads to Salzburg (Mozart). From here, we go to Germany, where we will visit Wagner’s home in Bayreuth and the famous Festival House.
*Starting Fall 2019
Course-Related Trips
IES Abroad Vienna also organizes course-related trips that complement IES Abroad courses and help you build your general knowledge of Austrian culture and society. Past trips have included:
- Classical music concerts and operas
- Museums, gardens, and historic homes
- Theater performances
Further, you attend events such as the rehearsals of leading ensembles in Vienna, visits to music-related historical sites like the homes of Mozart and Beethoven, and guided tours of famous music venues and museums in the city.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Vienna is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
Orientation
Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Vienna staff, your fellow students, and the city of Vienna. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, and health and safety are also covered. Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
During the first few weeks following orientation, you spend half of each day in intensive German language instruction. The rest of the time is spent in academic advising, lectures on contemporary Europe, Austria, and Vienna, and tours of Vienna and the surrounding area.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Vienna, it will feel like home.
Shared Apartments – You have the option to live in an apartment that houses between three and six students. Some apartments may be set aside for students interested in taking a language pledge and speaking only in German while at home.
Single Studio Apartments - You have the option to live on your own in a single studio apartment. This option carries an additional cost.
Housing with Local Residents – You have the opportunity to live with one or more IES Abroad students and an Austrian landlady/landlord or Resident Assistant.
Residence Halls – Allowing you to live among Austrian and international students, residence halls feature double rooms with a shared bath. This option carries an additional cost.
In all options, you have full access to kitchen facilities for preparing meals, which are not included in the program fee. All housing options include free Internet access.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Vienna through our cultural events, such as:
- City tours
- Museum visits
- Theater and opera events
- Extracurricular sporting activities through the Universitätssportinstitut (for a minimal fee)
Get to Know Your New City
Experience an Opera at the Wiener Staatsoper
Students have the incredible opportunity to see world-class opera performances for only a few euros.
Relax Along the Danube Canal
Enjoy the late afternoon sun while you take in the tranquility of this waterway.
Visit a Museum or Two on a Rainy Day
Whether you’re into classic or modern art, history, science, architecture, or nearly anything else, at least one of the 100+ museums of Vienna will interest you.
Ride the Praterturm at Prater Park
The “Prater Tower” is the highest swing ride in the world, providing both thrills and spectacular views of the city!
Sip Wine at an Authentic Heuriger
These Viennese wine taverns serve locally-produced wines and snacks to thirsty and hungry patrons who sit at long picnic tables.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Clarence & Alberta Giese Endowed Scholarship
In September 1950, 23 American students boarded the SS Volendam to begin their journey to Vienna where they would spend the next year living and studying in the Austrian capital. Paul Koutny, an idealistic Austrian student who envisioned the project together with Clarence and Alberta Giese, who were two of the original 23 students, launched the Institute for European Studies -- now IES Abroad -- from these humble beginnings. “The Clarence and Alberta Giese Endowed Scholarship” honors the Gieses and was established in recognition of the 60th anniversary of IES Abroad in 2010.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Vienna, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Vienna Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Vienna experience.
Also known as the Palais Corbelli, the IES Abroad Vienna Center is an elegant, early 18th-century palace in the heart of the city and is just minutes from many of the museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions that have bestowed international fame on Vienna.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad classes in the Center’s classrooms
- Relax in the lovely student lounge
- Music students can take advantage of the practice rooms, recording studio, and instrument storage
- Enjoy a student concert (or perform in one!) in the rococo concert hall, featuring a Steinway D
Other features include WiFi, printer access, computer lab, and a small library.
Our Staff
Morten Solvik, Ph.D.
Center Director
An international scholar, Dr. Solvik holds a Ph.D. in Musicology from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Music and Intellectual History from Cornell University. Born in Norway, he speaks Norwegian, German, and English fluently, and uses French as a research language.
Dr. Solvik was instrumental in setting up the IES Abroad Vienna Music Program, which he has coordinated since 1999, and has also designed and taught numerous courses in Music History. In addition to his work with IES Abroad Vienna, Dr. Solvik has served as lecturer at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst (The University for Music and Performing Arts). His teaching and administrative experience is augmented by his active and productive scholarly career as an expert on Gustav Mahler.
IES Abroad Vienna Staff
Ginte Stankeviciute, M. Sc.
Academics Manager
Katherine Mawdsley
Special Programs Manager
Meral Kölblinger
Living in Vienna Coordinator
Mathias Schmerbach
Accounting and Business Operations
Tobias Sigmund
Student Services Manager
Kaja Ciupinska
Events & Trips Coordinator
Kaja Seruga
Summer Internship Assistant
Matt Schreiber
Program Assistant
Ben Wyatt
Program Assistant
Marija Milosavljevic
Program Assistant
Dieter Strobl
Facilities and IT Manager
Gavin Lord
Health and Safety Coordinator
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Fall 2021
We all know that Fall 2021 is going to look a bit different from other study abroad terms, but that doesn’t mean it still won’t be the most incredible semester of your life!
We’re working hard to keep you safe and well, so you can focus on what you came to do—live and learn abroad (and have some fun along the way!). Below is a summary of the main tweaks to the program this semester, which may be updated as more details become known. You can learn even more about our measures for all programs on our Fall 2021 Health & Safety page.
Academics
All of your courses this fall will be taught by world-class IES Abroad faculty at our Center, many of whom also teach or have taught at renowned, international universities.
Explore all the course options for our IES Abroad course syllabi on the “Academics” tab.
Health & Safety Protocols
We’re making sure that your learning experience is a safe one so you can focus on the topic at hand. So, to enhance effective social/physical distancing, IES Abroad is taking proactive measures in the classroom, including:
- limiting class enrollment sizes limitations
- adjusting space layout and room choice
- and promoting student/faculty use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Learn more about our health and safety measures for Fall 2021.
Vaccines & Daily Life
Higher education institutions in Austria are following the 3-G Rule: Getestet, Geimpft, Genesen (Tested, Vaccinated, Recovered). This means that, in order to attend in-person classes, students have to:
- Get tested via an Antigen test (valid for 48 hours) or a PCR test (valid for 72 hours),
- Be vaccinated,
- Or show proof of recovery/proof of anti-bodies within the last 6 months.
If you are not vaccinated, this 3-G Rule means that you will need to be tested 2-3 times per week. This not only applies to in-person classes, but will likely also be required if you wish to eat at restaurants, attend cultural events and more. In other words, unless you wish to be tested frequently, proof of vaccination will likely be required for many aspects of your daily life in Vienna. Also, as the situation continues to change, vaccination or recent testing may be the only approved documentation moving forward.
Housing
You’ll stay in a clean, comfortable apartment where we’ve taken the utmost safety measures. At this time, homestays will not be offered through IES Abroad programs this fall. Learn more about the overarching housing policies for Fall 2021.
Field Trips
Across all IES Abroad programs, field trips will stay local and regional this fall. Your fields trips will all take place in Austria, which means you’ll get fully immersed in the culture(s) you came for! Possible trips include:
- Day trip to Semmering
- Wachau
Program-Related Trip
Tours in Music (4 day trips)
As an enhancement to your coursework, you will take four day trips experiencing sites that explore Austrian culture and reflect the disciplinary focus of your program. IES Abroad faculty and local experts will guide you through the location, provide vital insights, and answer your questions in a variety of experiential opportunities.
Internships
Our optional, part-time internships have always been designed to give you experience in what it's really like to work in Vienna. For Fall 2021, we’re working hard to be able to offer opportunities that align with our health and safety standards. We will do our best to provide you with a part-time internship this fall—definitely virtually and potentially in-person—to help you gain a professional edge this semester.
Our Center
Our Center in Vienna is your go-to spot for classes, student services, and information. Serving as your campus away from campus, you can feel safe going to class or checking in with an IES Abroad staff member because, at a minimum, IES Abroad Centers will undergo regular cleaning and disinfection by professional cleaning services.
Cost
Cost details for Fall 2021 can be found on the Cost tab. Be sure to click through the linked total to view a thorough cost breakdown PDF. Consider those prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Go Ahead & Get Started…With a Refund Policy that has your Back
As a mission-driven, not-for-profit, we are guided by two priorities as we navigate Fall 2021: to leave the door open for your opportunity to study abroad, and to strive to keep you safe and healthy. So, what’s our advice? Give yourself the chance to have an incredible adventure—even if it’s a bit different than planned!—and know we’re right alongside you as the details unfold.
And thanks to our Fall 2021 Refund Policy, there’s no commitment just yet. What’s more, once you start an application, you’ll be in the loop and hear directly from us if any changes are made to your program.
Spring 2022
Looking ahead to Spring 2022, there will likely be some aspects of the pandemic that we are still navigating—and that’s okay! Program details may need to pivot as conditions shift, but throughout that experience our commitment to do right by you will guide the way. While it might look different from other study abroad terms, that doesn’t mean Spring 2022 won’t be the most incredible semester of your life!
We’re working hard to keep you safe and well, so you can focus on what you came to do—live, learn, and have some fun abroad. Below is a summary of the main tweaks to the program this semester, which may be updated as more details become known. You can learn even more about our measures for all programs on our Spring 2022 Health & Safety page.
Academics & Partner Universities
All your courses this spring will be taught by world-class IES Abroad faculty at our Center, many of whom also teach or have taught at renowned, international universities. For Spring 2022, partner university courses will not be offered. Explore all the courses you may be able to choose from this spring on the "Academics" tab. A finalized list will be posted here closer to preregistration.
Health & Safety Protocols
Starting this spring, IES Abroad will require that students participating in our study abroad programs and in-person internship programs abroad be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of their program. Read more in our Vaccine Policy.
We’re making sure that your learning experience is a safe one so you can focus on the topic at hand. IES Abroad is taking proactive measures based on the local health and safety guidelines of your study abroad location. As more information for Vienna becomes available, we will provide updates here and in your predeparture guide, which you’ll gain access to after applying. In the meantime, review safety measures we have taken with students this fall, some of which may extend into your experience.
- limiting class enrollment sizes
- adjusting space layout and room choice
- and promoting student/faculty use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
We know stepping into the unknown is part of your study abroad experience but know that you’re never alone and we’ll always have your back.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—previous examples include social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel, and apartment or residence hall housing rather than homestays that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary. These may change by term, so be sure to check back.
Vaccines & Daily Life
Higher education institutions in Austria are following the 3-G Rule: Getestet, Geimpft, Genesen (Tested, Vaccinated, Recovered). This means that, in order to attend in-person classes, students have to:
- Get tested via an Antigen test (valid for 48 hours) or a PCR test (valid for 72 hours),
- Be vaccinated,
- Or show proof of recovery/proof of anti-bodies within the last 6 months.
If you are not vaccinated, this 3-G Rule means that you will need to be tested 2-3 times per week. This not only applies to in-person classes, but will likely also be required if you wish to eat at restaurants, attend cultural events and more. In other words, unless you wish to be tested frequently, proof of vaccination will likely be required for many aspects of your daily life in Vienna. Also, as the situation continues to change, vaccination or recent testing may be the only approved documentation moving forward.
Housing
You’ll stay in a clean, comfortable unit in a private student residence where we’ve taken the utmost safety measures, including single occupancy rooms as needed. Learn more about the overarching housing policies for Spring 2022.
Field Trips
So much of the study abroad learning experience happens outside of the classroom. Our field trips and course-related excursions help you explore the ins and outs of your city and local region, adding real-life context to what you’ve read about in textbooks for years. Possible trips include:
- Day trip to Semmering
- Wachau
Program-Related Trip
Tours in Music (4 day trips)
As an enhancement to your coursework, you will take four day trips experiencing sites that explore Austrian culture and reflect the disciplinary focus of your program. IES Abroad faculty and local experts will guide you through the location, provide vital insights, and answer your questions in a variety of experiential opportunities.
Part-Time Internships
Our optional, part-time internships have always been designed to give you experience in what it's really like to work in Vienna. For Spring 2022, while you’re living and studying on-site, internships may be completely online, a hybrid virtual/in-person experience, or completely in-person. It depends on a variety of factors, including country and employer-specific protocols. This uncertainty is something that every employee around the world has had to navigate in the wake of COVID-19, and it all adds to the real-life experience you’ll gain from working overseas! One thing is for sure, though—enrolling in an internship this spring will help you gain a professional edge.
Our Center
Our Center in Vienna is your go-to spot for classes, student services, and information. Serving as your campus away from campus, you can feel safe going to class or checking in with an IES Abroad staff member because, at a minimum, IES Abroad Centers will undergo regular cleaning and disinfection by professional cleaning services.
Cost
Cost details for Spring 2022 can be found on the “Cost” tab. Be sure to click through the linked total to view a thorough cost-breakdown PDF. Consider those prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other considerations.
Go Ahead & Get Started…With a Refund Policy that has your Back
As a mission-driven, not-for-profit, we are guided by two priorities as we navigate Spring 2022: to leave the door open for your opportunity to study abroad, and to strive to keep you safe and healthy. So, what’s our advice? Give yourself the chance to have an incredible adventure—even if it’s a bit different than planned!—and know we’re right alongside you as the details unfold.
And thanks to our Spring 2022 Refund Policy, there’s no commitment just yet. What’s more, once you start an application, you’ll be in the loop and hear directly from us if any changes are made to your program.
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