Vienna – Psychology & Social Sciences

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

Psychology and Sociology Study Tours (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.

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). 

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. 

Many countries are requiring proof of vaccination to access public and private spaces, such as restaurants, libraries, museums, festivals, sporting events, and other indoor spaces or gatherings of people. In some cases, students will be required to obtain a “Green Pass” or other health pass as official proof of vaccination, which is required upon entry to many locations. We will provide more information about your host country’s entry and green pass requirements prior to your departure through the Predeparture Information and virtual orientation sessions.

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.

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. 

Options for Spring 2022 include:

• Shared Apartment with Other Students
• Single Studio Apartment
• Private Residence Hall (additional fee applies)

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

Psychology and Sociology Study Tours (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.