Personal Development
This exchange was a wonderful experience which developed my self confidence, people-skills and independence. I loved living alone for the first time and navigating a brand new city by myself. I also made long term friendships with people from all over the world and even some Australians i wouldn't have otherwise met. I know i'll have a place to stay with them when i travel next! Travelling to Austria, i was really nervous about the language barrier and had taught myself German completing 100 days on duolingo. While i couldn't really sustain a conversation, it is still a new skill i'm glad i'm more familiar with!
Academic Development
Since the course was offered in English to people all over the world, as a native English's speaker i was actually really well positioned to exceed academically. The classes were engaging, and although it was challenging to juggle daily readings and exploring the city, i learnt a lot about 20th Century European history, psychoanalysis, and literature. The course was also really intense beginning with 2 long orientation days, 5 days, a weekend off, and another 5 days. There's a lot of content and it is tiring, but i loved the academic balance i found with friends in the afternoon and uni work in the evenings.
Professional Development
By engaging with peers of all ages, from across the world, i believe i gained great interpersonal skills, aiding my employability. In the future, i also now have the confidence to live and work overseas which will expand my opportunities.
Budget
I spent $1800 on accommodation, $100 public transport, about $40 on food everyday, about $200 on souvenirs, and $2500 on flights (covered by my scholarship). I also spent extra for my solo travel for 2 weeks beforehand.
I really appreciated the funding i received as it eased the burden of my accommodation and allowed me to buy better food and more museum tickets and enjoy the culture of it all.
Accommodation
Since there was no on campus accommodation, all of the students were scattered across the city mostly in hostels. Since we had to study, i knew i needed a quiet study space, so booked an airbnb really close to the uni. I was so happy with the decision and think it was 100% worth the extra expense. I could also cook for myself too.
Highlight
A highlight of my study experience was meeting friends over the welcome weekend and attending a guided tour at Schönbrunn Palace! I felt so incredibly lucky to have the chance to visit such a historic site and learn about the history of the Habsburg Monarchy in the weeks to come.
Advice/Top Tips
Learn some helpful German phrases, find local grocery shops to reduce costs, go out for lunch with friends after class, and plan a weekend in Salzburg, Budapest, Bratislava or Prague over the free weekend! I went to Bratislava on a Friday afternoon with my friend just a 2h train out from Vienna and had the best time! Also, try to avoid booking accommodation in a hostel dorm - get a private room or an airbnb for more privacy. Also, you should go to Vienna's greenhouse and state library!
