Universität Wien (UNIVIE)

Food and accomodations in universities in the states are probably the most expensive anywhere- dining hall meal plan is ridiculous in itself, so these things were cheaper in Vienna. Phone bills were of course worse since I had to talk to my mom, whom I'm very close to, internationally (only once a week though). Nightlife was probably more expensive because I simply went out more in Europe than in the states- it was more interesting to me to go out there- movies are also more expensive (not by much though). Travel was of course more expensive because the opportunity to travel to other countries is so available- where would I go in Maryland- Delaware? There is expensive shopping in Vienna- shoes, clothes; so it is possible to make the time hear outrageous if you are shopper. I am not at all so I could be thrifty and happy. I did know some unfortunate souls who couldn't stay away from Mariahilferstrasse (main shopping street) for more than a day. Travel I was thrifty with too- not by choice but because I didn't have cash most of the time to go anywhere. By the way, most people who study abroad do- I didn't know that until my fellow Americans were gone for jaunts to Paris or Amsterdam on a pretty regular basis. God bless you if that's you, but my ass was in Vienna staring at my Bulgarian roommate most of the time- which though difficult at times, made my experience fabulous, much more authentic than if I had all the dough to leave when I wanted.

Any doubts I had about being there (I was very scared and doubting in the beginning) were a waste of time, and every moment during that year was worth its weight in gold.

Definitely stay two semesters if possible. The reason is that, if you're like me, the first will be very much getting used to things- if I had left after that semester I'd have missed out on the best part, and seeing the city go through seasons and weather changes- it's the best way- especially in Vienna- Viennese are conservative and rather cold the weather can get very gray and cold. You need to stay to get the jewel under that exterior.

My university basically told me to try and find courses in Vienna that sounded comparable to courses offered at my home university (U of Maryland) which I still needed to take. This didn't really work though- I didn't find too much that was comparable, and if it was, it was very difficult for me as a foreigner to pass (even Austrians struggled to pass these courses). If I had to do it again, I'd go 1-2 weeks before classes to meet people and really research the courses and communicate with home university about what is being offered. I'd visit professors and explain to them that you are an exchange student and get an overview from them about their course.

My education there was mainly through courses focused at students whose second language is German; otherwise, I found it to be pretty impossible. I would recommend finding as many courses focused at exchange/foreign students and get credits transferred through these. Stay away from courses where you're the only one not from Austria- maybe I'm an exception, but I thought they were pretty freakin hard, and professors didn't cut me much slack for being foreign. I had been told they would- that was not my experience, however.