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Austria is renowned for its charming cities, the stunning Austrian Alps, and a range of year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and skiing. AIFS Abroad offers several study abroad programs in Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart. This city is ideal for students who want the conveniences of city life with easy access to nature. The foothills of the Alps, alpine lakes, and Germany’s Bavaria region—known for its impressive natural landscapes—are all less than an hour from the city. Are you interested in studying abroad in Austria but want to learn more about what it’s really like? One of the best ways to do so is to hear from students who have already done it!
Hear from four college students who did a study abroad program in Salzburg, Austria, with AIFS Abroad!
Annalena, Spring Semester
Meet Annalena from the University of Vermont, who studied abroad in Austria during her junior year. Here’s why Annalena chose to study abroad in Salzburg:
“I chose Salzburg because it had nature (hiking, skiing, and mountains) nearby, which was really important to me, but was still a real city with a real Austrian population.”
As Annalena explains, there’s so much to love about the city itself:
“I like… the winding streets and cobblestones, the old buildings with 500-year-old art, and the way that you can find parks everywhere. I love sitting on the riverbanks [when] it’s nice out, and the canal near my house. I love that it isn’t too big and how it’s in such a central position in Europe.”
Annalena took four classes during her spring semester in Salzburg: WWII History, The Rise of the Right (political science), Austrian Folk Art (art history and anthropology), and German language.
During her free time, Annalena enjoyed spending time with her new friends, running along the river, or biking down one of Salzburg’s many bike paths.
Halle, Fall Semester
Halle from Oklahoma State University studied abroad in Austria during fall semester. She said she chose to study abroad in Salzburg for many reasons, including its location by “the Alps for hiking and [because] my favorite movie, The Sound of Music [was filmed here].”
Halle traveled to Munich and Budapest during her free time; plus, she enjoyed “a lot of cool excursions [with AIFS Abroad]” that took her to other exciting destinations around Austria. These excursions are not only an excellent opportunity to travel and immerse yourself in the local culture, but they’re a great chance to make friends with other AIFS Abroad participants. Hear Halle describe how her program helped her make friends abroad:
“Classes are small so it’s easier to get to know people, and there are many cultural activities like pastry tastings and hiking tours where you can get to know your classmates more!”
In addition to making friends with other students, Halle’s homestay provided a unique chance to build relationships with locals:
“Something that’s really cool about studying abroad is that you don’t have to stay in a dorm, you can actually stay in a homestay with a local family.”
Olivia, January Term
Olivia from Salisbury University in Maryland studied abroad in Salzburg during January Term. As a biology major with a double minor in chemistry and psychology on a pre-dental track, she chose January Term because she is “super busy during the fall and spring semesters but loves traveling.” Winter break was a perfect option! Plus, she says, “Austria is beautiful during the winter,” there are “Christmas markets and winter food [to enjoy]!”
Olivia took classes at our Global Education Center in Salzburg. Unlike many of her AIFS Abroad peers who participated in the Music in the Age of Mozart program in Salzburg, she took a public health behavior course:
“We go to class for 3 hours a day for 3 weeks and learn about different health behavior theories. The AIFS program plans such fun activities and excursions for us outside of class!”
When asked why she chose Salzburg, Olivia explained that she is a big fan of The Sound of Music; fortunately for her, AIFS Abroad program housing in Salzburg is located in the Old Town, where some of the scenes were filmed, as she explains:
“The part of Salzburg I’m in is considered the Old Town or ‘Altstadt,’ it’s very charming, lots of stores, bakeries, and beautiful views, and it’s also where The Sound of Music was filmed!”
Oscar, Summer
Choosing the AIFS Abroad summer European Studies program in Salzburg was a no-brainer for music major Oscar from Wabash College! Hear Oscar explain why he chose this program:
“I decided to study abroad because I saw there was a music class available in Austria. I’m a music major, so that was very intriguing to me. It was mostly music history [and] the music of Austria around the time Mozart was alive. I actually studied in the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg, so that was a very unique experience I don’t think I’d be able to come close to replicating anywhere else.”
When asked about culture shock, he said that he “adapted pretty quickly. I didn’t have any major struggles; I always felt safe and accepted. I enjoyed my time over there.”
If you’re like Oscar, a summer study abroad program may be a perfect fit! It helps you make the most of your summer by earning credits while exploring a new part of the world.
Unlock cultural and academic opportunities in Salzburg—study abroad in Austria with AIFS Abroad like these students did!
Whether you want easy access to nature like Annalena, you’re a fan of The Sound of Music like Olivia, or you want to immerse yourself in the influential music history like Oscar, Salzburg is an ideal study abroad location in Austria! Choose AIFS Abroad and take advantage of our valuable program inclusions (which really take the stress out of planning!), such as housing, trips and excursions, social and cultural activities, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, and the support of our trusted on-site staff.