Austria stands at the political, geographical, and cultural crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe. The program is based in the Austrian capital Vienna, once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Vienna is renowned for its cultural offerings and the program’s courses in music, art, history, and psychology take advantage of this unique environment. The St. Lawrence Program is offered in cooperation with the Austro-American Institute of Education (www.amerika-institut.at). AAIE was the first cultural institute to promote American-Austrian academic exchange. Upon arrival, students spend an orientation week in an Alpine village and also participate on a study tour to locations such as Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic.
- Based in Vienna
- Spring semester only
- Pre-requisites: one semester of college level German OR a European Studies course
- Students must take German
- Live with homestay families
Austria is a small country at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe in the heart of the European Union. Its rich cultural heritage and historical importance make it an ideal place for study.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is the base of this program. The city is renowned for its incredible cultural offerings, and the program's courses in music, art, history, and psychology make use of Vienna's unique environment.
International organizations, such as the United Nations and OPEC, make the city an ideal spot for studying the economic and political aspects of modern Europe. Field study trips, within Austria and to many other parts of Europe,complement the course offerings.
The Austro-American Institute of Education (AAIE), location of our Austria program, is in the heart of Vienna, within walking distance of the major museums, architectural treasures, concert halls, and theatres. There are endless possibilities for entertainment and recreation nearby.
The focus of the Vienna Program is the New Europe: Promise and Perils. Students take five courses: a one-unit German course, a .5 unit Austrian culture course, and three additional courses. Each course taught in the program makes use of Vienna's unique environment. All courses, except for the German language courses, are taught in English. In addition, all students will be required to meet periodically throughout the semester with their assigned German language conversation partners.
Encountering Austrian Culture
ND247V .5 unit
This required course is intended to enrich the students’ understanding of the social and cultural contexts encountered as participants on this program. Although not weekly, this course will be held throughout the semester.
102V Elementary German (prerequisite G. 101)
103V Intermediate German (prerequisite G. 102)
The appropriate level course is required for all program participants.
Austrian Art and Architecture
The course includes the evolution of Austrian art and architecture from the Renaissance to the present. The study of each period is planned to provide the student with the essential characteristics of the art of the particular era and to show the continuity within the art development. Excursions to museums, galleries and churches supplement the lectures.
Economics and Business in Emerging Markets
Why do some big corporations fail miserably in emerging markets? Why are many economic indicators misleading for business planning? Why do emerging market economies so often go from crisis to crisis? Other issues covered in the class include:
- political risk analysis
- interpreting economic indicators
- market entry strategies
- market expansion strategies
History and Politics of European Integration
The course focuses on the perspectives of the European integration process in the 21st century. It looks at different visions for Europe - Is it a union of sovereign nations or a federation of the United States of Europe? Here are some of the major questions asked and discussed in the course:
- Will Europe see true unification or rather a backlash towards nationalism?
- How has the European process progressed over the centuries?
- Is Europe's position as an economic, military, cultural and political global player competing with the United States?
Music & Musicians in Vienna: History and Appreciation of Music
The emphasis of the course is Viennese music: its dominance in the field of music during the Classical period (Gluck, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven); its important role in the second half of the 19th Century; and the new school of composition initiated there in the 20th Century. Students attend live performances of classical music.
The Formation of Europe: The Habsburg Empire
This course will study the development of Central and East Central Europe as a multi-ethnic unity under the reign of the Habsburgs from 1273 - 1918. It will focus on the exchange of intellectual, artistic and cultural ideas and movements under the Habsburgs, the development of successor states after the dissolution of the monarchy, and the influence of the past on current cultural and political issues.
Traditional Psychological Perspectives from Austria and their International Influence
This course studies some of the most prominent psychologists in Austria and how they have influenced the study of psychology throughout the world. Some of the people studied will include Freud, Frankl, Jung, and Adler. This course will include excursions throughout Vienna.
PLEASE NOTE: Actual course offerings will be based on the number of students registered.
There are various excursions in and around Vienna during the academic semester. Students will be reimbursed for attending cultural events of their own choosing, based on guidelines and limits established by the Director at the beginning of the semester. Students have the opportunity to meet with conversation partners from the University of Vienna in a social setting so that they can improve their conversational German and meet Austrian students.
There is typically an extended weekend study excursion to points of interest within Austria and a 10-day study trip to locations such as Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic.
Students live in carefully chosen private homes. All have been visited by the Resident Director and provide a pleasant, supportive atmosphere. The enthusiastic host families help the students become more comfortable in Austrian/Vienese culture. All breakfasts, and two evening meals per week, are provided by the hosts. For all lunches, and for those evening meals not taken in the homes, the program provides a cash food allowance. These meals can be taken in student or low-budget restaurants near the Austro-American Institute or elsewhere in the city. The St. Lawrence program does not, however, pay for meals during vacation periods.
Students may remain in the homes during the vacation periods if they choose, by making arrangements ahead of time with the Director and the host families.
Please click here to find the Program Calendar.
Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the students' participation in the program. This includes a program specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session lead by the CIIS office on culture shock, and what to expect, as well as safety and security while abroad.
On site: Upon arrival in Vienna, students travel to the alpine village of Dorfgastein for a week of intensive language instruction and cultural orientation.
The week is intended to ease the transition into Austrian culture and allows time for skiing and recreation as well.
The first week is followed by an orientation in Vienna where the students will become acquainted with the city and prepare for the courses they will be taking.
If you are interested in learning more about the Austria program please contact one of the following people.
CIIS Office: Kelley Lawson-Khalidi - Questions about eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.