This program is only open to Alma College students
Our to Vienna, Austria program is through AHA International. Come to the Off-Campus Studies office under the library for information, and also check out the AHA website info at http://www.aha-intl.org/vienna.html.
Students should VISIT the Off-Campus Studies office for a brochure, or go online to the AHA International website for all program information.
Why Vienna?
Located in the center of Europe, Vienna has always been a melting pot for different nationalities. This influx of people and culture has created a uniquely fertile atmosphere in which arts and thoughts have developed and grown.
Modern Vienna has maintained the majestic ambience of its architectural heritage, ancient historical sites, monasteries, and old town centers, while continuing to offer a great menu of cultural and academic resources. As the seat of the Habsburg empire, Vienna has enjoyed great prosperity throughout the ages. A focal point for European culture, Vienna has always attracted artistic genius, especially in music, but also in art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and the sciences. Such well-known personalities as Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schiele, Loos, Kafka, Wittgenstein, and Freund were either born here or chose to make Vienna their home.
With the recent changes in Europe, Vienna's location also makes it the ideal site from which to observe history in the making. the capital of a prosperous country and one of the youngest members of the European Union, Vienna is home to a diplomatic center that houses not only offices of the United Nations, but also numerous other international organizations and modern companies striving to open up new markets in the former Eastern Block.
The program in Vienna offers students the opportunity to experience
Austria to the fullest - its people and its culture. Courses are
tailored to American students and are designed to take advantage of the
program's locale in the heart of Vienna and Europe. Field trips
and academic excursions allow students to experience Austria beyond the
pages of their textbooks.
Program Dates, Fees, and Services
Academic Program
A faculty member from a US institution teaches one or two courses. Additional courses are taught by European faculty who have extensive experience in teaching for study abroad programs. Subject areas may include literature, history, politics, culture and economics. Although courses are taught specifically for US students, there is a high degree of interaction with local Austrian students. All the courses, with the exception of German language, are taught in English.
Academic standards in Vienna are consistent with those at the sponsoring universities. Grades are based upon examinations, written papers, study projects, class participation, and attendance.
Admission Requirements
The Austria program is open to undergraduate students of sophomore status and above or graduates who enroll for undergraduate credit. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale or the equivalent at their respective colleges and universities inorder for their application to be considered for review. Final admission is upon acceptance as a visiting student.
Multiple Term Options
Students may choose to participate in the Vienna program during fall or winter terms or the full academic year (with the approval of the student's enrolling institution and the on-site director).
Academic Credit
Twelve-week quarter: language classes provide 60 contact hours, and all other courses 45. Ten-week quarter: language classes provide 50 contact hours, all other classes 40. Students attending any McS or NCSA institution receive Alma College credit. AHA International facilitates these arrangements after an application form has been submitted. The enrolling institution determines the number of credits earned per course.
German Language Classes
The curriculum focuses on practical language skills and conversation in order to facilitate a quick transition to life in Vienna and to gain better access into the Austrian culture. Each term, German Language courses are offered at multiple levels. Instruction emphasizes listening and reading comprehension, conversation practice in dialogues and role-plays, and written composition. Grammatical instruction concentrates on conversational contexts.
Program Site
The Vienna program site is centrally located in the main part of the city. The classroom facilites are just off the "Ring," a main thoroughfare that encircles the First District of the city, and offers easy access by bus, streetcar, and subway. From the AHA classrooms, students are within walking distance of many of the city's main governmental buildings such as the Parliament Building, the Rathaus (City Hall), the University of Vienna, the Economics Universtiy, and many of Vienna's most beautiful city parks.
Accommodations
A central feature of the Vienna program is placement with an Austrian host(s). Student are housed as "paying guests" in private homes located within easy commuting destance of classes. Living with a family gives students a natural opportunity to learn about daily life in Austria and helps them integrate into the community. Many students regard their homestay as the most rewarding aspect of their foreign study experience. A light breakfast is provided. Students are responsible for other meals.
Excursions
Excursions to exciting cultural and historical sites in and around Vienna are an integral part of the course work. They are carefully planned to take advantage of the unique experiences found near the city. Excursions help to facilitate practice of German by initiating more contact with native speakers. Excursions are included in the total cost of each program and are a great way to further explore Austria and it's culture. Trips may include visits to museums, the United Nations, the Freund House, concers, and opera performance(s). An academic excursion of two to three days may be planned to a more distant location, such as Prague or Budapest. The exact destinations vary from term to term and are determined at the beginning of each program.
Health
Medical information is required of all students who have been accepted into the program. This information is considered confidential. Medical insurance coverage is included in the program.
On-site Administration
Dr. Lynne Heller is the on-site director for the Vienna program. Born in the U.S., Dr. Heller is now an Austrian citizen and the director of the archives of the Vienna Academy of Music. She is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the program site, including coordinating excursions, housing, local transportation, and class scheduling.
