Study Abroad in Austria

Semester Programs

During your time in Austria, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

Part of your experience will be:

School

While attending a public secondary school, you will stay with a local host family and participate fully in the academic and cultural life of the school. Students are typically placed in the 6th, 7th, or 8th class of “Gymnasium” or “Neue Mittelschule” and are usually in fixed classes, meaning you will spend each day with the same students. This will make it a lot easier to find friends! Each class will also have its own teacher (Klassenvorstand), and they are responsible for your class and will be a great resource during your program. Students will also take a range of different classes, including German, math, biology, arts, and physical education. YFU Austria prides itself on its ability to dedicate lots of individualized attention to each student, ensuring the best possible exchange experience.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

In Austria, students will participate in post-arrival and re-entry orientations to cover topics including communication, adaptation, integration, values, and perceptions. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Language

German. Basic German language skills are necessary. Students will be enrolled in a German learning arrangement upon arrival in Austria if necessary. Standard German is spoken in most Austrian schools, but you should be prepared for the possibility that the community where you stay may speak German dialects unique to that region.

Special Dance Program

YFU Austria offers a special dance program for interested students in addition to their classic program. Students enrolled in the dance program are either enrolled in a high school with a dance focus or enrolled in dance classes, depending on their school schedule and availability. Classes offer various styles such as ballet, contemporary, musical, acrobatics, and fitness.

Trimester Programs

During your time in Austria, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

Part of your experience will be:

School

While attending a public secondary school, you will stay with a local host family and participate fully in the academic and cultural life of the school. Students are typically placed in the 6th, 7th, or 8th class of “Gymnasium” or “Neue Mittelschule” and are usually in fixed classes, meaning you will spend each day with the same students. This will make it a lot easier to find friends! Each class will also have its own teacher (Klassenvorstand), and they are responsible for your class and will be a great resource during your program. Students will also take a range of different classes, including German, math, biology, arts, and physical education. YFU Austria prides itself on its ability to dedicate lots of individualized attention to each student, ensuring the best possible exchange experience.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

In Austria, students will participate in post-arrival and re-entry orientations to cover topics including communication, adaptation, integration, values, and perceptions. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Language

German. Basic German language skills are necessary. Students will be enrolled in a German learning arrangement upon arrival in Austria if necessary. Standard German is spoken in most Austrian schools, but you should be prepared for the possibility that the community where you stay may speak German dialects unique to that region.

Special Dance Program

YFU Austria offers a special dance program for interested students in addition to their classic program. Students enrolled in the dance program are either enrolled in a high school with a dance focus or enrolled in dance classes 2-3 days per week, depending on their school schedule and availability. Classes offer various styles such as ballet, contemporary, musical, acrobatics, and fitness.