Austria

The heart of Europe with long-standing skiing traditions

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Austria is a country full of opportunities, from historic cities like Vienna to the stunning views of the Alps. Austrians are known for their refined enjoyment of life, art, strong coffee, and sports. They are direct communicators, usually interested in discussing current events and environmental issues. A healthy lifestyle, music, and people who enjoy attending concerts or going for walks, Spaziergänge, are common pastimes in Austrian society. Throughout history, Austria has played a special role in Europe, acting as a bridge for meetings, cultural exchange, and connectivity at the continent’s heart.

Young people in Austria like to spend time together at home, in cafés, at the cinema, in dance clubs, or participating in youth activities. Football, cycling, and Alpine skiing are among the most popular sports in the country.

Host family and community

Most families live in the suburbs. Meals are a family affair and a time to share the events of the day.

School

You will likely attend a traditional public, university-preparatory high school. School normally runs from 8 am until 2 pm, however, you may be required to stay as late as 5 pm on some days. Saturday morning classes are sometime scheduled. You will have six to eight classes a day, depending on the extra-curricular classes you choose.

Food

Austrians love hearty meals and drinks, so you’ll definitely get to enjoy delicious treats during the program. A typical meal usually consists of soup, meat (often pork) with potatoes, salads, vegetables, and dessert. Other Austrian favorites include sausages, sandwiches, pastries (like strudel) or desserts (classic Sachertorte or chocolate cake with jam and glaze), eggs, various types of cheese, and apples.

Language

The official language of Austria is German, although each region has its own dialect. Other languages spoken include Turkish, Serbian, Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian. You should have basic knowledge of German before your exchange year. AFS Austria provides online Rosetta Stone language courses so you can start learning German even before your exchange begins.

Explore the Programs Available in Austria