AFS Intercultural Programs: Austria High School Program

  Austria

• Vienna: 
Vienna

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: Year High School (Fall): Aug. 2010- Jul. 2010; Semester High School (Fall): Aug. 2010- Feb. 2011; Semester High School (Spring): Jan. 2011- Jul. 2011

Description: Austria sits in the heart of Europe, and has historically been a crossroads for communication in Europe. Its citizens are known for their Gemutlichkeit - their characteristic way of taking things easy. One way they relax is by skiing; there are more than 1700km of ski slopes in the Austrian Alps. It's even possible to ski in summer! Between New Year's and Ash Wednesday there are thousands of galas throughout the country. Famous Austrians include musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; artist Gustav Klimt; and actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger. AFS Austria has been hosting AFS Exchange Students for more than 56 years. AFS host family placements are located throughout Austria.

Highlights: After arriving in Vienna, you'll attend a seven-day orientation to introduce you to local life and culture. A German course will be organized for students, but every student should already have a basic knowledge of the language. Austria has a deep educational tradition, having established a compulsory school system in 1774. You will attend a public school and be placed in either grade 9, 10, or 11. The Austrian school system gives students plenty of free time since school days only last until approximately 2pm. While homework will take up some of that time, extracurricular activities such as choir, sports, and theater groups are available. AFS students are placed with volunteer host families located throughout Austria.

Cost in US$: Year: (USD 10,750); Semester (Fall): (USD 9,500); Semester (Spring): (USD 9,250)

This Program is open to American Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947