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Why study abroad?
A Study Abroad program gives you the opportunity to combine earning college credit with seeing the world. If you have never been abroad, the program typically provides the guidance and security necessary for such a first international experience. While in college you have access to financial aid and many awards and scholarships, which can help you afford a study abroad program. Also such a program gives you the chance to travel for several weeks without falling behind in your studies, an opportunity you won't have once you enter the workforce. An added bonus – which becomes increasingly important – is the opportunity to list such an international venture in your resumé, which will make you stand out among other job applicants once you complete your studies and apply for your first job.
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Why study in Innsbruck?
The Innsbruck International Summer School sets itself apart from many other study abroad programs:
- It was established in 1976 and has been continuously run in Innsbruck since then. Thus, UNO has great experience in international programming and has established strong ties in Innsbruck, both at the university and in the city.
- Innsbruck is a small city, easy to navigate, very safe and walkable, and student-friendly. (The University of Innsbruck has approx. 28,000 students.) Its setting, surrounded by mountains, provides an incredible backdrop and a myriad of recreational opportunities. Its Old Town brims with history and culture, and attracts visitors from all over the world.
- Innsbruck is very centrally located in Europe and provides easy access to other cultural centers of Europe. The Innsbruck Summer School offers its students ample opportunity to visit these places by scheduling classes Monday-Thursday (except Week One) and keeping weekends free for travel. Most students get Eurail Passes and use the train to visit destinations such as Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Amsterdam and other highlights of Europe.
- At the core of the Innsbruck International Summer School, though, are the courses, the students and the teachers. The program has upheld its academic rigor for decades and continues to do so through its dedicated faculty and staff. Learning, however, does not only occur in the classroom. Guided tours, excursions, field trips, and weekend travel all contribute to the learning experience.
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Do I need to know German or another foreign language to participate?
No. All classes are held in English and most people in Austria (and many other parts of Europe) speak English. Of course, taking a German language course before or during the summer may help you better appreciate the culture and people of Austria (and other German-speaking countries), and may increase your enjoyment of your experience abroad.
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What is the best way to get money while abroad?
We recommend using your ATM card to get cash. Please inform your bank or credit card institution that you will be spending time abroad. Otherwise, they might freeze the account when foreign currency transactions are made. Make sure your ATM card has a ‘Cirrus’, ‘Plus’ or ‘Pulse’ logo on the back. Major credit cards are widely accepted in Europe (definitely Visa and MC, not so much Amex. Discover cards are not accepted in Europe.) It is, however, very expensive to get cash with your credit card.
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How much money do I need to have available for the duration of the program?
It depends strongly on how much you intend to travel on the weekends and on your expectations regarding hotels and meals. Generally, we recommend budgeting between $400 and $600 per week (including weekend travel). If you don’t plan to travel every weekend and are frugal with meals and other expenses, you can probably get by with less. If you plan to stay in upscale hotels and want to go out and shop a lot, you will probably need more.
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Should I bring my laptop and other electronic devices?
Yes. The voltage is different, though, with 110 volts in the U.S. and 220 volts in Europe. Laptops and many other electronic devices have a built-in voltage converter (power pack). In addition to the voltage difference, wall outlets are also shaped differently in Europe. Therefore, for all US electronics you will need a plug adaptor. You can get these at Walmart, Target, Brookstone and other places that sell travel equipment and gadgets.
Other devices, though, such as hair dryers, flat irons or curling irons, do not have this converter built in, and we recommend you buy such devices in Innsbruck. There is a well-stocked department store in the center of town that carries all such electronics and much more.
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How do I communicate with my family and friends at home?
While it is important to maintain regular contact with family and friends, don’t overdo it. A little distance from home will help you adjust more quickly to the foreign culture and surroundings. It is a good idea to examine the time difference (Europe is 7 hours ahead of CST), agree on times that will work for phone calls, and establish expectations for when and how often to contact your family.
There are no phones in your dorm rooms. We recommend you get an international plan for your current cell phone. The other option is to get your phone unlocked and purchase an Austrian SIM card onsite. (Please indicate your preferred option on our Pre-Departure Form online – available after April.) On these Austrian cell phones, you can receive incoming calls and text messages for free.
The dorm provides free internet connections. Wifi is available but can be unreliable so we highly recommend bringing an ethernet cable and any necessary adapters. Email is also a good and cheap way to stay in touch and it works best for the time difference. In a true emergency, your family can also call the UNO-IBK office during office hours or the front desk at the dorm around the clock. We do not recommend using your i-phone or other smart phone, as phone calls and web access are very expensive from Europe.
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How can my family and friends send letters or packages?
Please use the following mailing address:
(Your Name)
c/o The International Summer School
Hotel Rössl in der Au
Höttinger Au 34
A-6020 Innsbruck
Austria, EuropePlease note: No medications should be sent to Austria. Many of them will be confiscated by customs and will not be delivered to you. You may also have to pay a customs tax on other items shipped to you.
More Questions
The answers to the next frequently asked questions can be found throughout our site, we have linked each question to the corresponding page.
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Does Financial Aid apply?
Yes. If you receive federal financial aid, grants (Pell grant, f. ex.), or student loans, you may be eligible to use this financial assistance to help pay for the International Summer School. Non-UNO students must apply for Financial Aid at their home institution. Information about other scholarships and awards can be found here: https://www.uno.edu/studyabroad/scholarships. Your study abroad office may also have more information, so be sure to check with them.
Please see the Costs & Financial Assistance Page and click on > Financial Assistance for more information.
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How many classes do I take?
All students on this program are required to take a two courses. Each course carries three credit hours. (For most universities, six credits are considered full time in the summer, thus allowing students to apply for Financial Aid.)
Please see the Academics & Class Field Trips Page and click on > Registration & Scheduling for more information.
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Can I change my classes after I submit my application?
Yes. You can change your classes until the departure to Innsbruck, July 1st, by sending an email to innsbruck@uno.edu. Your request to change a class has to be in writing and can only come from you as the student. If the class you request is full, we can place you on a waiting list for this class, but we will not take you out of your other class until a space becomes available. You must be enrolled in two courses (6 credits) at all times. If your home institution requires you to get the UNO course approved by an academic department prior to enrolling in it, we will not make any class changes until we get that approval.
Once we get to Innsbruck, there will be no course changes taking place. Students will have to know what courses they are taking before the program starts.
Please see the Academics & Class Field Trips Page and click on > Registration & Scheduling for more information.
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What if I have to cancel my participation in the program?
A cancellation must be made by the participant personally and must be received in writing. It can be emailed to innsbruck@uno.edu. The date your cancellation is received by the Program Administration determines how much money can be refunded.
Please see the Costs & Financial Assistance Page and click on > Refunds & Cancellation Policy for more information.
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When and how do I book my plane ticket?
We recommend you wait until you have been accepted to the program before purchasing your plane ticket. If you cannot wait, we urge you to purchase cancellation insurance.
Please see the Travel & Extra-Curriculars Page and click on > Air Transportation for more information.
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How do I get from the Munich airport to Innsbruck?
We provide a bus transfer from the Munich airport to the dormitory in Innsbruck on the morning of arrival day. The ride takes about 2½ hours. All program participants can use this transfer service provided they arrive in time. Our last bus leaves the Munich airport at noon. If your plane arrives after 11.00 am, you may not be able to catch our last bus since you have to go through passport control, luggage claim, and customs.
If you miss all of our busses, you can book a shuttle to Innsbruck with Four Season’s Travel shuttle service: http://www.tirol-taxi.at/
Please see the Travel & Extra-Curriculars Page and click on > Air Transportation for more information.
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How do I get a passport?
All students traveling and studying abroad will need a valid passport. If you already have a passport make sure that it is valid for at least 3 months after your return. Otherwise, you should apply for a new passport as soon as you decide to study abroad. For more information, fees, processing times etc., and to download an application form, please visit: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/.
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How do I get a Eurail Pass and what kind should I get?
Please see the Travel & Extra-Curriculars Page and click on > Rail Passes for more information.
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Am I free to travel each weekend?
Please see the Travel & Extra-Curriculars Page and click on > Weekend Travel for more information.
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How do I get my textbooks?
A textbook list is usually available by mid-April and the textbooks can then be purchased online at the UNO Bookstore or any other online retailer. Students can either order physical textbooks or the digital version if available. If physical, your textbooks will be shipped to your address in the US.
You have to bring your textbooks with you to Innsbruck. Do NOT wait until you get there to order them!
Please see the Academics & Class Field Trips Page and click on > Textbooks for more information.
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Will I have internet access?
In your dorm room, you can connect to the WiFi. You may want to bring an ethernet cable or purchase it in Innsbruck as the WiFi could be slow at times depending on the activity. At the university (across the bridge from the dorm), you can also access the internet wirelessly, and you can use some of the computer labs there. We will provide the necessary log-ins in the office starting on the first day of classes.
Please see the Housing Page and click on > Internet Access for more information.
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Can family members and friends stay with me in the dorm?
No. For your security, non-program participants are not allowed in the dormitory (except the lobby).
Please see the Housing Page and click on > Guest Policy for more information.
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What if I get sick in Innsbruck?
We have a registered nurse on the staff who can see students during regular office hours for minor aches and complaints. The nurse also has an assistant who is fluent in German and can generally help students with doctor appointments and hospital visits. Students will be expected to pay for visits to a local doctor, hospital or other medical facility and can file a claim with the insurance provided by the program after return to the US
Please see the Health & Safety Page and click on > Visiting the Doctor while Abroad for more information.