In Ben's words

Arriving in Vienna, I wasn’t sure what to expect; I don’t think anyone was. Exhaustion was overcome by anticipation during the bus ride from the airport to our Studentenwohnheim, as we passed quaint Austrian villas and experienced foreign cultures for fleeting moments before driving further down the road.

For me, it was an amazing feeling to be suddenly plunged into the middle of a German speaking country with which I had neither experience nor expectations. I was surprised at the smallest differences from what I was used to at home: smaller cars, the strict adherence to recycling, the lax attitude towards alcohol, coffee (and beer!) vending machines, the public transportation, the absence of a true American “supermarket” and everything else that became distinctly Austrian.

There were also many great and unique aspects of Austria, which were often covered on excursions throughout the city. These excursions provided an informative and interesting view of many of Vienna’s great sights and gave me a greater appreciation for the history and culture of Vienna. The excursions were mandatory and definitely one of the most memorable aspects of the trip.

One of the lesser enjoyable, albeit necessary, aspects of the trip is that you actually do have to go to class every day. Waking up to make it to eight o’clock class was far from my favorite thing to do, but it was the reason for me being in Vienna in the first place. Plus, it was through this class that I met some of the coolest people I know, so I can’t complain.

I also found the food and drink to fit me perfectly. I could drink Bier or Almdudler and eat Wurst or Döner every day, and I think I may have done so while there. The bread and baked goods are amazing; I was frequently visiting the chain ‘Anker’. The Turkish influence is also thick in Vienna, and it is delicious too.

That about sums up my Vienna experience: Good food, good experiences, good people – Highly recommended.

-- Ben Tasker

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