Austria

Europe's meeting place. Where ski tradition runs deep.

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Austria is a country of diverse possibilities, from historic cities like Vienna to the stunning views of the Alps. Austrians are known for Gemutlichkeit, their characteristic way of enjoying life, arts, strong coffee and sports. Austrians are direct communicators interested in discussing current affairs and environmental issues. Healthy lifestyles, music and people enjoy attending concerts or playing musing, as well as taking walks—Spaziergänge—are popular national pastimes. Throughout history, Austria has always played a special role in the centre of Europe: as a bridge-builder, as a meeting place, and as a venue for cultural exchange.

Teenagers in Austria enjoy spending time together, at home, in cafes, cinemas, dance clubs or by participating in youth and community activities. Soccer, biking, and alpine skiing are among the top sports throughout the country.

Host Family & Community

Most host families live in suburban areas. Mealtime is is a family affair and time to share your 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. 

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Food

Austrians love rich food and drink, so you will surely have some tasty treats while on the program. Meals usually consist of soup, meat (often pork) with potatoes, salad, vegetables and dessert. Other favorites include sausages, sandwiches, pastries (like Strudel) or desserts (like the classic Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with jam and icing), eggs, many different cheeses and apples.

Language

The official language of Austria is High German, although each region also has its own dialect. Other languages spoken are: Turkish, Serbian, Slovene, Croatian and Hungarian. You should have a working knowledge of German before the exchange. AFS Austria will provide you with an online Rosetta Stone language course to learn German before and during your exchange.

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Go abroad with AFS to discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.
TEEN PROGRAMS (UNDER 18 YEARS OLD)

Our learning program will prepare you for an amazing AFS intercultural experience. The program begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations and other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations will help you maximize your experience, cope the challenges of navigating a new culture and community and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding, throughout your time abroad, and as you return to you home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family through your learning journey abroad.

ADULT PROGRAMS (18 YEARS OR OLDER)

The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program will support your intercultural learning experience. This state-of-the-art program prepares you to successfully navigate new cultural environments—during your AFSNext experience and long after you finish the program. Online intercultural learning modules combined with in-person sessions help you develop practical and global skills, knowledge and attitudes that employers need and mission-driven organizations believe will help achieve their social impact goals. You will receive your certification upon completion of the training program.   

Explore the Programs Available in Austria