Questions from Christian W.

These questions are really short. I could write an endless essay on the differences and similarities between Austria and the States. But I was asked to keep answers short because these are going to be used for a newsletter.

What’s been the best aspect of your experience thus far?

1. By far it has been speaking with and getting to know the locals of Dornbirn. They are usually more than happy to share what they know and talk about differences.

How is life in Austria any different from here?  How are classes, the other students, and faculty similar or different?

1. Life in Austria is significantly different for me. I do recycle in the states but not to the extent that they have recycling here. Working with other students from different cultures is challenging, sometimes frustrating, but extremely rewarding. These experiences provide a look (if you choose) inside yourself and allow you to understand and grow as a person. The faculty and staff have been a pleasure to work with here at Dornbirn. The school size is nice, not to big, not to small. I feel the same here as I do in Lynchburg as far as comfort.
2. People bike everywhere. I’ve seen 80 year old women biking to and from work or the store. Even the post is delivered to houses via bikes. 
3. Things are much closer
4. People don’t shop for weeks at a time when it comes to food
5. You can buy beer in vending machines and at school lol
6. I’ve talked with locals about driving and the driving tests in Europe are much harder and cost a ridiculous amount of money. Some have told me a minimum of 1200 Euros.
7. People dress up everywhere they go. There is no sweat pants or people wearing pajamas to school.

How helpful have the International Office staff been?

1. They are there for you, there is no doubt about it. People here work just like people all over the world. While things might be a bit more direct here (simply due to culture) they follow the same principals. Treat one with respect and you shall receive respect. Also, just like anywhere else…pay attention to their instructions.

In addition to Austrian students, from what other countries are the students on your program?  Is having a good international mix good for the program and intercultural exchange?  What have you learned about Austria or other countries that’s different from the US?

1. Having a mix of students has been awesome. We have students from; Turkey, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Slovakia, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Poland, Australia, and more. 
2. I should note that a key factor to engaging yourself in the local community is to not hang around American’s all the time. Look you traveled to a foreign country to immerse yourself in their culture (hopefully). No matter how shallow or deep you decide to go, remember you can hang out with Americans…in America! Although, I must say it is nice meeting other American’s while traveling, it’s pretty cool because now you’re the outsider that doesn’t speak the language. The role reversal is both very unique and awesome.
3. I’ve learned far more than I can fit in a single blog entry or posting. But things that stick out to me:
   1. The dialect here is VERY different from that spoken or learned in school (High Deutsch)
   2. Overall people are very friendly and often interested in where you come from and why you’ve picked Austria (more curious than questioning).
   3. Very little small talk. People are direct with what they say and are literal with what they mean. You start to see just how much small talk us Americans have.
   4. Promptness is important and is highly valued.
   5. People in Austria are much more likely to say hello to you on the streets than most in Germany (I  have visited Germany 3 times thus far)

Would you recommend the FHV exchange program to students back at LC?  What advice would you give them?

1. There is no doubt in my mind; I would absolutely recommend this program to students at LC. It has, bar-none, been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have learned more about others, myself, and culture that you can not derive from reading. Traveling like this is something that really should be experienced, it’s absolutely phenomenal.
2. Use me as a resource (there’s too much advice to fit really).
   1. Learn German – how to say hello, ask how much something costs, what is someone’s name, etc.
   2. Learn military time
   3. Anything that has an AC converter on it only needs a plug adapter
   4. Prepare for a more fast paced learning environment (it is not ridiculous but it is a challenge)
   5. Speak with others and don’t base everything on what others say. Remember that your experience WILL be different from others, there is no doubt about it. It’s okay to take what others say about traveling abroad (their experiences etc), but remember to keep an open mind and decide for yourself. Save money, you’re going to want to spend a lot when you’re here.