Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck, the cultural and tourist capital of the Austrian province of Tirol, is a historic city that dates back to the Romans and served as the residence of the Hapsburg emperors. For centuries Innsbruck has been the hub of routes leading north to Germany, south to Italy, west to Switzerland and France, and East to Hungary and beyond. The old medieval city, or Altstadt, is remarkably well preserved. Today's city of 125,000 inhabitants is the center of a large winter sports area. The local culture is preserved and celebrated in numerous festivals, concerts and parades throughout the year. In short, Innsbruck is a breathtaking place to live.

Location

Students study at the University of Innsbruck in the heart of the city. Founded in 1669 by the Jesuit order, the university has been administered by the Austrian state since 1848.

Click HERE for more country-specific information.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrol

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g190442-Tirol_Austrian_Alps-Vacations.html

http://www.tyrol.com/

http://www.oebb.at

http://www.uibk.ac.at/?what=zone:2

Program of Study

The program begins in early September with a month-long intensive German language session in Salzburg. Staffed by the prestigious Goethe Institute, this program rejuvenates and builds on the student’s existing German skills in anticipation of the upcoming academic year. From Salzburg, students are taken on guided trips to Vienna and other cities to facilitate their cultural orientation. The regular fall academic program in Innsbruck begins in early October and finishes in early February after a Christmas and New Year's break. The spring semester runs from early March to mid-June.

The course offering consists of a cluster of courses taught by faculty from the University of Innsbruck, especially for the Notre Dame program. These courses are designed to accommodate the general curricular needs of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's students. Typical offerings include Art History, Economics, Literature, Philosophy and Theology. All courses are taught in German.

The Innsbruck program features an academic offering that is both broad and excellent. Most of the university's institutes and lecture halls lie along the banks of the picturesque Inn River. Like most European universities the campus is fully integrated into the life of the city. The excellent railroad system puts most of Europe within easy reach. Austria is a Catholic country and religion is an integral part of the daily life in the region of Tirol. Daily conversation, holidays, wall paintings, wayside shrines, parish and village churches, and imposing cathedrals are constant reminders of the deep living faith of the local population.

Housing

Students are housed in Austrian student dormitories with which Notre Dame has established contracts. These are all within a short walk from the central campus of the university. Students are assigned to live with German-speaking roommates and are expected to follow local norms regarding visits and hours. The program arranges for common meals at local restaurants several nights a week and on holidays (such as Thanksgiving dinner). For other meals a cash food allowance is given, which students may use at their discretion to eat at the Mensa (university cafeteria), local restaurants, or to purchase food to cook in dorm kitchens.

Transportation, Costs, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in the program pay regular Saint Mary's College tuition and on-campus room and board fees. The program fee meets the cost of the following: the cost of the five-week intensive language session in Salzburg, tuition, room, board, bus passes, and scheduled field trips. The student must pay for personal travel, medical expenses, food during holidays, books, and incidentals.

Most financial aid and scholarships can be applied to the Innsbruck program.

Eligibility and Requirements

Saint Mary's students wishing to study in the Notre Dame Innsbruck program must have a minimum 2.5 GPA as well as at least a B average in German at the time of their application. The program is normally open only to sophomores, but juniors may participate with the approval of the chair of the German section.

The application materials, including academic letters of recommendation and character references, are due by the first of December. It is important that participating students are positive representatives of Saint Mary's College while abroad. Therefore, a successful candidate is expected to have an exemplary disciplinary record, emotional maturity, and an openness to new experiences and other cultures. The selection of participating students involves a formal interview in February at the international studies office at Notre Dame. There are information/orientation sessions throughout the year.

For more information, contact:

Marianne Hahn, Lecturer, Modern Languages: (574) 284-5375; mahahn@saintmarys.edu

Please also see the University of Notre Dame's Web site for additional information on the Innsbruck, Austria Program.

CWIL · 9 Havican Hall · Saint Mary's College · Notre Dame, IN · 46556-5001 · Phone: (574) 284-4051 · Fax: (574) 284-4141 · E-mail:

| | | |