Austria
Dates
May 27 – June 27, 2026
Subjects
Business, Management, Psychology, Communication, History, Holocaust Studies
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
Austria has been a favorite destination for KIIS students since 1975. Located on Lake Constance and at the foot of the Alps, this summer program provides an ideal setting to experience European life. Students live with Austrian families in the picturesque town of Bregenz, offering students a “home in Europe.” Using the youth Eurail Globalpass (included in the program fee) and the extensive European train system, students are only a few hours away from many great European cultural centers such as Zurich, Munich, and Salzburg. From Bregenz students can ride trains to Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Venice, Florence, Prague, and many other cities.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
The forested Alpine region surrounding Bregenz, known as the Bregenzerwald, is renowned for its craftsmen, dairies, and architecture. This excursion will bring you into direct contact with this unique region and these hallmarks of its economy. This local excursion is frequently a program favorite, and will likely inspire you to explore more of the picturesque villages of the Bregenzerwald and their awesome hiking opportunities.
This excursion will take us to Innsbruck, the "Capital of the Alps," where we'll spend part of our day visiting the old city, its spectacular Baroque cathedral, and the iconic Golden Roof building and museum. In this picturesque valley surrounded by the Alps, we'll learn more about the history of the Habsburgs, Austria's hereditary rulers and their influence on Europe as a whole.
We'll spend the first part of our day traveling to Munich's suburb of Dachau, where we will tour the Concentration Camp Memorial. Our excursion will end back at the Munich Main Train Station, where you'll begin your weekend of free travel time. (You're encouraged to stay and enjoy Munich, but you can use your Eurail Pass to explore a multitude of other cities!)
This resort city on the shore of Lake Constance is a top domestic tourist destination for Germans. Our city visit will highlight its waterfront, old and new lighthouses, Medieval City Hall, 1000 year old church and main shopping street with structures dating back to the 1500s. We also have free time for eating, shopping and ice cream before we end our excursion with a ship ride back across Lake Constance to Bregenz.
The Medieval city of Feldkirch, situated near the border of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, offers visitors numerous perspectives on life in Austria during the Middle Ages. We will visit the Gothic cathedral, and the imposing fortress on the hill in the center of town, the Schattenburg. We also will visit the town's central market, where we'll have free time for lunch and shopping. This is our first stop in learning about the history, politics and economy of Vorarlberg, Austria and the…
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,195 + airfare
* The Youth Eurail pass includes 10 train travel days in 2 months. If over the age of 27, there is an added Eurail charge of approximately $200.
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), one meal per day and weekend meals (on free weekend travel) + personal expenses (approx. $500-$1000 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“The highlights of my study abroad were living with my host family and visiting multiple countries. Living with my host family allowed me to live and eat the way they do. One of the things I made sure to do while abroad was try to taste everything I could in the way it was originally made. I asked my host family to make food or drinks the way they would make it for themselves because it helped me avoid diluting my experience with my comfort.”
– Ashvanika, Austria
“Studying abroad sounded scary at first, but I am so happy that I jumped in and went for it. I had the experience of a lifetime and made lifelong friends.””
– Skylar, Austria
“I never in a million years thought I would get to travel to Europe, let alone study and live there for 5 weeks as well as visit 7 countries. I am a single mom, it was difficult to leave my son behind for so long, but we Skyped every single day for the entirety of trip and I would tell him stories about the places I was visiting almost as if I was bringing him along with me. I will never forget this experience. ”
– Beth, Austria
“Eiscafé Pinocchio is an Italian, family run gelato shop in Bregenz, Austria. The café serves house made gelato, Italian coffee, and select cocktails. Located in the heart of Bregenz’ pedestrian zone, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. For my Graphic Design course, I presented my branding ideas to Pinocchio and worked on a hand lettering project which I turned into a Wanderlust Travel Book.”
– Kylar, Austria
“My time in Austria taught me to thrive outside my comfort zone and to find happiness right where I was while opening opportunities at home to further my education and better my employment.”
– Tara, Austria
“This trip has afforded me some great opportunities to immerse myself in various European cultures. The independent travel weekends have given me great chances to explore Europe as a whole! I wish it didn’t have to end!”
– Conrad, Austria
“My study abroad experience in Austria was truly amazing. The courses were fun and challenging, keeping us busy while still allowing time to explore and develop friendships.”
– Genna, Austria
“This will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable experiences of my entire life. The knowledge you gain, the experiences you have, and the friends you make will be more than worth the trip. Austria is the best country in Europe; it has the beauty of Switzerland, Germany, and Italy all in one all the while having German as its official language.”
– Nickolas, Austria
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
May 27 – June 27, 2026
Subjects
Business, Management, Psychology, Communication, History, Holocaust Studies
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
Austria has been a favorite destination for KIIS students since 1975. Located on Lake Constance and at the foot of the Alps, this summer program provides an ideal setting to experience European life. Students live with Austrian families in the picturesque town of Bregenz, offering students a “home in Europe.” Using the youth Eurail Globalpass (included in the program fee) and the extensive European train system, students are only a few hours away from many great European cultural centers such as Zurich, Munich, and Salzburg. From Bregenz students can ride trains to Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Venice, Florence, Prague, and many other cities.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
The forested Alpine region surrounding Bregenz, known as the Bregenzerwald, is renowned for its craftsmen, dairies, and architecture. This excursion will bring you into direct contact with this unique region and these hallmarks of its economy. This local excursion is frequently a program favorite, and will likely inspire you to explore more of the picturesque villages of the Bregenzerwald and their awesome hiking opportunities.
This excursion will take us to Innsbruck, the "Capital of the Alps," where we'll spend part of our day visiting the old city, its spectacular Baroque cathedral, and the iconic Golden Roof building and museum. In this picturesque valley surrounded by the Alps, we'll learn more about the history of the Habsburgs, Austria's hereditary rulers and their influence on Europe as a whole.
We'll spend the first part of our day traveling to Munich's suburb of Dachau, where we will tour the Concentration Camp Memorial. Our excursion will end back at the Munich Main Train Station, where you'll begin your weekend of free travel time. (You're encouraged to stay and enjoy Munich, but you can use your Eurail Pass to explore a multitude of other cities!)
This resort city on the shore of Lake Constance is a top domestic tourist destination for Germans. Our city visit will highlight its waterfront, old and new lighthouses, Medieval City Hall, 1000 year old church and main shopping street with structures dating back to the 1500s. We also have free time for eating, shopping and ice cream before we end our excursion with a ship ride back across Lake Constance to Bregenz.
The Medieval city of Feldkirch, situated near the border of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, offers visitors numerous perspectives on life in Austria during the Middle Ages. We will visit the Gothic cathedral, and the imposing fortress on the hill in the center of town, the Schattenburg. We also will visit the town's central market, where we'll have free time for lunch and shopping. This is our first stop in learning about the history, politics and economy of Vorarlberg, Austria and the…
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,195 + airfare
* The Youth Eurail pass includes 10 train travel days in 2 months. If over the age of 27, there is an added Eurail charge of approximately $200.
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), one meal per day and weekend meals (on free weekend travel) + personal expenses (approx. $500-$1000 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“The highlights of my study abroad were living with my host family and visiting multiple countries. Living with my host family allowed me to live and eat the way they do. One of the things I made sure to do while abroad was try to taste everything I could in the way it was originally made. I asked my host family to make food or drinks the way they would make it for themselves because it helped me avoid diluting my experience with my comfort.”
– Ashvanika, Austria
“Studying abroad sounded scary at first, but I am so happy that I jumped in and went for it. I had the experience of a lifetime and made lifelong friends.””
– Skylar, Austria
“I never in a million years thought I would get to travel to Europe, let alone study and live there for 5 weeks as well as visit 7 countries. I am a single mom, it was difficult to leave my son behind for so long, but we Skyped every single day for the entirety of trip and I would tell him stories about the places I was visiting almost as if I was bringing him along with me. I will never forget this experience. ”
– Beth, Austria
“Eiscafé Pinocchio is an Italian, family run gelato shop in Bregenz, Austria. The café serves house made gelato, Italian coffee, and select cocktails. Located in the heart of Bregenz’ pedestrian zone, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. For my Graphic Design course, I presented my branding ideas to Pinocchio and worked on a hand lettering project which I turned into a Wanderlust Travel Book.”
– Kylar, Austria
“My time in Austria taught me to thrive outside my comfort zone and to find happiness right where I was while opening opportunities at home to further my education and better my employment.”
– Tara, Austria
“This trip has afforded me some great opportunities to immerse myself in various European cultures. The independent travel weekends have given me great chances to explore Europe as a whole! I wish it didn’t have to end!”
– Conrad, Austria
“My study abroad experience in Austria was truly amazing. The courses were fun and challenging, keeping us busy while still allowing time to explore and develop friendships.”
– Genna, Austria
“This will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable experiences of my entire life. The knowledge you gain, the experiences you have, and the friends you make will be more than worth the trip. Austria is the best country in Europe; it has the beauty of Switzerland, Germany, and Italy all in one all the while having German as its official language.”
– Nickolas, Austria
Take Your Education Further
Additional information
| Term | |
|---|---|
| Subject | Business, Communication, History, Holocaust Studies, Management, Psychology |
| Location |
