Salzburg
Dates
May 27 – June 26, 2026
Subjects
Music (Vocal & Instrumental: History, Conducting, Entrepreneurism, Literature, Theory)
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS summer program in Salzburg, Austria offers you a unique opportunity to study, practice, and study the performing arts in this beautiful European city. Birthplace of Mozart and home to the world-famous Mozarteum, Salzburg has long been renowned as an international and historical performing arts center. Salzburg also is a city of stunning architecture. Founded in the 8th Century, Salzburg displays evidence of Roman culture, the Middle Ages (notably the Festung), and wonderfully-preserved Baroque buildings. Situated on the banks of the Salzach River, nestled near the Alps, home to three universities, and filled with hospitable people, Salzburg indeed is a magical city. The program also includes a day trip to Munich and an overnight excursion to Vienna.
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
Exploring the cultural highlight in the heart of the city, students follow in the footsteps of the powerful prince-archbishops historic residence through sumptuous State Rooms, Residenz gallery, a private passages into the Cathedral. Open to the public for the first time in 200 years, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a palace / cathedral complex that covers nearly 15,000 square meters, houses 2,000 exhibits of the sacred treasures of the Cathedral Museum, and covers a span of 1,300 years.
The staff of professional musicologists at the Internationale Stiftung Mozarteum open the doors to their archive vault and offer KIIS students a private tour through the collection of Mozart’s original manuscripts and letters preserved there. The head editor of the Neue Mozart Ausgabe and the director of the Mozart audio archive give our students a private presentation on the musical aspects of Mozart’s legacy.
All students and faculty travel by train to Munich in the morning, pursue a number of curriculum-related activities (exhibitions, museums, exploring) and return late in the evening. The excursion is included in the general program cost.
All students and faculty travel together to Vienna, Austria's capital city, to pursue a number of opportunities for 4 days and 3 nights before returning to Salzburg. The city has come alive in recent years in its food, art, and music, and KIIS students sample Vienna’s rich history and artistic life through performances, exhibitions, cultural events, and independent exploration. The excursion includes train fare, lodging, breakfasts, subway pass, and entrance fees.
The gigantic cliff-top fortress that looms over the city of Salzburg was constructed in the 11th century. In addition to offering breath taking views of the city, it houses several extraordinary exhibits. The excursion focuses on the events of past centuries that shaped the city of Salzburg and its musical life.
Built in the year 774, this glorious marble cathedral has 12 full centuries of history hidden within its walls. We explore the edifice and its underground crypt to discover the deeper meaning of its paintings, frescos, and sculptures, the symbols of its architecture, its musical components, and its relationship to the city of Salzburg in centuries past.
Housed in Mozart's old homes in Salzburg and Vienna, these three museums offer displays and artifacts from the composer's professional and personal life, as well as insights into the people, places, and performances that shaped his legacy.
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,595 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), weekend lunches and all dinners + personal expenses (approx. $500-$1000 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), optional private lessons with Salzburg professionals, 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.
Group Flight
Estimated Cost: $1,900 – $2,000
The Salzburg program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Salzburg with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a roundtrip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville and fly to Munich, Germany where the group will then travel together to Salzburg, Austria.
If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your individual flight.
The flight to Munich, Germany is overnight arriving the following morning. On the return, the flight from Munich, Germany to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.
Student Voices
“As a lifelong musician, our daughter dreamed of going to Salzburg, Austria. Exploring the sights of the city like the birthplace of Mozart, the Sound of Music locales and the Belvedere Museum to see the work of Gustav Klimt and Egon Shiele has broadened her view of the world. Studying the history of the city and the history of the Hapsburgs has deepened her education in the field of Humanities. Our daughter has enjoyed the friendships she has made with the other students during her time with KIIS. This was a wonderful and meaningful experience for her!”
– Elizabeth and Chris, parents of KIIS Salzburg student
“KIIS gave me the opportunity to live and experience the culture of Salzburg, Austria and many more surrounding countries. The memories, adventures, and education I have received through this program is priceless and for that I can only express gratitude.”
– Stephanie, Salzburg
“Salzburg allowed me to study in a country where so many great composers were born, including Mozart, while earning credit towards my degree. Earning these hours allowed me to lighten my course work for the regular semester and gain experience to aid my future career.”
– Amber, Salzburg
“As cliché as it might be, studying abroad really changed my life (and helped me graduate early!) It was so worth it, and I wouldn’t trade the memories I have of Salzburg for anything!”
– Lisa, Salzburg
“The group of students I had the opportunity to travel with became a family. We did so many things together some of my favorite included: playing sand volleyball, exploring around Salzburg, getting gelato, and our Sound of Music Movie night, where I won best costume!”
– Eden, Salzburg
“I made incredible friends, traveled to several different countries, performed in a historic cathedral, and made memories that I will never forget all while learning things in a new perspective. Studying abroad had such a huge impact on who I am today.”
– Michaela, Salzburg
“The Salzburg study abroad program made me realize that there is a large variety of careers in the field of music, outside of the United States. The experience helped open my mind to new career options within my field of study.”
– Andrew, Salzburg
“So many amazing and influential musicians and composers have walked the city’s streets, and learning about that history while literally following their footsteps was incredible.”
– Joseph, Salzburg
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
May 27 – June 26, 2026
Subjects
Music (Vocal & Instrumental: History, Conducting, Entrepreneurism, Literature, Theory)
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS summer program in Salzburg, Austria offers you a unique opportunity to study, practice, and study the performing arts in this beautiful European city. Birthplace of Mozart and home to the world-famous Mozarteum, Salzburg has long been renowned as an international and historical performing arts center. Salzburg also is a city of stunning architecture. Founded in the 8th Century, Salzburg displays evidence of Roman culture, the Middle Ages (notably the Festung), and wonderfully-preserved Baroque buildings. Situated on the banks of the Salzach River, nestled near the Alps, home to three universities, and filled with hospitable people, Salzburg indeed is a magical city. The program also includes a day trip to Munich and an overnight excursion to Vienna.
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
Exploring the cultural highlight in the heart of the city, students follow in the footsteps of the powerful prince-archbishops historic residence through sumptuous State Rooms, Residenz gallery, a private passages into the Cathedral. Open to the public for the first time in 200 years, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a palace / cathedral complex that covers nearly 15,000 square meters, houses 2,000 exhibits of the sacred treasures of the Cathedral Museum, and covers a span of 1,300 years.
The staff of professional musicologists at the Internationale Stiftung Mozarteum open the doors to their archive vault and offer KIIS students a private tour through the collection of Mozart’s original manuscripts and letters preserved there. The head editor of the Neue Mozart Ausgabe and the director of the Mozart audio archive give our students a private presentation on the musical aspects of Mozart’s legacy.
All students and faculty travel by train to Munich in the morning, pursue a number of curriculum-related activities (exhibitions, museums, exploring) and return late in the evening. The excursion is included in the general program cost.
All students and faculty travel together to Vienna, Austria's capital city, to pursue a number of opportunities for 4 days and 3 nights before returning to Salzburg. The city has come alive in recent years in its food, art, and music, and KIIS students sample Vienna’s rich history and artistic life through performances, exhibitions, cultural events, and independent exploration. The excursion includes train fare, lodging, breakfasts, subway pass, and entrance fees.
The gigantic cliff-top fortress that looms over the city of Salzburg was constructed in the 11th century. In addition to offering breath taking views of the city, it houses several extraordinary exhibits. The excursion focuses on the events of past centuries that shaped the city of Salzburg and its musical life.
Built in the year 774, this glorious marble cathedral has 12 full centuries of history hidden within its walls. We explore the edifice and its underground crypt to discover the deeper meaning of its paintings, frescos, and sculptures, the symbols of its architecture, its musical components, and its relationship to the city of Salzburg in centuries past.
Housed in Mozart's old homes in Salzburg and Vienna, these three museums offer displays and artifacts from the composer's professional and personal life, as well as insights into the people, places, and performances that shaped his legacy.
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,595 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), weekend lunches and all dinners + personal expenses (approx. $500-$1000 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), optional private lessons with Salzburg professionals, 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.
Group Flight
Estimated Cost: $1,900 – $2,000
The Salzburg program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Salzburg with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a roundtrip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville and fly to Munich, Germany where the group will then travel together to Salzburg, Austria.
If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your individual flight.
The flight to Munich, Germany is overnight arriving the following morning. On the return, the flight from Munich, Germany to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.
Student Voices
“As a lifelong musician, our daughter dreamed of going to Salzburg, Austria. Exploring the sights of the city like the birthplace of Mozart, the Sound of Music locales and the Belvedere Museum to see the work of Gustav Klimt and Egon Shiele has broadened her view of the world. Studying the history of the city and the history of the Hapsburgs has deepened her education in the field of Humanities. Our daughter has enjoyed the friendships she has made with the other students during her time with KIIS. This was a wonderful and meaningful experience for her!”
– Elizabeth and Chris, parents of KIIS Salzburg student
“KIIS gave me the opportunity to live and experience the culture of Salzburg, Austria and many more surrounding countries. The memories, adventures, and education I have received through this program is priceless and for that I can only express gratitude.”
– Stephanie, Salzburg
“Salzburg allowed me to study in a country where so many great composers were born, including Mozart, while earning credit towards my degree. Earning these hours allowed me to lighten my course work for the regular semester and gain experience to aid my future career.”
– Amber, Salzburg
“As cliché as it might be, studying abroad really changed my life (and helped me graduate early!) It was so worth it, and I wouldn’t trade the memories I have of Salzburg for anything!”
– Lisa, Salzburg
“The group of students I had the opportunity to travel with became a family. We did so many things together some of my favorite included: playing sand volleyball, exploring around Salzburg, getting gelato, and our Sound of Music Movie night, where I won best costume!”
– Eden, Salzburg
“I made incredible friends, traveled to several different countries, performed in a historic cathedral, and made memories that I will never forget all while learning things in a new perspective. Studying abroad had such a huge impact on who I am today.”
– Michaela, Salzburg
“The Salzburg study abroad program made me realize that there is a large variety of careers in the field of music, outside of the United States. The experience helped open my mind to new career options within my field of study.”
– Andrew, Salzburg
“So many amazing and influential musicians and composers have walked the city’s streets, and learning about that history while literally following their footsteps was incredible.”
– Joseph, Salzburg
