What Students Have to Say About the Maymester in Vienna
Annabel Lee (Plan II Honors Program and Russian Language and Culture)
“Without a doubt, this past June spent with Professor Hoelscher in Vienna was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Classes consisted of, among other things, strolling down the Ringstrasse, sipping kleiner brauners in cafes, rafting down the Danube with esteemed scientists, exploring world class history and art museums, attending symphonies and operas, experiencing authentic Austrian culture at Heurigens in the depths of the Austrian woods, all led by a brilliant professor who helps bring to life the history and culture of this incredibly rich, captivating city. It was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience: one that will leave you utterly captivated and internally changed.”
Thank you once more!
Alisha Cloud (American Studies)
"I just cannot say enough good things about my experiences in the Maymester program in Vienna. The city stole my heart, our classes were fascinating, and I couldn't believe all of the things that were included in our program fee! IES, our host organization, took care of everything from transportation passes to fantastic outings and events. The Maymester trip is structured to suit everyone, whether they are experienced in foreign travel or not. We learned, laughed, grew, explored, and I think that each one of us came back changed for the better. Vienna is a place that must be experienced first hand, and the Maymester is a great way to go."
Steven Boening (Radio-Television-Film and Government)
“By far the most important college experience I've ever had! No where else have I been able to meet such an eclectic group of people and learn so much from one of the greatest professors I've ever had... I got more out of the trip then I ever expected.”
Marcela Gallo (Urban Studies)
“The Vienna Maymester Program was a wonderful and unforgettable experience for me. It was my first trip to Europe so the excitement was double. When I arrived in Vienna, I felt I was in another world from the moment I saw Stephansdom; I was excited to know I was going to enjoy sights like that for a whole month. This excitement grew when we saw our apartments... comfortable spacious, and cozy. Although the month went by so quickly, I made wonderful friends and had amazing experiences, including a visit to Innsbruck and the beautiful Alps, Salzburg, Mauthausen memorial, etc. The course had some requirements, like reading and we learned a lot by going to the places and meeting very interesting people, which I will never forget. I am very thankful for this opportunity; it left me with the desire of going back to Vienna one day and enjoy the exquisite coffees and wines, admire the architecture, dance the Waltz, go to the daily Operas, and so much more. Last, but not least, Dr. Hoelscher is a great lecturer; he loves Vienna and knows how to make you love it as well. His meticulous planning was part of the reason of why this trip was so successful.”
Jenny Paul (History)
“Going to Vienna was fun while I was there, and even more amazing in retrospect. Actually getting to say that I lived there, studied there, and became a part of the city through the course I was taking is something very special that only the other students who were with me can truly understand. With enough structured programs to be worth the tuition costs, but enough freedom to be WELL worth the vacation time, this course was something I'd love to take advantage of again some day—school doesn't get much better than that!”
Javier Perez-Afanador (American Studies)
“This course facilitated a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me in quite possibly the greatest city in the world. Without the cultural immersion and the in depth study, I wouldn't have known much of anything about Vienna beyond that of a tourist. Memory and the City unfurled Vienna so that I could savor its greatness and I couldn't have asked for anything more.”
Katie Leary (History and German)
“This trip truly changed my perspective about the world. I had traveled to many other places before, but my experience in Vienna was definitely unique. Living in a beautiful apartment in the center of the city I got to experience day-to-day life in the city just as any Viennese person living there would. Although I was only there for a month, my experience in Vienna is something I will always remember, and the city will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Kacie Gonzalez (American Studies and Spanish [Hispanic Linguistics])
“Vienna is perhaps the most underrated city in Europe and I couldn't think of a better way to experience it. Nothing compares to going to this wonderful place with a group of students and getting to know each other and ultimately yourself. Trust me, you'll never hear Billy Joel's Vienna the same way again.”
Chelsea Harmon (American Studies)
“My summer in Vienna has forever changed how I view the world. There are no words to adequately describe what we experienced and discovered living at 18 Dürergasse. I frequently look back at photographs and can remember each day; yet, it feels like a dream. Out of all of the cities I traveled to while in Europe, Vienna is the only city that I would move back to in a heart beat. Not only is the city amazing but the people are exceptionally helpful and I miss the food everyday. I believe that my connection with Vienna is strengthened because of what we learned in Professor Hoelscher’s class. I have a greater appreciation for what I see and what it means to the Viennese because of our excursions and discussions. We must have walked the entire city, and while tiring, it created memorable paths of culture and history. Professor Hoelscher and the IES staff went out of their way to present us with the Wien experience and also take care of us and guide us the entire way. Learning about a far away land while in the middle of it piques a curiosity unreachable while sitting in a Texas classroom. I cannot wait to return one day and be able to explain and re-live everything that I have learned about the wonderful city.”
Vlad Codrea (Dean's Scholars Honors in Biochemistry)
“Vienna is steeped in history, music and natural beauty: medieval buildings and richly-endowed museums are just minutes away by foot from the majestic Danube, terraced heurigen and boar-inhabited forests. The lectures taught by Professor Hoelscher were given at the actual locations that we were studying, bringing about a meaningful connection with the events that took place there. Among the most memorable experiences outside of Vienna were visiting the Mauthausen concentration camp and the Hohensalzburg fortress in Salzburg. The program coordinators took great care to immerse students in the authentic aspects of Austrian culture, and I truly felt as if I was living in Vienna and not just visiting it.”
Hilary Lane (American Studies)
“Traveling to Vienna was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The city begs you to learn about its interesting history and experience the rich Viennese culture. I recommend this Maymester to anyone looking to travel to someplace that they might not have thought of before.”
Emma Dishner (Biology, Pre-Med)
“I truly loved this trip! Vienna is an amazing place full of culture, beauty, and great Austrian food. In this course I learned how this small country keeps its rich history, and in turn learned how we all choose what we want to remember.”
