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Salzburg College building on Ursulinenplatz
Salzburg students in the lunchroom dining area
A view from the upper floor of the Salzbug College building offers vistas of the Salzach River and countryside
Salzburg College is located in the "Old City" neighborhood of Salzburg near the home where Mozart was born
Salzburg's Dom or Great Cathedral is one of many religious architectural landmarks in the region
Baroque art is represented in its finest forms throughout the city
The Fortress of Salzburg, or Festung Hohensalzburg, served to protect the city in Medieval times
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As a place
of rare natural and artistic beauty, Salzburg is a European center
of tourism. It also plays a significant role in international trade.
Situated in the heart of Europe, the city has gained further significance
since the opening of Eastern Europe. As a traditional border town
and major crossroad, Salzburg has established itself as a center of
import, export, banking and international transport business that
makes it a great location for the study of international business
and communication.
Salzburg is ideally located for travel. It is less than four hours by train from Vienna, the capital of the country; only two hours from Munich, the southern German cultural center; and overnight train ride from Paris to Venice, and only a few more hours from Florence, Rome, Amsterdam, or Berlin. Several of the Eastern European countries are also within easy reach. The College's History The Salzburg College European Studies Program was initially developed jointly with Northern Illinois State University in 1970, the first group of 22 students arriving in Salzburg the spring of 1971. Students from other schools were soon attracted to the program; the list included some 250 universities and colleges throughout the United States and a few in Canada. Salzburg College considers 60-70 students as an ideal number to be enrolled in its European Studies Program(s). In addition to the semester/ year program, Salzburg also conducts summer programs, including a European Studies Program in May/ June (since 1982) and a music program for the University of Miami, Florida, during the period of the Salzburg Festival (since 1987). A Program Philosophy for European Studies- the Issue of Foreign Language There seems to be two basic convictions among educators when it comes to setting up a study program in a foreign language environment. One group maintains that students should have studied a foreign language before they go and function in a foreign language only (this is an ideal and one that is taken for granted by European studying in another country). The group is aware that in the context of the American educational system, a language requirement would bar many students from participating. Since they should also be given the opportunity of foreign study (and might as a result even develop language competency), students should participate in programs offered in English, combined with courses of foreign language. When, in cooperation with Northern Illinois University and Illinois State University, the Salzburg College European Studies Program was conceived 28 years ago, the decision was made in favor of a program to which all students could apply, provided they had the appropriate academic background) one year of university studies and 2.7 GPA) The Home Stay Arrangements From the start it was our goal to avoid the kind of “ghetto” situation that may easily develop in a foreign studies program for Americans who are taught in English. The most effective way to accomplish this seemed to be the home-stay arrangements. By living with Austrian families and taking most of the meals with them, the students would be come apart of their host society in a very natural way. Contextual Learning The course work was also designed to reach beyond the classroom into the cultural environment. The initial course program, including the German language, Austrian civilization, history, music, and art, drew on the specific opportunities of the location. When other areas of study, such as social sciences, education, communication, business, studio art and photography, and music performances were added, the availability of out-of-class resources was always taken into consideration. The Study Center Salzburg College has just moved to a new study center located in the heart of the Old City. It occupies a 16th century town house, on Ursulinenplatz, a small square, flanked by an historic city gate and one of Salzburg’s famous Baroque churches. From the tope floor library, there is a spectacular view of the city; across the street are the pleasant embankments of the Salzach River. The five-story building includes classrooms, offices, library, lounge and dining room, music practice space, photo labs and an art studio that can also serve as gallery. The close vicinity of public, educational and cultural institutions allows for easy integration of classroom study and on-site experience which is a major objective of our academic program. Ursulinenplatz is also just down the street from the main intersecting point of Salzburg public bus system, which greatly facilitates the commuting to and from Austrian host family homes. The Salzburg College staff The Salzburg College staff has many years experience in working with American students. There are not many questions to which they cannot fond an answer. From travel suggestions to medical advice, from how to rent a bicycle to how to please your Austrian mom, from academic support to setting up professional contacts in Eastern Europe, they are here to help the students. They draw on experience, connections, and imagination to answer whatever question or solve whatever problems the students may have.
Program Cost
Approximately $7,750 including tuition, lodging, meal plan, official field trips. Does not include airfare, personal expenses.
Salzburg College ICISP course offerings
Beginning German 1st semester
Beginning German 2nd semester
Intermediate German I
Intermediate German II
Beginning German Conversation
Modern Austrian Literature
Austrian Civilization
Hiking, Biking, Rafting
Econ & Politics of Eastern European |
