"Innsbruck, thank you for removing me from my comfort zone, exposing me to a new culture, changing my perspective of the world, showing me the most ridiculous of views, helping me gain lifelong friends, and becoming my second home. I could not be more grateful for my experience of learning and exploring. This last half year has exceeded my expectations in every possible way and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Unpredictability and nervousness turned into memories and knowledge gained. I cannot thank my parents enough for the endless support or my friends for constantly comforting me from across the pond. This adventure has been indescribable to say the very least and has taught me more than I could have ever hoped for. Cheers to the scariest, yet most rewarding journey thus far. Danke, Innsbruck & see you soon, Nola! Auf Wiedersehen!"
Sydney St. Pierre, University of New Orleans
"I have benefited in so many ways from my experience abroad with the Innsbruck AYA program. My research work taught me new skills and has opened professional doors here in New Orleans and overseas. I’ve begun and will continue to learn German. I’ve seen more of the world, of societies and of people, and in doing so learned more about my own country and myself. If you’ve traveled, you know that the richness of the experience is hard to pinpoint, but no less profound for that fact."
Dallas Rolnick, The University of New Orleans
“The University of New Orleans AYA Innsbruck program couldn't have offered a more perfect abroad experience. It will forever be my most memorable and exciting semester. As a student from Harvard, an avid skier and an outdoor enthusiast, there was no better place to be than Innsbruck. With all the activities and distractions around Innsbruck, it's hard to believe anyone would attend class, but the array of fascinating classes taught by passionate professors kept me wanting to go back! There was additional excitement during my stay because Innsbruck was hosting the Youth Olympic Games! I was lucky enough to get an internship, gained great experience, and made friends from across the globe. My most memorable moment was volunteering as the mascot Yoggl (see picture with US Alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn). I'll probably never be dressed up as a 7 foot tall Lederhosen-wearing Chamois again, but the memory will stick with me forever!”
Anthony Ryerson, Harvard University
"My semester in Innsbruck was filled with adventure, excitement and meeting new people, and it left me with unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever. Everywhere I looked could have been a postcard. Even the view from my room at the Studentenhaus left me speechless every single time I looked out my window. This program is unique because it really encourages complete immersion into the Austrian culture and insight into other cultures: You’ll attend the University of Innsbruck with people from all over the world, you’ll likely live with a native German speaker, and you’re encouraged to learn and speak German throughout the semester, whether you’re coming in without any German language experience or you’re already fluent. Studying abroad in Innsbruck was the best decision I ever made. My only regret is not doing the full year program."
Meghan Flanagan, St. Mary’s College
"I first went to Innsbruck with the International Summer School in 2012. I loved it so much that I vowed to go back. If I could have rustled up the money for the whole school year, I would have. Nevertheless, I was initially planning on going for a visit during my Christmas/New Year’s break, but one of my friends persuaded me to apply for the spring 2013 semester abroad. So that’s exactly what I did. It was the most spontaneous and largest leap I have ever taken. I worked hard, took out a loan, and applied for any and all scholarships/awards that I could. It was definitely worth the hard work. I do consider Innsbruck home even though I no longer live there. I have some of the best friends I've ever made in Innsbruck (whom I still talk with daily). I miss the lifestyle, the people, the culture, the simplicity, and the accessibility to other countries, and I guarantee I’ll be back in Innsbruck as soon as I can afford it."
Chelsea Armstrong, University of New Orleans
"The UNO Academic Year Abroad program is wonderful in countless ways. It is easy, with helpful people providing support at every turn. It gives you the opportunity to get a whole new perspective on life and on other people, along with a firsthand look at their culture. One of my major goals has been to become fluent in the German language. I came to Austria having had no German and now I am able to carry on conversations with friends here. I speak German as much as possible and improve it with every opportunity that I can.
Participating in this program will take your life in new directions and fill it with new, exciting and lasting memories."
Johnny DeMaine, University of New Orleans
"Living and studying in Innsbruck through AYA has truly been one of my favorite things I have done in life. The impact this experience has had on me cannot be described in words and I strongly encourage everyone thinking of studying abroad to do it."
Ines Sigel, The University of New Orleans
"My semester in Innsbruck with the AYA Program was hands down the best decision I made while at Harvard. I was able to find phenomenal courses that matched my language ability, meet incredible friends, and enjoy the incredible outdoor activities provided by Innsbruck's spectacular Alpine setting."
David McCahill, Harvard University