AUSTRIA: Fachhochschule Vorarlberg

Dornbirn, Austria

University: Fachhochschule,  Vorarlberg.

Exchange Program: Magellan Exchange

Application Deadline: March 10 for Fall Semester & October 10 for Spring Semester

VISA Application Information: Embassy of Austria

General Information: 

Location: Austria is located in Central Europe, with Germany and the Czech Republic to the north, Hungary and Slovakia to the east, Italy and Slovenia to the south and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the West. Fachhochschule Vorarlberg is located in Dornbirn, not far from Lake Constance, and very close to the Swiss, Liechtenstein and German border in the extreme west of Austria. 

Austria is a prominent member of NATO and the EU, and is also a host to various UN agencies based in Vienna. Dornbirn is a resort city of 43,100 people, but close to the metropolises of Munich and Innsbruck. German is the language spoken in Austria, although many classes are offered in English.
 
Climate: Austria is located in a temperate zone with precipitation throughout the year. Average temperatures in Dornbirn for January range from 14 to 50 Fahrenheit, and in July between 53 and 83 Fahrenheit. Dornbirn can receive heavy snowfall, due to its location in the Alps.
 
Currency: The basic unit of currency in Austria is the Euro.

Transportation in Dornbirn: Trains connect Dornbirn to the neighboring towns of Feldkirch and Bregenz, and from there, to the rest of Europe. There is a reliable bus system in Dornbirn. There are also many taxis, with a sample fare from the train station to the school.
 
Living Arrangements: There is no "on-campus" housing available. The international office can assist students in finding a private landlord from whom to rent. The cost of housing generally ranges anywhere from $325 to $400 per month, depending where the student chooses to live. Students wishing to find their own housing can certainly do so, and are directed to the website
http://immobilien.vol.at for assistance.

Food: Austria has an amalgam of different cuisines blended into a general Germanic theme. Local specialities rule, and Vorarlberg is no exception. Try the Tiroler Leber mit Polenta (veal/beef liver with capers, onions, white wine and lemon juice served on a corn mush), the Groestl (fried potatoes and onions), and the Schlutzrafen (Spinach-stuffed ravioli topped with butter and Parmesan). Of course, other famous, pan-Austrian dishes remain, such as Wiener Schnitzel and the Sacher Torte (a chocolate/raspberry dessert created at the famous Hotel Sacher). Tips in foreign countries are different from the U.S.; they are regularly included in restaurant and hotel
bills, but it is customary to leave waiters and hotel staff a small sum.
 
Social Activities: Dornbirn is home to many bars, restaurants and cafes. There are many festivals sponsored throughout the year. The Lake Constance region is a summer holiday region for much of the Germanic world, a grand scale Lake of the Ozarks. Skiing is a popular hobby, and the Alps offer some of the best skiing in the world. The city is accessible to many of Europe's larger cities by
train. Munich, Venice and Zurich are a short train ride from Dornbirn; Paris and Vienna are further, 8 hours from Dornbirn. Because of its proximity to these and other European cities, Austria offers the student many opportunities to attend the various festivals and events
throughout the year.
 
Student Services: Fachhochschule Vorarlberg has an International Relations Office on campus staffed by four full-time individuals. This staff will help students as they arrive on campus to help you find your rooms and communicate the necessary information to assist you in your transition at Fachhochschule Vorarlberg. The office provides an orientation to help you acclimate to your new environment as well.