Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Hours completed	12
Student Conduct	Good status
Grad credit	Yes
Non-WIU	Yes
Pre-requisite	None
Student Year	Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

Entry Requirements

Passport required - Must be valid until at least June 30, 2024.  For information on how to apply for or renew a passport, see Passports 101 .
Current passport processing times are 8-11 weeks.  Plan accordingly to avoid issues obtaining your ETIAS, visa, airine tickets, and other necessary items for travel.  Failure to receive your passport in time can lead to postponement of your program.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel permit required for US citizens.  Starting November 2023, all citizens allowed to enter Europe without a visa are required to have an ETIAS travel permit.  More information, including a link to apply, can be found on the ETIAS website .  ETIAS cost not included in program cost.

Visa required if not a US citizen. It is your responsibility to check the website of the Consulate General of New York for more information.  Visa cost not included in program cost. 

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you are on your program.  Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) from International Medical Group (IMG)

 

Health Precautions

COVID-19 - You are REQUIRED to follow the policies of your host country, the CDC and TSA.  It is your responsibility to know and understand these policies.  If policies change before or during your Course, it is your responsbility to comply with the new policies.  Failure to do so can result in removal from your Course and/or the host country, financial consequences and academic consequences.

Walking/mobility/travel - Walking included in excursions but varies in length and intensity.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day, sometimes over uneven terrain and up/down flights of stairs.  Some excursion sites and historic areas have limited handicapped accessibiity.  Sidewalks in these areas can be narrow with uneven surfaces. 
You will also be responsible for moving your own luggage.

Environmental - Average daytime temperatures are in the 30s for this time period.  Excursions and some portions of the Course will be conducted outside, regardless of the weather.  Layers and warm clothing is strongly recommended.

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel  if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. 

Vaccination - No vaccinations are required for entry into Austria.  Up to date vaccination recommendations are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Accessibility - Accessibility and accommodation are very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$3,400-$3,800
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging, entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	April 16, 2023
Payments
Commitment fee	$75 due May 12, 2023
Non-refundable deposit	$1,000 due May 12, 2023
Second payment	$1,200 due August 1, 2023
Final payment*	Balance due November 1, 2023

* Costs subject to change based on student enrollment, exchange fluctuations and flight costs.

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals .

 

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: August 1, 2023.  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and increased costs.

ETIAS copy deadline: December 1, 2023

MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Fall 2023

Academics

Credit offered

ANTH 379 - Can be used as a substitute for ANTH 201 or ANTH 305 or as a Directed elective for Anthropology majors/minors

ANTH 679 - Can count towards completion of a MA in Sociology or Museum Studies

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Program fits your specific academic needs.  

Objectives/Activities

• Understand the connection between history, politics and contemporary culture
  
• Explore Austrian culture through time spent in Vienna and Salzburg
  
• Discover the history of the region by visiting the Eagles Nest, a Sound of Music tour, and attending a Mozart concert
• Experience Austrian cuisine first hand by making struedle and schnitzel in cooking classes 
  
  

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  You are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Heather McIlvaine-Newsad .