The famous Billy Joel song “Vienna Waits for You” is a fitting theme for Campbell University’s study abroad program, Psychology and Music in Vienna.
Since the beginning of this program four years ago, 34 Campbell undergraduates have spent their summer enjoying the welcoming culture of this vibrant Austrian city.
As a member of the Webster International Network of Schools, Campbell offers students two four-week terms during which they take up to three courses, earning a maximum of 11 credit hours. All majors are welcome and credits can be applied to Campbell undergraduate degrees. Students live in individual efficiency apartments that are located near convenient connections to the city’s outstanding public transportation system.
While students spend eight summer weeks studying at the beautiful facility of Webster Vienna Private University, they have countless opportunities to live the local culture. As a faculty advisor whose native language is German, Dr. Jutta Street, regularly finds new local highlights and cultural events that are not in the official tour guide.
Music, art and history are encountered everywhere. In addition to indoor and outdoor concerts ranging from classical to modern, Vienna’s attractions include numerous art museums, amazing architecture, many historic structures and locations, beautiful parks, swimming in the Danube on hot days, enjoying coffee and cake at one of the historic cafés, an international array of food choices, walking through century-old castles and fortresses, the Prater, local festivals, neighborhood markets, and more.
When asked what the best memory of their summer in Vienna is, past program participants shared the following:
- “One of my favorite activities while in Vienna was the museums and history,” said Liza McIntyre (’22). “So often in the US we don’t truly get to see buildings that hold so much history on every corner. My favorite church we visited was the Greek Orthodox Church.”
- “There is not one particular memory that is my favorite, because this really was the best two months of my life,” said Rebecca Clardy (’23). “I was able to see so many incredible sights and make lifelong friends with the people who went on the trip. From hopping around Europe via plane, train and bus to singing karaoke in a local Vienna café with my ‘Vienna Besties,’ every minute was the best.”
- “Studying abroad in Vienna was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Camryn Haines (’23). “I learned so much about myself, the culture of Austria, and about psychology. There was not a single day where we struggled to find something unique to do. I made countless lifelong memories that I will treasure forever.”
- “The Vienna program goes beyond any expectations you would have of a study abroad program,” said Logan Ades (’24). “There is nothing like learning about the historic figures of Vienna while standing in the very buildings they once stood. Not to mention the opportunity to explore Vienna and the wonders of Central Europe.”
- “Learning in a new country makes it feel magical; like being a kid again and studying abroad helps you get credits while you’re there,” said Jennifer Owens (’26).
- “You haven’t lived life to the fullest unless you’ve traveled to Vienna,” said Kaitlyn Price (’26).