Austria is a country of diverse possibilities, from historic cities like Vienna to the stunning views of the Alps. Austrians are known for Gemutlichkeit, their characteristic way of enjoying life, arts, strong coffee and sports. Austrians are direct communicators interested in discussing current affairs and environmental issues. Attending concerts and playing music, as well as taking walks—Spaziergänge—are popular national pastimes. Throughout history, Austria has always played a special role in the centre of Europe: as a bridge-builder, as a meeting place, and as a venue for cultural exchange.

Teenagers in Austria enjoy spending time together, at home, in cafes, cinemas, dance clubs or by participating in youth and community activities. Soccer, biking, and alpine skiing are among the top sports throughout the country.

Host Family & Community

AFS Austria invites students to experience Austria’s famous hospitality and collect unforgettable memories. Most host families live in suburban areas, but you may also be placed in a city or in one of the country’s many beautiful rural villages – imagine living high in the Alps! Families eat meals together, catching up with each other’s days and sharing their thoughts.

School

You will likely attend a traditional public, university-preparatory high school. School normally runs from 8 am until 2 pm, with some occasional afternoon classes, and you may have school on Saturday mornings. Subjects that are taught in all schools are: German, English, Maths, Geography, Psychology\/Philosophy, History,\u00a0 Arts, Religion, PE, and the Sciences. In addition to that, schools may put an emphasis on languages, natural sciences or arts and therefore offer special classes. Extracurriculars can include skiing, choir, orchestra, team sports, and theatre.

Food

Sachertorte slice on a plate

Austrians love rich food and drink, so you will surely have some tasty treats while on the program. Meals usually consist of soup, meat (often pork) with potatoes, salad, vegetables and dessert. Other favorites include sausages, sandwiches, pastries (like Strudel) or desserts (like the classic Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with jam and icing), eggs, many different cheeses and apples.

Language

The official language of Austria is High German, although each region also has its own dialect. Other languages spoken are: Turkish, Serbian, Slovene, Croatian and Hungarian. You should have a working knowledge of German before the exchange, but AFS Austria also provide compulsory German classes for the first 2 months after arrival in Austria. There will be weekly online meetings and help with a German Learning Platform where you will complete exercises and homework to get your learning going fast!

Hallstatt lake Austria

Programme details coming soon

AFS NZ offers school exchanges and 18+ special programmes to Austria. More details coming soon, enquire now for 2025!

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Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Go abroad with AFS to discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.
TEEN PROGRAMS (UNDER 18 YEARS OLD)

Our learning program will prepare you for an amazing AFS intercultural experience. The program begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations and other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations will help you maximize your experience, cope the challenges of navigating a new culture and community and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding, throughout your time abroad, and as you return to you home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family through your learning journey abroad.

ADULT PROGRAMS (18 YEARS OR OLDER)

The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program will support your intercultural learning experience. This state-of-the-art program prepares you to successfully navigate new cultural environments—during your AFSNext experience and long after you finish the program. Online intercultural learning modules combined with in-person sessions help you develop practical and global skills, knowledge and attitudes that employers need and mission-driven organizations believe will help achieve their social impact goals. You will receive your certification upon completion of the training program.   

Explore the Programmes Available in Austria

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Austria

  • DestinationAustria
  • DurationsYear
  • Program Dates
    • Aug 30, 2024 - Jun 28, 2025