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Austria

From the lakes to the mountains, welcoming people and delicious food are everywhere in Austria!

Enquire about Austria

AFS aims to provide 30% of our students with scholarships or grants

Find out about our range of scholarships, grants and fundraising

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: You must be between 15 and 17.6 years old
  • Language: A1 German
  • School Enrolment Status: You must be enrolled in an NZ school
  • Vaccinations: Hep A + B Vaccinations recommended
  • Dietary: Vegans/students with celiac disease/students with a gluten-dree diet etc. are not eligible for this destination.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Host Family Placement
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • Individual Contact Person
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • School Transport
  • Assistance with Application Process
  • Visa Application Assistance
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Access to Alumni Network
  • Continuous Support
  • Worldwide Presence
  • 70 Years Experience

What you are responsible for

  • Vaccinations
  • Cultural Tours
  • Visa and Passport Fees
  • Stipend
  • School Uniform
AUT Vienna

Host Family & Community

Experience Austria like a local by becoming part of a welcoming host family and embracing everyday life, traditions, and unforgettable moments. Whether you live in a vibrant city, a charming town, or a village surrounded by the Alps, you’ll discover Austria’s famous hospitality, traditions, and breathtaking scenery. From sharing family meals and celebrating local holidays to exploring mountains, lakes, and historic villages, your host family will help you experience the authentic Austrian way of life.

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School

Most AFS students attend a public academic secondary school (Gymnasium), where classes usually run from around 8:00 a.m. until early afternoon, leaving plenty of time to spend with friends and explore your new home. Alongside subjects such as German, English, Maths, History, Sciences and Arts, many schools offer special programs in languages, music or science. You can also join extracurricular activities like skiing, theatre, choir or team sports while experiencing everyday Austrian student life.

Austria food

Food

Austria is famous for its delicious cuisine and strong café culture. You’ll get to try local favourites like Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn, Apfelstrudel and Sachertorte, while also enjoying homemade family meals with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Every region has its own specialties, making food a wonderful way to discover Austrian culture and traditions.

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Language

German is Austria’s official language, although each region has its own unique dialect. A basic knowledge of German is recommended, but there’s no need to worry. You’ll improve quickly through everyday conversations with your host family and classmates. AFS Austria supports your learning with compulsory German classes during your first two months, weekly online sessions, and access to an interactive language platform to help you build confidence from day one.

Peace Camp Info

The PEACE Programme or PEACE through Exchange and Active Citizenship Education is a secondary school trimester programme which aims at empowering and enabling young people to become active citizens. The participants stay with host-families and go to high school in a European country. At the end of the programme, all participants of the PEACE programme come to Belgium for a five day long camp with a focus on Active Global Citizenship in Europe.

Find out More

Ready to Start your Austrian Adventure?

Enquire Today

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact.

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