University of Klagenfurt Exchange

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COUNTRY: Austria CITY: Klagenfurt Host Institution: University of Klagenfurt TYPE OF PROGRAM: UNI Exchange  SESSIONS: Fall, Spring, Summer, Academic Year ELIGIBILITY: Sophomore or above; 2.8 GPA FIELDS OF STUDY: Geography, Applied Business Administration, Informatics, Technical Mathematics, Geography and Economics, Mathematics, Informatics and Informatics Management, English and American Studies, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, German, Romance Studies (French, Italian), History, Education, Philosophy, Psychology, Journalism and Communications Studies, Slavic Studies (Russian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Slovenian), History and Social Studies, German, English, French, Italian, Slovenian. LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: German, English CREDITS: Undergraduate, graduate

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University of Northern Iowa-University of Klagenfurt exchange offers a unique opportunity for UNI students to study in one of the newest higher education institutions in Austria, live in the picturesque city of Klagenfurt, and experience rich Austrian culture firsthand.  Due to Austria's central geographic location in Europe, UNI students will have an opportunity to travel Europe if they wish to visit other countries. Austria also offers more travel fun and more travel value than one would expect. It is a small country, compact, easy to get to know, and delightful to see.  The exchange will assist students in transferring academic credits back to UNI. 

The University of Klagenfurt offers UNI students comfortable accommodations in the new dormitory on campus (Neueheim), intensive German courses (2-3 weeks) or one semester of German at no cost (6 hours per week), and a free Culture and Social Program throughout the semester.

A powerpoint focusing on the natural beauty and culture of Austria can be viewed here.

Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia, has a population of about 90,000. It is located on the lake Worthersee, one of the warmest Alpine lakes in Europe. The town is renowned for its beautiful architecture and for the many castles on the outskirts of the city. The city center has a Mediterranean flair with many churches, outdoor cafes, restaurants and shops. Carinthia has a reputation as the warmest and sunniest of Austrian provinces. The climate encourages water skiing, scuba diving, wind surfing, tennis, bicycling and hiking.

Located just a few minutes' walk from lake Worthersee, the University of Klagenfurt is one of the oldest exchange partners of UNI. Established in 1964, it now enrolls approximately 7000 students who study at two faculties (colleges): the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Economics, Business Administration & Informatics (Computer Science). Courses are offered in philosophy, education, history, foreign languages, applied mathematics, geography, applied computer science, business administration, mathematics and economics. The language of instruction is German. International programs are viewed as a critical component for the University, and exchange students are warmly welcomed.

For further information about the University of Klagenfurt, academic programs and accommodations, see our links.

Exchange students with high level of language proficiency may enroll in regular university courses. Those with limited or no proficiency in German may take courses in English in the department of "Anglistik und Amerikanistik". German majors and non-majors are equally encouraged to take semester courses in German as a Foreign Language (Deutsch in Osterreich). A three-week “crash” course in survival German is also offered, free to exchange students at the beginning of their program of study. The Survey of Austrian Culture course - also offered each semester - includes a field trip to Vienna. Academic credits for the intensive language course, semester language courses, and the Survey of Austrian Culture course are available. 

LANGUAGE COURSES

The University of Klagenfurt offers a FREE three-week intensive course in German FOR CREDIT before the regular semester starts (both fall and spring).  Intensive Course in German students must apply by the deadline.

Spring 2009 Information

The spring semester begins March 2, 2009.  The application for the intensive course, which starts on February 2, 2009, should be submitted (online).  Check the International Office website for the deadline to apply. The intensive German course students receive 72 contact hours of instruction, and the course (offered to UNI students for free) is worth Euro 611.  Students also have the opportunity to take a semester course, for just 45 EUR. Semester long courses begin in March for the spring (summer) semester and October for the fall (winter) semester. 

Please apply as soon as possible in order to reserve your place in the intensive course!

Exchange students take a full semester of courses--12 hours or more--at Klagenfurt. Semester (fall or spring) and academic year options are available. Students remain eligible for UNI financial aid and the Study Abroad Scholarship. 

October 1, 2008 – January 31, 2009 (Students wishing to depart early need to make arrangements with professors at the University of Klagenfurt),
Christmas break: December 22, 2008 - January 5, 2009

Semester break: February 1 – March 1, 2009

Spring Intensive Language Course: February 2 – February 20, 2009

In general, fall (winter) semester courses begin on October 1 and end on January 31, with the intensive course beginning three weeks before the start of the semester.  Spring (sommer) courses begin on March 1 and end on June 30, with the intensive course beginning three weeks before the start of the semester.

UNI exchange students are guaranteed accommodation in the new studentenheim (privately owned student residence) located directly across from campus and the Mensa. Students share a room with another person and cook their own meals. Students may rent their bed linen from the studentenheim for the semester for a small fee.  Students are advised to bring a few kitchen utensils with them.  More extensive cooking supplies are available in Klagenfurt at the local general store Woolworth’s for a reasonable cost (This store is as close to a Wal-Mart or Target as you will get in Austria!).

UNI students pay UNI tuition and fees (in-state or out-of-state) plus the study abroad fee to participate.  The program cost does not include housing, food, books and supplies, round-trip air transportation, international health insurance, and personal expenses. 

Participants should expect to pay about $270-300 per month for housing and budget about $10 per day (or about $300 per month) for food.

Participants in this program may use their UNI financial aid to help pay for the program.  Study Abroad Scholarships and a variety of external funding options are available to those who qualify.: $1000 scholarship offered through study abroad office to any participant interested in studying in Klagenfurt in Spring and/or Fall 2009.

UNI students only.  Applicants must be full-time students at the time of application, at least sophomore status during the session abroad, have departmental approval for participation, and an overall G.P.A. of 2.8.

A complete set of application materials will include one original and one copy of the following:

• UNI Application Packet (PDF Link)
• University of Klagenfurt Application for Admission and Request for Accommodation
• A Biographical Sketch in German or English

To download and print available forms please refer to our Forms page.

Fall & academic year program application deadline: March 1
Spring program application deadline: October 1

Inquires regarding this program should be directed to: 
Office of Study Abroad
28 Gilchrist Hall, UNI
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0520 
Tel: 319/ 273-7078 Fax: 319/ 273-2921Email: study-abroad@uni.edu 

Aaron Tilton's is a UNI student who spent the 2005-06 academic year participating in the University of Klagenfurt exchange.

"My study abroad opportunity was one of the best learning experiences of my years in college. I would not do many of my college semesters over again, but this I would do in a heartbeat. The friends, food, parties, scenery and challenges made my experience there one to remember. The country is beautiful, the people warm and the possibilities are endless." (Senior, MIS major)

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