Ben – Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration – Austria
Semester 2, 2024 & Semester 1, 2025
Bachelor of Business
Hey! I’m Ben and I studied the BS08 Bachelor of Business – International program with the dual degree option in partnership with Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). My major at QUT is Accounting, however, I undertook a second major at WU in International Business Communication. When I decided to do this program, I didn’t know anything about Vienna. I did very little research about WU and Vienna before I left, and I am so glad I went in blind. Honestly, I wouldn’t have even been able to point out Austria on a map until I landed in the country. If you are thinking about choosing to study abroad in Vienna, do it! I have absolutely no complaints (other than EVERYTHING being closed on Sundays). I won’t tell you much about Vienna because you can google that or just find out when you get there. But I will tell you about WU and why I really recommend it.
Firstly, the Erasmus Buddy Network (EBN). When you get accepted you will receive an email to sign up from the EBN team. This is a MUST. My exchange year would not have been the same without the EBN.
The EBN is a student run organisation purely for exchange students at WU. They organise events, trips and heaps of free stuff. You will meet people from all over the world and make lifelong friendships. I was lucky enough to attend the Budapest and Krakow trips with the EBN, and they were both a highlight of my exchange experience. My top tip is to also befriend the Austrian students (in the EBN and from your classes). They are funny and cool people, and they will help you learn some German. Speaking of German, the most important phrases you will need to know to sound like a local are:
“Ja Genau” – “yes exactly”
“Bussi Baba” – “xoxo goodbye”
The WU campus itself is architecturally pretty amazing; despite the 107 km/hr winds they experience down the main strip. You will 100% need a jumper every time you are on campus. WU sponsors also give out heaps of free stuff to students at the campus entrances, you won’t even need to bring lunch! All these fun things about WU are why the student life and atmosphere are so great. However, this comes at a slight cost. There is mandatory attendance to majority classes (and it is monitored) so you have to attend 80% of the course hours. Additionally, you must pay a semesterly student union fee (ÖH fee) of around 25 euros to be enrolled once you arrive. It is worth it though if you collect all the free stuff and use all the WU amenities! So that’s why I highly recommend doing an exchange at WU. You won’t regret it.
The one thing nobody tells you is how hard it is to leave your new home.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
