Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a small (148,000 residents) but very wealthy city because of tourism (Salzburg gets 20,000 visitors per day in summer), attracting skiers in the winter months and Mozart and Sound of Music fans all year round.
Salzburg’s old town has been voted one of the top 3 most beautiful cities on earth, boasting one of Europe’s largest fortress which along with the many centuries old churches, dominates the city center on one of the two mountains amongst which the city nestles. The Salzburg-based creator of “Red Bull“ energy drink has invested heavily in sport, culture, restaurants, architecture and media concerns which have brought a more progressive flavor to the region. You could be part of the student ministry team at one of two universities: the University of Salzburg (13,000 students) and the Mozarteum music University (4000 mostly international students). The present team leader is an American who originally came to Salzburg to study abroad!
YOU MAY BE WONDERING…
Where can I study?
Salzburg University or the Mozarteum (music and arts) University would be ideal.
Both Universities have strong connections with American University programs. That means that there are already a good number of American students in Salzburg, often living in the student dorms where we do regular outreach.
What types of classes can I take?
Many American students study German language and European history and culture. It is best to consult your study abroad office and the department of your major to select courses that you need for your degree requirements.
When can I go?
In order to line up better with the American semester calendar, many American students are enrolled slightly earlier than the European semester. The Austrian fall semester starts at the beginning of October and ends in January. With the month of February as a semester break, the spring semester is from the beginning of March to the end of June.
What kind of ministry will I be doing?
Mostly the student ministry involves meeting students through our regular stand, surveys and outreach with the multiple materials (Soularium, Perspective cards, short and long surveys etc) that we have in German and English. By building relationships and sharing your faith you will help us to find students who are spiritually open. Together we can help them grow in their faith and become key leaders in the campus movement.
Where will I live?
Ideally one of the dorms scattered across the city, because we often focus on one or two of them each year and most have a very international mix of students. Otherwise apartments, home stays with local families could be options anywhere within Salzburg.
Will there be a language barrier?
English is very widely spoken in Vienna and can sometimes be an attraction for students who want to improve. It is also possible to start learning German at the university with no previous experience. Depending on if you come through your college’s study abroad program, all your classes could be taught in English.
How much does this cost?
The cost of tuition and fees varies by each campus and by the university you currently attend.
When is the application deadline?
- For fall semesters, please apply here by August 1st.
- For spring semesters, please apply here by December 1st.
- For summer terms, please apply here by May 1st.
