Study Abroad in Salzburg: Housing & Meals

Students select one of two options for housing before leaving the U.S. They can live in a residence hall or stay in an Austrian home (seldom in the center of town). AIFS makes every effort to accommodate students' choices. Housing stays open during vacation at no extra charge.

AIFS always arranges the best accommodation available for students. Changes in housing will be considered only in the event of health and safety issues.

Austrian Homestay

The homestay experience can be the most rewarding part of a student's time abroad. It is the best way to learn German, get involved in the culture and integrate into the local community. Patience, respect and an open mind are essential to success. Living in a homestay situation demands a great amount of flexibility on the part of the student. Students are paying guests in an Austrian homestay and are likely to be housed with a single woman or professional couple. Students usually have a double room, shared with another AIFS student, in an apartment or house, usually located outside the city centre. In many homes, students have the use of only the bedroom, bathroom and limited use of the kitchen. Most private homes do not have Internet facilities. There is privacy for study, yet only a certain amount of contact with Austrian hosts. Students are seldom housed with families with young children. Homestays are limited and subject to availability.

Residence Hall

Students who choose to live in a residence hall stay in double rooms with a private bathroom, a direct phone line for incoming calls and a shared kitchen. AIFS students are placed in several residence halls throughout Salzburg, not all are centrally located. Students who wish to bring their own computers may connect to the Internet from their room for a small fee. Requests for Austrian or international room mates are subject to availability and the sole responsibility of the local residence hall directors.

Students receive an allowance toward the purchase of breakfast and lunch or dinner from Monday to Friday. This is a subsidy and will not cover the cost of meals in expensive restaurants. For lunch, students tend to gather at one of the University restaurants or nearby cafés.

Independent living

Students must confirm before arrival if they want to be "own living" and live in an apartment. If students move into the homestay or residence hall there is no rebate if they move out at some point during the program. Please note that AIFS does not have direct involvement in any student's own living arrangements. The contract is between the students and the agency. Students must make their own arrangements. AIFS will not choose an apartment or confirm the details on behalf of the students. Independent living students receive a rebate on the AIFS program fee. Students interested in this option should contact the AIFS Admissions Office to find out the exact amount of the rebate.