School

While attending a public secondary school, you will stay with a local host family and participate fully in the academic and cultural life of the school. Students are typically placed in the 6th, 7th, or 8th class of "Gymnasium" or "Neue Mittelschule" and are usually in fixed classes, meaning you will spend each day with the same students. This will make it a lot easier to find friends! Each class will also have its own teacher (Klassenvorstand), and she or he is responsible for your class and will be a great resource during your program. Students will also take a range of different classes including German, math, biology, arts, and physical education. YFU Austria prides itself on its ability to dedicate lots of individualized attention to each student, ensuring the best possible exchange experience.

Special Dance Program

YFU Austria offers a special dance program for interested students in addition to their classic program. Students enrolled in the dance program are enrolled in dance classes 2-3 days per week, depending on their school schedule and availability. Classes offer various styles such as ballett, contemporary, musical, acrobatics, and fitness.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students applying for the Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

In Austria, students will participate in post-arrival, mid-year, and re-entry orientations to cover topics including communication, adaptation, integration, values, and perceptions. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Age Requirement

• 2024 Fall Departures: Students born February 28, 2007 - August 30, 2009.
• Students who are slightly overage will need approval from YFU Austria. Graduated student and students outside the age range will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Language

German. Basic German language skills are necessary, and intensive individualized language tutoring can be arranged upon arrival in Austria and may be an additional fee. Standard German is spoken in most Austrian schools, but you should be prepared for the possibility that the community where you stay may speak German dialects unique to that region.

Host Family Placement

Most students are placed in suburban or rural areas. It is important to note that students are rarely placed in large urban centers. Families typically have the expectation that their host child actively participates in host family life.

School

While attending a public secondary school, you will stay with a local host family and participate fully in the academic and cultural life of the school. Students are typically placed in the 6th, 7th, or 8th class of "Gymnasium" or "Neue Mittelschule" and are usually in fixed classes, meaning you will spend each day with the same students. This will make it a lot easier to find friends! Each class will also have its own teacher (Klassenvorstand), and she or he is responsible for your class and will be a great resource during your program. Students will also take a range of different classes including German, math, biology, arts, and physical education. YFU Austria prides itself on its ability to dedicate lots of individualized attention to each student, ensuring the best possible exchange experience.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students applying for the Fall program will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

In Austria, students will participate in post-arrival, mid-year, and re-entry orientations to cover topics including communication, adaptation, integration, values, and perceptions. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Age Requirement

• 2024 Fall Departures: Students born February 28, 2007 - August 30, 2009.
• 2025 Spring Departures: Students born August 31, 2007 - March 31, 2010.
• Students who are slightly overage will need approval from YFU Austria. Graduated student and students outside the age range will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Language

German. Basic German language skills are necessary, and intensive individualized language tutoring can be arranged upon arrival in Austria for an additional fee. Standard German is spoken in most Austrian schools, but you should be prepared for the possibility that the community where you stay may speak German dialects unique to that region.

Host Family Placement

Most students are placed in suburban or rural areas. It is important to note that students are rarely placed in large urban centers. Families typically have the expectation that their host child actively participates in host family life.