My Erasmus Experience in Vienna: Expectations, Reality, and Reflections - Aleksandr Kirs
Spending a semester abroad through the Erasmus programme was more than just an academic opportunity for me - it was a chance to immerse myself fully in a different cultural and social environment. My exchange semester in Vienna became one of the most valuable and transformative experiences of my studies.
What made the experience truly special was the time I spent living in Vienna itself. The city’s atmosphere, its traditions, and local celebrations created a unique feeling of being part of something entirely new. I believe that during an exchange semester, it is not enough to focus solely on studies. It is equally important to experience the country - to meet new people, observe their daily lives, and adapt to the local rhythm.
Although academics form the foundation of the Erasmus programme, changing your environment offers a rare opportunity to gain much more than academic knowledge. Since I arrived in Austria by car, I had the freedom to travel around Vienna and explore other parts of the country beyond the capital. This allowed me to see Austria from different perspectives and enriched my overall experience.
I completed my exchange at the University of Vienna. The university building itself left a strong impression on me — its architecture and historical atmosphere create a powerful academic presence. Studying in such an environment adds a special dimension to everyday lectures and seminars.
It allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, compare educational systems, and better understand both my academic direction and personal goals.
The professors were engaging and came from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, which made the courses intellectually stimulating. At the same time, I noticed clear cultural differences, particularly in student self-governance and student culture in general. Adjusting to these differences required time. The political science programme felt more theoretical than what I was used to, with limited practical application, which stood in contrast to my previous academic experience.
This semester brought me new experiences, international connections, and important reflections. Meeting students from different countries broadened my perspective and allowed me to look at higher education from a comparative angle. I realized that Austrian higher education could potentially adopt certain elements from the Estonian system, especially regarding digitalization and administrative efficiency. At times, it felt like stepping back into the early 2000s due to minimal digital processes and more traditional administrative procedures. While unusual, this contrast was interesting to observe and analyze.
There were also aspects that I found challenging. Some parts of the political science curriculum were highly abstract, with terminology open to multiple interpretations. Additionally, I noticed a certain level of politicization among some students. Occasionally, discussions seemed to focus more on expressing progressive viewpoints than on maintaining purely academic debate. While this is my personal and subjective impression, it did influence how I experienced the academic atmosphere.
For students considering Erasmus, my main advice is to start looking for accommodation immediately after receiving confirmation of acceptance. Explore the housing options recommended by the host university and check whether there are student discounts available. Once accommodation is secured, finding a part-time job can be a valuable addition to the experience. Many positions require at least a B2 level of the local language, but with determination, opportunities can still be found without advanced proficiency.
I would also recommend not taking the full 30 ECTS workload. Reducing it to around 15–20 ECTS makes adaptation to a new academic system and country much smoother. Taking too many credits can lead to unnecessary stress and limit the time available to truly experience life abroad.
Overall, my Erasmus semester in Vienna was not only an academic journey but also a period of personal growth, travel, and meaningful encounters. Despite certain challenges and critical reflections, I deeply value this experience. It allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, compare educational systems, and better understand both my academic direction and personal goals.
