Steve Cook
Host Institution: Johannes Kepler Universität Linz -- Austria
Home Institution: Central Washington University
Period: All Year 1999-2000


My ISEP Exchange

My ISEP exchange year at Johannes Kepler Universität in Linz, Austria was, without a doubt, the most fulfilling experience of my life. Of course, there are the academic benefits, as well as the potential career and financial benefits associated with foreign language proficiency and study abroad. However, more valuable to me is the personal growth my year abroad cultivated. I have a new outlook on the world and my role in it, as well as new career plans to accompany my new ideology. My only regret is that I did not study abroad earlier. Linz is the third largest city in Austria, with a population of approximately 200,000. Located in north-central Austria, straddling the Danube River, Linz is equidistant from Salzburg and Vienna and a one-hour train ride from the Czech border. The city is rich in history. Settlement dates to pre-Roman Celtic tribes, and Linz had a special place in Hitler's heart. After World War II, Austria was occupied by the Allies, like Germany, which resulted in the division of Linz between the Americans and Soviets, as the Danube was the zone border. In Prague with the Palace guard.
	The heart of the city, the Hauptplatz (main square) and Altstadt (old city), lies south of the Danube and maintains its Baroque architecture and pastel façades. The Hauptplatz is the center of activity in Linz. Farmer's and flea markets occupy it on weekends, and it becomes the site of the city's annual Christkindlmarkt during the Christmas season. During this time, Glühwein, Punsch and good cheer abound. Linz's Hauptplatz.
JKU is in the Dornach district, north of the Danube, in the former Soviet sector, and approximately thirty minutes from the Hauptplatz by tram. The campus is smaller than most American universities, with attractive landscaping and a handful of modern buildings surrounding a pond inhabited by ducks and swans. The majority of classes at JKU are taught in German, but, occasionally, a few business classes are taught in English. In my experience, the faculty was very accommodating towards exchange students, and Mag. Christine Hinterleitner and the rest of the Auslandsbüro staff were extremely helpful. The Danube flowing through Linz.
	Exchange students live largely in the student accommodations, which, unlike most American universities, are not on campus. Julius-Raab-Heim, where most exchange students live, is a fifteen-minute walk to campus. ISEP students are housed with a roommate, who is usually Austrian. My roommate, Markus, was very friendly, and I still keep in contact with him. One of JKU's buildings and the Teich.
One can easily explore the rest of Austria from Linz. Vienna, the capitol, Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, Innsbruck, nestled in the Austrian Alps, and the southern city of Graz are all between two and four hours away by train. Austria itself is a wonderful platform for exploring Europe, as it is equidistant from points in Western and Eastern Europe. The rail systems in Europe are generally efficient and can be a fun method of travel; students have plenty of vacation time to do so, as well. Austria is an officially Catholic country, so all religious holidays are also national holidays. On top of those, students receive a three-week Christmas holiday, nearly all of February as a semester break and two weeks at Easter. Parliament from Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest.
	Also, since classes only meet once per week, it is relatively easy to manipulate your schedule so that you have long weekends. I took full advantage of my time off, which included the aforementioned vacations, three weeks after my program and four-day weekends. St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna.
During my ten months, I visited a dozen countries and spent time in such places as Amsterdam, Rome, Prague and Berlin. I spent Christmas at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland and Easter in Namur, Belgium. On the Fourth of July, I was visiting a friend in Stockholm. Many of my friends joked that I was always "unterwegs," or traveling. My most precious memories, however, come from the friends I made in Linz. Students from across Europe and beyond came to study at Linz, which provided for a great deal of cultural exchange. We hung out, partied and traveled together. The American contingent also shared Thanksgiving dinner with many of them. With Bogi (Hungary) in Budapest.
	On my personal travels, I stayed with a few of them at their homes. For instance, three of my best friends from my exchange are from cities in western, central and eastern Hungary, and I visited each of them. On the first of these visits, I was in Budapest, the capitol, for New Year's, which was also Hungary's 1000th anniversary as a nation. I was able to see the 1000-yr.-old crown of King Stephen, along with the rest of the coronation regalia, see the nation's anniversary celebration and experience a holiday in another culture. Celebrating with Réka and her family was something I will never forget. Dave (N. Ireland) sitting on my lap at the Christmas Party.
Previously, I wrote that my experience abroad changed me on a variety of levels, but, perhaps, it is more accurate to say that my friendships changed me. Through my Hungarian friends and my journeys in Hungary, I found a deep love and fascination with the culture and history, which I have striven to further explore. I went to Austria planning to teach high school history and German in the US. However, I now would like to teach overseas, either with the Department of Defense on a military installation or as an English teacher. I have also considered seeking a Master's Degree in International Relations and a career in the Foreign Service. Our barbecue by the lake.
	As you have surely noticed, my study abroad experience has had a profound impact on me. Linz is a wonderful place to study, and I would encourage anyone with adequate German to apply there. However, the most important thing, in my opinion, is that American students have an international experience. In my work with my university's International Office, I routinely implore freshmen to consider study abroad and share my experiences to do so. In exploring ISEP, you have already taken that step, and I commend you. (L-R) Paulina (Poland), Erika (Sweden) and Mary (Ireland) at Mensafest, the weekly campus party.
The double-eagle coat-of-arms of the Habsburg Family. Taken from The Imperial House of Habsburg: österreich Über Alles.

Photo Essays from Austria

	Armando J. Doreste Rodriguez	Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz	Spring 2010
	Tyrone Schenk	Universität Salzburg	All Year 2005-2006
	Rachel Covault	Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz	All Year 2001-2002
	Miguel Angel Rocha	Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz	Spring 2009
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