Location

The University of Notre Dame has operated a foreign-language and culture study abroad program in Austria since 1964. More than 1400 students have participated in the program to date.  At its fortieth anniversary, the Innsbruck program underwent transformation and became what is now the Innsbruck Central European Studies Program (Innsbruck-CESP). Under the supervision of a resident on-site director, the program begins with a 3-4 week intensive language program in Salzburg (for academic year students)  and Innsbruck (for spring semester only students).  Staffed by instructors formerly affiliated with the prestigious Goethe Institute, the intensive language program refreshes German language skills to prepare students for academic work and interaction with native speakers during their time in Austria. From Salzburg, students are taken on guided trips to Central and Eastern Europe and other local cities as part of the orientation session.  The regular academic program begins in the first week of October or in the first week of March in historic Innsbruck, a city of about 130,000 surrounded by Alpine mountain peaks in the heart of the Tyrol. Since Roman times, Innsbruck has been the hub of routes leading north to Germany, south to Italy, west to Switzerland and France, and east to the former eastern bloc countries. The old medieval city, or altstadt, is remarkably preserved. The juxtaposition of 16th century houses, baroque churches and modern additions makes Innsbruck an exciting place to live. Tyrolean culture is preserved and celebrated in numerous festivals, concerts, and parades throughout the year.

The program is run with the cooperation of the University of Innsbruck (UIBK), with which Notre Dame sustains a friendship agreement. Founded in 1669 by the Jesuit order, the university has been administered by the state since 1848, with full guarantees of academic freedom. Most of the university's institutes and lecture halls lie along the banks of the picturesque Inn River, while the medical school and other institutes are housed in other parts of the city. Like most European universities, the campus is fully integrated into the life of the city. The regular fall academic term in Innsbruck begins in early October and finishes in early February after Christmas and New Year's break. Academic-year students are able to travel during most of February until the Spring semester begins in March.  Students enrolling for the spring semester only program will have their instensive language instruction begin in early February, shortly after the academic-year students conclude their first semester.  All spring semester classes conclude in early- or mid-June, depending on the UIBK academic calendar. Courses taken during the academic year may be selected from those offered by the University of Innsbruck, or from a roster of courses staffed by adjunct faculty hired by Notre Dame. Students are required to enroll in a German language course offered by Notre Dame adjunct faculty, and are encouraged to enroll in other regular university courses as their German language proficiency grows.

Program of Study

Curricular offerings vary from year to year in both the regular university and in the Notre Dame-staffed courses; the latter are designed to accommodate general curricular needs and Notre Dame distribution requirements. Typical offerings include Art History, Economics, Social Sciences, History, Philosophy, and Theology, all with a local or regional (Central European) focus. During the spring semesters, Notre Dame business students will have an opportunity to enroll in select business courses at the University of Innsbruck. Unlike most UIBK courses, the business courses are taught in English. All UIBK courses that Notre Dame students enroll in must be approved by the relevant department at the South Bend campus. Year-long study in Innsbruck is strongly recommended, but a session for the Spring semester only is also available.  Click here for more Innsbruck course information.

Grading in the Notre Dame-staffed courses follows the American system, while coursework taken at the University of Innsbruck is assessed under the Austrian system and converted by Notre Dame staff and faculty before grades are entered into student records. Except where pass/fail options are taken, all grades are included in the computations for Notre Dame grade point averages.

Eligibility for the Program

The Innsbruck-CESP program in Austria is open to qualified students of the University of Notre Dame or Saint Mary's College. Program Participants are usually in their sophomore or junior year of college. All students should consult and work closely with either their first year of studies or major advisors, and obtain approval of the dean of their college. Most participants have studied German in high school, however some participants start the language during their freshman year at Notre Dame. All candidates must take an intensive or approved German course at Notre Dame and participate in orientation sessions before they participate in the program. Candidates must have a 2.75 GPA and at least a B in German and must demonstrate maturity and adaptability to new situations. Participants are chosen by a selection committee for the Office of International Studies. Application deadline for both Academic-year and Spring semester: November 15.

There is much more we can tell you — about this location, vibrant religious, cultural and recreational life of this community ... about the student housing, transportation, health care and much, much more. It is, after all, the details that make this program so appealing. Interested? Just click here for additional information.