The Program
Providing a cultural transition program to expatriates and their spouses can truly help individuals/families to adapt more quickly to their new environment and reduce the risks of failure and frustration. At Salzburg College we offer a special program geared toward expatriates and their spouses looking to ease into the Austrian culture. We equip participants with relevant and appropriate strategies and tools. Participants of our Expat Bridge Program will receive instruction and guidance that will give them the confidence they need to live happily in Austria and to cope with the specific challenges of their transition.
The Expat Bridge Program at Salzburg College lasts 1 semester and is offered every fall and spring semester as well as in a condensed form in summer.
The Highlights:
- 2 semester-long German language courses
- Course "Austrian History, Politics, Society & Culture"
- Weekly Stammtisch as a platform for exchange and enrichment
- Extensive excursion program
- US undergraduate credit available to qualifying participants
- Language of instruction: English
Eligibility
Highschool Diploma or equivalent; 18 Years of age at program start, English level B1 (European Language Framework)
The Salzburg College College Preparation Program combines intensive study of English with preparation for successful study at American colleges and universities. Participants experience an integrated 2-semester program focused on instruction in English language and Western culture proficiency, university study skills and academic writing, and content-based course work typical of an American university classroom. Upon successful completion students are guaranteed an easy transfer to Salzburg College's School of Record, Northern Illinois University.
The first semester is focused on intensive English as a Second Language Studies as well as Cultural Studies. At the end of the first semester students take the TOEFL exam. During the second semester students are either prepared to take the SAT exam or may, if qualified, complete their first semester of university courses at Salzburg College.
Program Highlights
Courses
Courses of the Salzburg College College Preparation Program take place Monday through Friday for a total of 15-21 hours per week. The full-time program consists of 4 courses per semester based on standard U.S. university class meeting times. Participants will automatically be registered for the first four mandatory courses during the first semester.
Excursions
A variety of local excursions constitute an integral part of the Western Culture program. The excursion program will provide a broad range of experiences related to history, art, music, and modern life.
Housing
To maximize cultural involvement, students live either in Austrian families with an American student or share a room in our downtown student dormitory with an American student. Breakfast is included. Family accommodations are reserved for students up to the age of 26. No housing is available during Christmas break, before the program commences or after the program has ended.
Automatic Transfer to Northern Illinois University
Students enrolled in the Salzburg College College Preparation Program will, upon successful completion, be automatically admitted into Northern Illinois University, Illinois, USA.
Once enrolled at Northern Illinois University students have 3 options:
1. Complete 4 semesters (60 credit hours) at Salzburg College with guaranteed admission to Northern Illinois University. Limited and restricted-access programs may require an additional admissions process.
2. Complete 4 semesters (60 credit hours) at Salzburg College and transfer to another college or university of their choice. Students are encouraged to contact other colleges or universities of their choice early on to learn about the transfer requirements. Requirements may include, but are not limited to: specific courses, GPA, limited access and foreign language. Some programs also require you to submit an additional application 6-12 months before enrolling.
3. Complete the following degree awarded by Northern Illinois University at Salzburg College:
Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)
Concentration: Culture, Communication & Business
Eligibility
Highschool Diploma or equivalent
18 Years of age at program start
The Salzburg College University Preparation Program combines intensive study of German with preparation for successful study at an Austrian university. Participants experience an integrated 2-semester program focused on instruction in German language and Western culture proficiency, university study skills and academic writing, and content-based course work focused on the desired academic discipline.
The first semester is focused on intensive German as a Second Language Studies as well as Cultural Studies. At the end of the first semester students take the A2 level German language proficiency exam. During the second semester students are either prepared to take the B2 level German language proficiency exam or may, if qualified, complete course work in preparation of any mandatory entrance exam or their first semester of university courses at the desired Austrian university.
Program Highlights
Courses
Courses of the Salzburg College University Preparation Program take place Monday through Friday for a total of 15-21 hours per week. The full-time program consists of 4 courses per semester based on standard U.S. university class meeting times. Participants will automatically be registered for the first four mandatory courses during the first semester.
Excursions
A variety of local excursions constitute an integral part of the Western Culture program. The excursions will provide a broad range of experiences related to history, art, music, and modern life.
Housing
To maximize cultural involvement, students live either in Austrian families or share a room in an Austrian student dormitory with an American student. Breakfast is included. Family accommodations are reserved for students up to the age of 26. No housing is available during Christmas break, before the program commences or after the program has ended.
Eligibility
Highschool Diploma or equivalent
18 Years of age at program start
The program is so geared toward helping students succeed, it would have been hard not to meet goals. The faculty are fantastic and my experience in a host family was very warm and one I will never forget.
M. B., Ithaka College
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