IES-Vienna: Psychology in Vienna

Program Details

Program Location Vienna, Austria
Sponsor IES
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 33020
Duration Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2025 05/20/25 to 07/05/25
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

IES-Vienna: Psychology in Vienna

As the famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said, "This is where all the trouble started!" In Vienna, the birthplace of psychoanalysis and home to Sigmund Freud and numerous other legendary psychologists, you can experience both the history and practice of psychology from a unique vantage point. Explore the richness of this city’s past and present in an academic environment specially designed for the student of Psychology.

Located in the heart of Europe, Vienna is a city of almost 2 million inhabitants that, since its founding in the 3rd century, has served as a bridge between a myriad of cultures.

Situated on the Danube River not far from the Alps, Vienna is the capital of Austria, an EU member state that enjoys advantages as a crossroads between East and West, North and South. It hosts a wide variety of international organizations and, with its historical role in music and the arts, offers cultural opportunities that are second to none.

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:IES.

Eligibility

IES-Vienna: Psychology in Vienna

The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

Prerequisites:

One introductory course in psychology is required.

GPA Requirement: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Liberal Arts] [College of Health and Human Sciences]
Specifically from: PSY (HHS)

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

Students enroll in two or three classes (6 or 9 credits) over the summer program. Two courses are included in the program fee, students opting to take a third class will have an additional tuition charge.

The program is organized into three topics:

  • Psychology & Society in Vienna
  • Health Psychology & Communication Skills
  • Psychology of Prejudice & Discrimination
German language classes (beginning level) are also available, but not required.

Students examining Psychology & Society learn about the emergence of psychology in Vienna and consider closely how different methodologies today both reflect and challenge Freud's legacy. Students studying Health Psychology & Communication Skills take a more practical approach as they explore the field of counseling, and develop skills in listening and empathy. Those with an interest in examining how people influence and are influenced by their social setting will take Psychology of Prejudice & Discrimination.


Excursions

IES organizes various course-related trips that complement what you’re learning in the classroom, and contribute to your general knowledge of Austrian culture and society. Destinations may include:

  • The Sigmund Freud Museum
  • The "Narrenturm" (first psychiatric asylum)
  • The Museum of Medical History (Josephinum)
  • The Federal Institute for the Blind (Bundesblinden Institut) with its Museum of the Blind

Additional program activities may include:

  • A day trip to the concentration camp at Mathausen
  • Shades tour
  • Viktor Frank museum
  • Walking tour of Jewish Vienna
  • Alfred Adler Center
  • Additional lectures in cooperation with other universities

Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.


Housing

Program participants live in apartments that typically accommodate four to five students. Meals are not included in the program fee, but apartments are equipped with kitchens and basic cooking utensils.


Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
 
Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

The Program fee includes tuition for two classes, program-related excursions, and on-site orientation. An additional fee of $525 will be charged by IES for a third class.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Summer 2023

Costs per term to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $5,751.00
Study Abroad Fee $609.40
Housing $1,900.00
Insurance $135.00

Approximate additional costs per term
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare $1,550.00
Local Transportation $130.00
Books and Supplies $60.00
Meals $1,200.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $800.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Summer Programs Mar 1



Returnees Information

IES-Vienna: Psychology in Vienna

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.