Study Abroad in Salzburg, Austria

With a population of about 150,000, Salzburg is situated in the heart of Europe on the northern edge of the eastern Alps right at the Austrian-German border. Surrounded by picturesque and often snow-capped mountains, the city still mirrors in its historical center - a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site - more than a thousand years of European history and culture. The city of Salzburg is the closest you will get to a modern-day fairy tale city, with a winding river through the heart of the city and a castle that sits on top overlooking the city center. Its vibrant cultural heritage is reflected in concerts, festivals, and a great variety of events throughout the year. Ideally located for travel, Salzburg sits in the heart of Europe and is less than four hours by train from Vienna, only two hours from Munich, and an overnight train ride from Paris or Venice. Several Eastern European countries are also within easy reach.

All of the above make Salzburg the ideal setting for a truly "European experience."

Salzburg College - Semester and Summer Programs

A major objective of the Salzburg College program is the integration of classroom study and on-site experience. Small classes held in English and a dedicated faculty enhance the individual learning process. Close to 10,000 students from over 500 American colleges and universities have attended the institution.

The study center of Salzburg College is located in the KunstQuartier (Art Quarter) on Bergstrasse. The core building itself dates back to the 15th century and was originally utilized for various purposes. Beginning in 1802, the building housed the Salzburger Druckerei (Salzburg Press) for over 200 years. The last printing machine was dissembled in 2008 after 200 years of operation. In addition to a recital hall and private atrium, the location also offers the following amenities: classrooms, an art studio, a darkroom, a library, study space, a spacious lounge, and music practice rooms.

The close vicinity of public, educational, and cultural institutions allows for easy integration of classroom study and on-site experience, a major objective of the Salzburg College program.  Students will find the university library, the Mozart Archives, museum, and galleries in easy walking distance. The local farmers' market, coffee shops, local eateries, bookstores, boutiques, pastry shops, and bakeries are all just steps away from the College's downtown location. Bergstrasse is also near the main intersecting point of the Salzburg public bus system which greatly facilitates commuting to and from the Austrian host family homes and the dormitories.

Students take a variety of classes in German language and literature, history, economics and politics, music history, music performance, intercultural communications, business, marketing, public relations, and studio art.

All courses are taught in English, except German language and upper-level German literature courses. One German language course is required for students spending a semester at Salzburg College.

To maximize cultural engagement, students live with either an Austrian family which includes breakfast & dinner) or they share a room in a downtown Austrian student residence (this option does not provide any meals).

As a complement to the academic program, students take day trips to nearby towns, including both the lake and mountain districts. Day trips to Vienna and Munich provide students with a broad range of experiences related to history, art, music, and modern life in Europe.

Minimum GPA: Students must have at least a 2.7 GPA
Minimum Class Standing: Freshman standing or higher

Students are required to complete a supplemental Salzburg College application after submitting their CCIS application. The application will be sent directly to the student via e-mail from Salzburg College.

At Salzburg College classroom work, field study, workplace experience, and academic travel complement one another. Students are encouraged to make their personal experiences part of their academic studies. Experiential learning constitutes an important component of all our semester and academic year programs, one of the major reasons why we require all academic year students to complete an internship during their second semester.

To support the overall Austrian experience, two courses are required of all students wanting to study a semester at Salzburg College:

  • The European Experience or Cross-Cultural Communication and Understanding
  • One German language course

Beyond this, students may choose to complete two (2) - three (3) more courses offered in the following academic fields:

  • European Studies
  • German Language and Culture
  • Intercultural Communications
  • Business
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Art & Photography
  • Music Performance
  • Music History

Courses at Salzburg College take place Monday through Thursday. The full-time program is based on four (4) courses (12 credit hours) per semester according to standard U.S. university class meeting times.

Housing Options for Students Living in Austria can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your study experience. It allows you to observe, understand, and appreciate cultures and values that are different from your own.

To maximize cultural engagement, students live with either an Austrian family which includes breakfast & dinner) or they share a room in a downtown Austrian student residence (this option does not provide any meals).

All housing options put students within walking distance of downtown Salzburg, as well as restaurants, shops, and grocery stores.

Host Family Option

While living with a host family does provide a "home away from home", they also recognize a student's need for privacy and independence. The Austrian families taking in Salzburg College students represent many who come from many different social backgrounds and family structures.

A homestay may consist of traditional families, older couples whose children have grown up and moved out, or a single lady who is looking for a little extra company. In some cases, two generations live together in the same house.

Families in the program have different levels of language proficiency which correspond roughly to the needs of students. Those students who want to improve their German language proficiency may be paired with "German only" households and students who are at a beginning level in German may be paired with families who can communicate in English.

Living with an Austrian family is a great way to learn about the Austrian culture, as well as the Austrian family life. Students who live in host families often form lasting bonds with their respective families and keep in touch with each other long after the students return home.

Student Residence Living

With this housing option, students can choose from:

  • Studio Apartments (sleeps 2-4)
  • Micro Studios (sleeps 1-2)
  • Private Room in Shared Apartments

Single units are available only upon request and at an extra charge.

All apartments come

  • Fully furnished including linen, towels, and dishes
  • Private or shared kitchen space
  • Shared washer and dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • All utilities included
  • 100% smoke and drug-free facilities

Housing Rules and Independence

The student residence facility, landlords, and the Austrian host families recognize that Salzburg College students are young adults. There are no curfews or similar rules (other than your usual family or house rules such as being considerate towards others, preserving energy, locking certain doors, etc.).

Students are expected to exercise common courtesy such as coming in quietly after a late night out and keeping the living areas clean.

Ultimately, it is up to students to decide to what extent they want to be involved in a family life or with their peers at the dorm.

Students choose and determine their level of involvement and independence.

Commuting to Salzburg College

Students live all over town. While some will live on campus, others are housed within walking distance of the College. All off-campus students are placed in housing options that are between fifteen minutes to half an hour commute away. Depending on where students are located they can choose to either walk, bike, or ride the bus to campus.

Public transportation and biking are common and very efficient in Salzburg. Salzburg College is located down the street from the main intersecting point of the bus system. Students can purchase weekly or monthly bus passes which allows them to always use the bus, not just to commute between home and school.

Spring 2025

January 26 - April 25, 2025
Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
Spring Break: March 7 - 15, 2025

Summer 2025

Session II: May 18 - 31, 2025
Session III: 1 June 1 - 14, 2025
Session IV: June 15 - 28, 2025
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

Cost estimates can vary depending on the credit hours taken and other academic factors such as internship placement, individual music lessons, etc. However, the following is a general cost estimate with a base of 12 credit hours for the semester and 3 credit hours for one session in the summer.

Spring 2025

$11,900 (estimated)

Summer 2025

$4,000 (estimated)

The Salzburg College Semester program is eligible for the William E. Greene Study Abroad Scholarship (PDF). This scholarship is available for Broward College degree-seeking students. The scholarship covers almost all of the program fees associated with the study abroad program.

Additional scholarships (including the Gilman Scholarship for students on the Pell Grant) are available to students through external organizations. Please review our Scholarships and Funding page for more information.

Applicants who are not degree-seeking students at Broward College should inquire with the international programs office at their home institution regarding scholarships available to them.

Contact Us


Request more information or schedule an appointment. Students can request an appointment by sending an email to abroad@broward.edu