| FAQs |
 GERMAN
COURSES FOR ADULTS 16+ |
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1. Why choose to learn
German in Vienna?
Vienna is the ideal place to learn German! The Austrian capital combines
the convenience of a modern cosmopolitan city with the imperial charm
and flair of bygone years. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is
clean and safe, and has all the inspiration you could wish for on
a language course. The monuments to its rich history and imperial
past capture the imagination of history lovers. Music and art fans
swarm to the city, and its vibrant social scene provides fun and entertainment
- off the beaten track too. Take a look at our guide
to Vienna and check out Vienna's attractions for yourself!
2. Is dialect spoken
in Vienna?
As is the case with all languages, German has its regional variations,
particularly in the way it is spoken. The German
speaking territory can be divided into two linguistic areas
- North German and South German. Austria is in the South German
area. All over the world there are people whose spoken language
is different from the standard version and Vienna is no exception.
Dialect is not spoken any more or any less here than in other German
speaking towns. The German spoken in Austria is pure and melodious.
At ActiLingua Academy you learn standard German according to a recognized
curriculum.
3. Is Vienna safe?
Vienna is one of the safest capital cities in the world. An excellent
public transport network of underground trains, trams and buses
that extends into the suburbs carries you quickly to your destination
from early morning until late at night. You can travel almost all
over the city in safety at night too. Vienna boasts all the convenience
of a European capital city, but has managed to remain free of the
frequently associated dangers. The friendly atmosphere of calm and
"Gemütlichkeit" which the Viennese have elevated to a kind of philosophy
runs through the whole city and makes visitors feel at home very
quickly.
4. What's the weather
like?
Austria's climate is generally moderate and mild. Average summer
temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, the average winter temperature
is around 0°C. Vienna is exposed to the warm and dry Pannonian climate
and the raw Alpine climate so the temperature and weather conditions
tend toward extremes. Above-average temperatures or sharp drops
in temperature can occur at any time of year. If you come to us
in the summer, we recommend that you bring swim wear, waterproofs
and a light jacket just to be on the safe side! In the winter, warm
clothing and sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential even if blazing
sunshine and positive temperatures are forecast for the duration
of your stay. Up-to-date weather reports can be found at 'Wetter.at'
(http://www.wetter.at)and at 'Weather.com' (http://www.weather.com/weather/local/AUXX0025).
5. How high is the cost
of living?
As well as being in the middle of Europe, Vienna is also in the
middle in terms of prices. Since joining the European Union, basic
food costs have come into line with those in the rest of the European
Union. Products available in the Austria federal capital originate
from all over Europe. You will find a wide variety of clothing,
textiles, furniture and food products, on sale in open-air markets
and modern shopping malls, as well as a host of typical Austrian
souvenirs. Vienna is not a particularly cheap tourist destination
in European terms, but visitors find it a great place to shop. Food
and drink comes in all price categories. There are numerous inexpensive
pubs serving good local and international dishes. Main meals cost
an average of between EUR 5-7. Beverages cost between EUR 1-3. Naturally,
you will also find upmarket restaurants in higher price brackets
(particularly in the inner city). Here you have to budget for between
EUR 11-18 for a main meal. A good bottle of wine costs EUR 10 upwards.
It goes without saying that food and drink is cheaper at the supermarket:
a litre of wine costs as little as EUR 2.50, a can of beer from EUR
0.50, 1 kg of bread approx. EUR 2 and a frozen pizza an average of
EUR 2.50. Websites of some Austrian supermarket chains: http://www.zielpunkt.at
:: http://www.billa.at :: http://www.spar.at :: http://www.merkur.co.at
:: http://www.hofer.at
6. What's the parking
situation like in Vienna?
In the old city (1st district) Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
the max. permitted parking period is 1½ hours; in districts 2 to
9 and 20 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. the max. permitted parking
period is 2 hours. Short stay parking tickets are available in most
tobacconists, at some banks and at public transport ticket counters.
Half an hour costs EUR 0.60.
Free parking spaces can be found throughout the districts 10 - 19
and 21 - 23. Take care: Not all parking spaces are for free - short
term parking zones are marked with special colours.
It is also possible to park in one of the many underground car parks.
The Technical University facility in Operngasse, 1010 Vienna, for
instance, costs approx. EUR 3.20 per hour.
7.
Can you help me to find work in Austria?
Yes. ActiLingua offers its students vocational training. Please
consult German and Work Experience
for further information.
8. Is Austria xenophobic?
Austria has a long tradition of hospitality and openness. Our doors
have always been and still are open to people from other countries,
regardless of their background. 9.3 % of the population of Austria
and 18 % of the population of Vienna do not hold Austrian citizenship.
The percentage of foreigners among the inhabitants of Austria is
one of the highest in the European Union. Austria is one of the
countries that has done the most to help the people of Bosnia and
Kosovo: More than 90,000 Bosnians have been granted temporary asylum
in our country since 1992. In 1999, 60,000 Bosnians and 8,000 Kosovars
found shelter in Austria. Austria has raised funds in numerous appeals
to support people in need from other countries, thereby standing
out from other nations.
9. What is the current
political situation in Austria?
Austria ia a stable and secure democracy. At present, it is governed
by a coalition of Christian democratic People's party ÖVP and
Freedom Party FPÖ with head of People's Party Dr. Wolfgang
Schüssel as chancellor.
10. As an ActiLingua
student can I use a library, for example the library of the University
of Vienna?
ActiLingua offers its students free use of the multimedia library
where you can borrow books (fiction, non-fiction, books on Vienna,
reference books, ...) and videos. There's a deposit of EUR 10 which
you get back after returning the borrowed item.
Generally speaking, all persons over the age of 18 who apply for
a library card may use the library of the University of Vienna.
Foreign citizens must leave a deposit in order to apply for the
library card. Detailed information is available on the library's
website at "Universitätsbibliothek Wien" (http://ub.univie.ac.at/e_index.html).
11. What is there to
see and do in Vienna?
Vienna offers a multitude of things to see and do for everyone!
The city's calendar is packed with concerts, festivals and events.
Numerous theatres, cinemas, sporting facilities, restaurants, pubs
and coffee shops offer exciting pastimes for everybody. For further
details go to our Cityguide
of Vienna. http://www.falter.at or http://www.hauptstadt.at
offer even more addresses and up-to-date event information.
12. How much additional
money will I need during my stay?
That depends on your personal spending habits and the booked accommodation
(full-board, breakfast or self-catering). At our sites on course
prices you can find an up-to-date reference.
13. How do I get to
Shopping City Süd?
The SCS, Europe's shopping centre, is perfectly accessible by public
transport. There are two possibilities:
- Badner Bahn: departs daily all 15 minutes in front of the Vienna
State Opera. Get off at the stop "SCS"
- IKEA-Bus: departs Mondays to Saturdays all 1 1/2 hours in front
of the Vienna State Opera. The ride to the SCS is for free, ticket
back costs EUR 1,45.
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