Liisi Voll, Jahrgang 2022

The teaching in the academy is similar to Hamburg in its absence of imposing authority. The classes I took were small groups and the professors were very knowledgeable and forthcoming.

Anne Mehrpohl, Jahrgang 2021

Many fellow students recommended the city with its diverse art scene and the academy to me as a suitable place to expand my own interests and deepen my art studies. I can definitely pass on this recommendation after my exchange.

Overall, I found studying at the academy very stimulating, especially the theory section had a lot to offer. Apart from that, it was also interesting to get to know other university structures, such as the large and well-organized student representation with its own budget and a department for gender and diversity. There was a constantly changing programme of events, workshops and exhibitions organized by professors, mid-level staff and students. I found the university's own galleries exciting and the university itself is very close to the art scene in Vienna's museum and gallery landscape.

Liu Ruxin, Jahrgang 2022

The International office in the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna was very reachable and well organized. They helped me a lot with administrative staff concerning visas, and how to navigate the city, and they also organize regular events with all exchange students.

Susanna Huber, Jahrgang 2020

I found the time in winter very valuable, as I was confronted with an unfamiliar feeling of isolation [editor's note: corona pandemic]. As bad as some moments were, all in all I felt like I had learned a lot, understood my thoughts and ideas and thought outside of the contexts in which I exist. I noticed this especially in relation to my artistic work.

Simeon Melchior, Jahrgang 2021

I was interested in the city of Vienna and its geopolitical location - as a connection between “western, old Europe” and the “new European states” and beyond. Vienna is centrally located as the first European capital of “old Europe” on the Balkan route, making it an exciting starting point for people with diverse international biographies.

I was particularly interested in the range of study specializations, which I could not find in this form at the HFBK in Hamburg. Architecture alongside gender studies, video and video installation alongside curatorial studies and much more.

It's all about the money (!?)

Anne Meerpohl:

I found life in Vienna more expensive than in Hamburg. For example, the prices for food are higher and you only have a few advantages with your student ID.

Furthermore, the entrance fees for the museums were still very high, despite the student discount.

Where and how can you experience art and culture(s)?

Interesting art and cultural events are published on this website: https://esel.at/

Kervin Saint-Pere:
I would recommend the next ASA students to apply for the “International Identify Card for Professional Artists”, it is very easy to get and doesn't cost much. With this card I was able to visit many museums and galleries for free or at a reduced price [...].

How do I get from A to B and back to my accommodation?

Liu Ruxin:

Check out the "Einfach-Raus Ticket" - trainticket for Austria.

Anne Mehrpohl:

The accommodation in a hall of residence was made available to me by the academy. I found this extremely pleasant, as finding a room in a shared flat in Vienna is not necessarily easy.

Benjamin Janzen:

There are forests and mountains all around Vienna where you can go hiking. In summer, the Danube is also great for swimming.

Gut zu wissen! Was sollte ich bei der Hochschule beachten?

Anne Mehrpohl:

Some of the teaching staff and the opportunity to attend events at the various institutes immediately caught my interest. For example, I find the Department of Restoration and the extensive theoretical offerings very enriching. I perceived many of the thematic focuses, especially on postcolonial debates, queer/feminist topics, and analyses, as being very broad and well-rounded.

Benjamin Janzen:

Academic seminars are given high importance. It is to be expected that a paper, presentation, or test must be completed to earn the corresponding credits. In addition, there are many accompanying courses that impart both technical and theoretical knowledge. These are often divided into three sequential courses and are an important place to connect with fellow students.