Explore Austria
The English Teacher Training College's associated Bilingual Classroom Initiative (ABCi) specifically aims to reach pupils in rural and remote areas of Austria. It is an extremely rewarding feeling to be the first person from America, England, Ireland or another English speaking country that these children meet. Our Student Teachers act as cultural ambassadors for their home country. While sharing their own culture, they have the opportunity to explore Austrian culture and experience the scenic countryside where lakes, mountains and glaciers await!
Traunsee, Gmunden
Austria is located in the heart of Europe and the College is centrally located in Austria within its Alpine Lake District, the region made famous by the film “The Sound of Music.” Austria is beautiful year round, with snowy winters and sunny summers. The opportunities for cycling, skiing, swimming and hiking are plentiful, and the scenery often breathtaking.
Hallstatt
As part of our teacher training program, Student Teachers will visit schools across Austria: from the Czech border in the north, to the Italian border in the south; from Hungary in the east to Switzerland in the west. During their time on one of our TEFL courses, Student Teachers can expect to rotate between at least two locations for about four to eight weeks at a time. All College dormitories have shared living areas, kitchens and bathroom facilities.
The Alpine Lake Region
Ort castle, Gmunden
Our main campus is set in the rolling alpine foothills and fields in the town of Vorchdorf, surrounded by the countryside, lakes, mountains, and glaciers of the Alpine Lake District. In addition, the nearby town of Gmunden offers a variety of cafés, shops and restaurants, as well as cultural events all year round. Gmunden's lakeside promenade and the picturesque castle Ort are among Austria's most famous sights.
The Vorchdorf campus includes dining, computing, and printing facilities as well as a small library. In addition to the main campus, the College has student dormitories located throughout Austria, serving as bases to ensure that our ABCi initiative can reach all children in Austria by 2020.
Vienna Wine Country
Karlskirche, Vienna
The capital of Austria boasts an imperial past fit for a king - or better yet - a Kaiser. Ancient palaces and gardens, beautiful city squares as well as a teeming cosmopolitan night life all combine to make Vienna a vibrant city. Vienna’s quality of life consistently ranks among the world’s best, so Student Teachers are sure to enjoy their time based out of our accommodation in our newly opened Pressbaum campus, only 20 minutes from Vienna.
The Pressbaum campus includes dining, computing, and printing facilities. From this base, Student Teachers will spend their time visiting schools in the states of Lower Austria, Burgenland and Vienna, former home of Sigmund Freud.
Graz, the "Student Town"
Uhrturm Clocktower, Graz
Graz is Austria’s second largest city and an international student town whose population increases substantially during term time. It's a vibrant place with a unique and friendly atmosphere that combines Austrian lifestyle with a hip and modern flair. Student Teachers can spend time in Graz while based in our accommodation in Wolfsberg, about one hour outside the city. From Wolfsberg, Student Teachers will visit schools in the states of Carinthia, Burgenland and Styria, the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Salzburg
Salzburg city and castle
Only about two hours' train ride away from our main campus awaits the Sound of Music! The famous 1965 movie was filmed in and around Salzburg, and if that doesn't give you an idea of the city's gorgeous scenery and architecture, we don't know what else will.
Roaming around the rest of Austria
Student Teachers will work across the more rural areas of Austria delivering projects to children who may never have come into contact with a native English speaker. During this time, Student Teachers will immerse themselves in many different communities throughout diverse regions of Austria, both in the countryside and in more urban areas.
While roaming, Student Teachers will be provided with typical Austrian alpine accommodation in B&Bs, guesthouses, hostels, or with host families.
The Alps
The experience for Student Teachers on this rotation will be something they will never forget. The breathtaking views, opportunities to explore beautiful countryside and rugged terrain, allied with interaction with children and communities will be very special. This is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Austria.
What else is there to see in Austria? Check out this list of the 100 Best Things to Do in Austria. For more information about travelling in Austria, visit www.austria.info/uk