Sustainable Smart Cities
Unique Experiences
Visit the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald)
a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to learn about the city's "green belt" management and how Vienna maintains its top livability ranking
Take a tour of Aspern Seestadt Smart City
one of Europe’s largest urban development projects, focusing on energy-efficient housing and sustainable mobility
Attend a classical concert at the Musikverein
where Vienna’s legacy as the “City of Music” comes alive in one of the world’s most renowned concert halls
Your Destination
Vienna is Austria’s globally connected capital, where centuries of history intersect seamlessly with contemporary life and innovation. Celebrated for its imperial architecture, renowned music and arts scene, and thriving research, creative, and technology sectors, Vienna offers a sophisticated urban experience grounded in tradition and forward‑looking ideas. From efficient public transportation and sustainable city planning to historic palaces, lively markets, green spaces, and the Danube River, the city balances elegance, opportunity, and discovery. Whether you are studying business, communications, technology, public health, psychology, liberal arts, language, fine arts, or hospitality, Vienna is a dynamic and unforgettable place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from relevant courses that explore how innovative cities utilize modern strategies to impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or community engagement project to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Vienna will open doors for you to explore Austria’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Enjoy a hike at Lainzer Tiergarten, a massive wildlife preserve on the city outskirts, focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management
- Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and its catacombs on a guided tour descending underground to explore centuries‑old ossuaries beneath this iconic landmark
- Explore Vienna's initiative to cool the city through "vertical greening" on historic and modern rooftops
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Eat, Drink, Explore: Vienna
Best Food to Eat in Vienna Vienna is the kind of city where food isn’t rushed – it’s savored. From cozy cafés to late-night street stands, the vibe is all... keep reading
5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Austria
What could be better than studying abroad in Austria? From storybook Alpine landscapes and grand palaces to cozy coffeehouses and a vibrant arts scene, there’s so much to experience in... keep reading
Austria vs. Germany: Where Should You Study Abroad?
Trying to choose between Austria vs. Germany for your study abroad experience? You’re not alone. Both countries offer world-class academics, rich culture, and easy access to the rest of Europe... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Vienna offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. Our housing ensures students are always well-connected to the best of the city. Set in welcoming neighborhoods, students will enjoy a peaceful and secure living environment.
Standard Housing: Includes one of the following options: (1) a single room in a homestay, (2) double accommodation in a residence hall or shared apartment within a 45-minute commute to CIEE Vienna.
- Homestays: Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family.
- Residence Halls and Shared Apartments: Residence halls and shared apartments feature shared kitchens.
Select Housing: Includes a single accommodation in a residence hall or shared apartment within a 45-minute commute to CIEE Vienna. Residence Halls and shared apartments feature shared kitchens. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees
Meals
- Homestays: Include two meals, usually breakfast and dinner. For non-homestay housing, meals are not included in the program cost.
- Residence Halls and Shared Apartments: No meals are provided.
Academics
CIEE Vienna: Study in a city renowned for its elegance, intellectual legacy, and creative excellence. Experience immersive academics alongside classical music, historic architecture, café culture, and a high quality of life that makes Vienna one of Europe’s most inspiring capitals.
Central European University (CEU): CEU is a private, internationally focused university accredited in the United States and Austria, located in Vienna’s 10th district (Favoriten), offering a range of English-language programs – including selective undergraduate opportunities for international students as well as master’s and doctoral degrees – in fields such as public policy, international relations, economics, law, and the social sciences within a diverse, globally engaged academic environment.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers courses that explore urban development, policy, and sustainability. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | CEU Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism (Please note that actual course offering will vary from term to term) | Introduction to Environmental Sustainability Global Environmental Change, Health and Policy Environmental Politics and Policies | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Psychology
Central European University Vienna (CEU)
Below is a sample list of courses from CEU. Please note that courses are subject to change from term to term.
Sustainability
- Introduction to Environmental Sustainability
- Global Environmental Change, Health and Policy
- Environmental Politics and Policies
Business
- Foundations of Finance
- Money, Banking and Crises
- Economy and Society
- Fundamentals of Data Analysis
- Asset Pricing (Masters Level)
- Financial Econometrics (Masters Level)
STEM
- Introduction to Programming in Python
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Mining
- Data Analysis with AI
- Introduction to Statistics
- Introduction to Calculus
Social Sciences
- Behavioral Economics
- Game Theory
- Economics of Inequality
- Introduction to Political Economy
- Voting Behavior
- Nations and Nationalisms: Introduction to the Study of Nationalism
- The Psychology of Power
- Ethnicity and Ethnic Conflict (Masters Level)
Humanities
- Ancient Philosophy
- Existentialism in Philosophy and Literature
- Logic
- The Soviet Century
- Revolts and Revolutions in World History
- Religion and Society
- Media, Arts & Creative
- Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking
- Creative Writing
- Audio Production
- Principles of Visual Design
- Introduction to Screenwriting
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
Browse the range of internship opportunities available and find the experience that aligns with your academic and career goals with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
International business, culture, and sustainability shape Vienna’s structured and globally connected work scene. As a central European hub, the city blends high livability with a strong international outlook. This refined environment encourages collaboration and professional growth, helping interns gain hands-on experience while building global networks.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics.
Finance
Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Deepen your understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chains, and logistics in firms, agencies, and centers.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2027 15 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Academic year 2027-2028 31 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2028 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Andrea Adam Moore
Regional Director of Operations for Europe
Andrea holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Get Started
1
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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