With COVID-19 precautions around the world winding down, opportunities that haven’t been available in the past few years are beginning to make an appearance again. One of those opportunities is the Delta State Art History Trip to Vienna, Austria.
Traveling to Another Country
Delta State, like other universities, has a study abroad program where students are able to learn in a different country for academic credit. It can be for foreign language, music, or in this case art and art history.
Students will have the opportunity this summer to tour Vienna and other parts of Austria. They will explore art, architecture and take part in a culture different to the Mississippi Delta’s.
The Culture
Going to Austria, you’re going to have to expect a different way of life, and having to adapt to the culture, wherever you go.
SDC is a moving company specializing in overseas moving, and has pages on their website dedicated to informing movers on cultural changes they can expect when moving to another country, including Austria.
SDC writes, “Unlike the typical situation in most of the USA, Austrians do not shop on Sundays or at night. Expect to see shops close early. Life in Austria is also far more relaxed than in the states. People do not work long hours and are not in a rush.”
“Austrian German” also known as Österrichisches Deutsch is the official language of Austria and is a variation of Standard German or Hochdeutsch. Though there are not many differences between the languages, Österrichisches Deutsch has their own rules, syntax and region specific terms and expressions.
One blog dedicated to learning languages, Effortless Conversations, writes,“Despite being a variant of Standard German, Austrian German includes several unique features. It borrows elements from various Austro-Bavarian dialects and has been influenced by the country’s historical development, including the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy.”
While it is important to know the differences, traveling to Austria should not be a problem with standard German.
Kaffee is King
Austria is also well known in Europe is how seriously they take their coffee or kaffee. Whole blogs are dedicated on how to order kaffee like a pro and the faux pas to avoid. Vienna mainly serves espresso in their historic cafes with cakes and other sweets to offset the bitterness.
“Straightforward “coffee” is not really a thing here, so my reward was a look of disdain honed across decades of practice to a perfection not seen since the time someone suggested to Louis XIV of France that Versailles was “quite nice”. One blog, Visiting Vienna, writes.
The Arts
Vienna is an art hotspot in Europe. There are live performances, along with art displays and theaters in places you would least expect it.
One notable spot in Vienna, according to “Atlas Obscura,” is a medieval mural “Wolf and Cow Playing Backgammon.” Viewers can find it on the side of a house in downtown Vienna and features a cow in spectacles and a wolf playing a game of backgammon with a human mediating the game.
One of the most well known arts events in Vienna is the Ball Season. Hundreds of balls take place throughout the city for people of all walks of life where they can dance to classical music all night.
Vienna’s official travel website has an entire page dedicated to Ball Season.
They write, “The special ambience is created by the ceremonial programme and the courtly customs, which go back to the 18th century: there are dress codes, an opening fanfare, the debutants’ arrival, and the exclamation “Alles Walzer!””
Delta State’s Trip
Students going on the Delta State trip will also have the chance to watch an opera live at a theater and enjoy a night out and experience live music.
Visiting Vienna writes, “The list of famous opera stars who performed here might be considered Wagnerian in length. One of them – Placido Domingo – once received an 80-minute standing ovation for his Othello (a world record).” Those interested also have the chance to go on a guided tour and learn the history of the building.
Students having the opportunity to travel is exciting for everyone involved. They have the chance to meet new people and explore new places that many don’t have the opportunity to see.
Vienna isn’t the only study abroad trip happening this year either. Delta State is also hosting a Japan Outreach Initiative this semester for students interested in traveling to Japan this summer. You can find more information on the Delta State website study abroad section, or by contacting Michelle Johansen at [email protected]
