Brian Crush in Vienna

Brian Crush, ‘09

Cinema

Study Abroad with IES in Vienna

Believe it or not, studying abroad was something that I had never really considered when applying to Denison or after enrollment. A triple major still has time to study abroad?! I thought it was impossible and had major reservations about doing it, but after some friends of mine went to the office, and upon suggestion of them and my family, I signed up for an appointment with the intention of not really doing it, but just finding out more about the programs, and to appease those who asked it of me. The offices were really great and the programs they offered were really enticing, and after only a few days of consideration, I decided to “make” a study abroad experience work. I was completely open to studying anywhere except North America, as I had never traveled outside the continent before but, being a travel enthusiast, I had the idea to go somewhere a little further. My previous years of learning German in high school and here at Denison was the real reason why I decided on Vienna. Of course we've heard the stories of Mozart and Beethoven living there, among other composers, but I had no idea the extent of the musical culture that Vienna held.

As a matter of fact, I had no idea what the culture of Austria or Europe as a whole would be like. I was completely fascinated with it, and, though it took a little time to adjust, I fell in love with the life and culture that is “Austria.” The music, the movies (you'd be surprised, there is some really wonderful Austrian cinema!), the food, the drinks, the museums, the concerts, the transportation, the atmosphere and attitudes of the people; they are all so amazing and unique and all the little characteristics I wouldn't have imagined I would notice or appreciate had I not actually gone and studied there I am so happy I was able to experience.

The IES program was wonderful. The faculty, usually professors at the big universities in Vienna, were engaging and intelligent and I really enjoyed learning from them. The administrators were very helpful, kind, and fun, and were always happy to tell students great places to go in the city, and even the continent as a whole. I was able to complete the rest of my GE requirements, take some great music classes that have ever-expanded my appreciation and knowledge of

music

and the great Viennese composers; I probably expanded by German knowledge by about 90% and I was incredibly surprised how well the program aided in me learning German (now if only I can retain it!). The program is set up to allow students to learn German intensively (even if they had no prior knowledge of the language before) but still provide lots of free time (including mostly a 3 day weekend!) to travel and see as much of Austria and Europe as a whole.

And traveling was something that I did a lot. My first time in Europe, I think I visited about 12 countries across the entire continent, stretching from France to Hungary, Great Britain to Croatia. Each country has an individual personality and culture, and I loved every one each in their own way. I know students are always encouraged to travel, and I don't want to sound like a rotating record, but if I had to single out one thing, the convenience and ability to travel to so many wonderful cultures all tightly packed in together made the “study abroad experience” the best part for me; I couldn't recommend it enough.

There are two single experiences that I really loved about Europe. One was when I went with my girlfriend to hear the Vienna Symphony perform. It was one of the best concerts in the world, in one of the best concert halls in the world. The entire atmosphere was amazing, and the music was some of the most serene I had ever experienced. I'm not a big music snob, and I wasn't sure if I was even going to be able to tell the difference between, say, a concert I've heard at home and the “best symphony in the world.” Believe me, I could tell the difference, and I think anyone else would too, even if they aren't fans of classical music.

I also went with a friend to the Berlinale, or Berlin Film Festival, in February. It's an annual international film festival that is one of the largest in the world. I'm a big film nut (and Cinema major) and the opportunity to see some amazing films, hear from some amazing filmmakers and, yes, even be “star struck” by some of my most favorite film actors, directors, and producers made for one of the best experiences in my life; it might have been the best decision I made there.

Ich werde Wien immer lieben und ich möchte zurückgehen! Wenn du an Musik, Deutsch, gutem Essen oder an Europa Interesse hast, bitte, geh nach Wien! Du wirst es nicht bereuen!

Brian Crush