• Overview
  At a glance
  • Program at a Glance
  • Interactive Map
• Academics
  Courses, transcripts & more
  • University
  • Academics
  • Orientation
  • Courses
• Living Abroad
  Housing, meals & more
  • Living Abroad
  • Housing & Meals
  • Resident Director
• Beyond the Classroom
  Travel, excursions & activities
  • Beyond the Classroom
  • Cultural Excursions & Travel
• Dates & Fees
  Itinerary, flights & discounts
  • Itinerary
  • Program Fees

Orientation Courses

A placement exam after arrival determines appropriate levels. The intensive German language orientation course meets for a total of 30 hours of instruction. Each course is divided into grammar, conversation, vocabulary and culture with an exam at the end. These courses consist of small groups of exclusively AIFS students. Instructors are approved by the University of Salzburg. Orientation courses are worth 2 credits and appear on a University of Salzburg transcript.

Semester Courses

Courses at the 100 level are introductory courses. Two hundred and 300 level courses are semi-specialized courses for students with ability and background in the subject. Four hundred level courses are designed for students majoring in the discipline. The number in parentheses indicates both recommended credits and number of class hours per week. Although German language is not mandatory after orientation, AIFS strongly recommends students to take German language while studying abroad in Salzburg. Courses with German titles are taught in German. Ten students are required to confirm a course. Courses are held Monday through Friday.

Courses taught in English

Students with no German background may take all courses in English. Three subject areas are taught by the University exclusively for AIFS students: international relations, business and economics, and arts and humanities

One college-level course in macro/microeconomics is a prerequisite for all business courses.

Fall Semester

Courses taught in German

Basic, uncomplicated German is used and AIFS students receive help with language requirements.

University of Salzburg Courses

As members of the University, AIFS students may, with exceptions, attend any of the regular courses offered. Students must check for a full listing upon arrival, as the catalog detailing courses does not appear until two to three weeks before a semester begins. If a student would like to take University courses for credit, a fall semester student must stay until January 31 and a spring semester student must stay until June 30. Students pay a fee of $950 for the extra month for accommodations, meals and administration.

The payment fee deadline for the $950 supplement is October 15 for the fall semester and March 15 for the spring semester. Students can pay this supplement to AIFS in the U.S. prior to departure.

Students wishing to matriculate directly into the University of Salzburg courses must have at least two years of college level German.

University of Salzburg Courses

English Literature

The University offers a full range of English literature courses popular with AIFS students. Leading scholars from Britain and the U.S. often visit the University to offer lectures and courses.

Foreign Languages

For students interested in other languages, the Department of Romance Languages offers courses at all levels in French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese; the Department of Slavic Languages offers courses at all levels in Russian, Serbo- Croatian and Polish. Language of instruction is either German or the language being taught.