Back to homepage


Back to learning German page


Recommended schools for learning German in Vienna




My favorite school, and top recommendation by far is called IKI (Internationales Kulturinstitut).
I have yet to hear a bad report from one of their students-- the instructors are top quality, and generally young and dynamic. My teacher concentrated on active, social learning. Not only did I have a blast and learn a lot at IKI, I made some good friends, from all different places and age groups. It cost a bit more, but it couldn't have been more worth it. They also offer free-time activities for the students, like cooking and tours, and the office staff is relaxed and friendly.


Second on the list is the WIHOK (Wiener Internationale Hochschulkurse).
I started out taking German here with Hannelore Scattolin, and had a very good experience with her. The advantages of the WIHOK are that it is less expensive, it's affiliated with the University of Vienna, and there are a large number of classes, so if you don't like your instructor, you can generally change. This institute is the only one that allows you to get out of testing for your German level for the Univ. of Vienna; by passing a certain level of class, you qualify out of the test. Also, paying your fee makes you a student of the University, and you get PC privileges in their computer room, including internet, programs like Word and Photoshop, and scanning. Disadvantages are that the staff is overworked, harried, and unfriendly, long lines at the beginning of the term, and some teachers are really not very good. I had 2 excellent, 1 middling and 2 poor teachers here, so the average is: average. I don't recommend their intensive one-month courses, as they try to stuff too much material into too little time for good learning. I do recommend to sign up early, because the classes fill up quickly, and to ask experienced students for a teacher recommendation.


Most recently I have attended the Alpha Sprachinstitut Austria,
and I am satisfied with the results. (Though I prefer IKI's style.) They are expensive, but I reached the point where I needed a very high level of course, and Alpha are the only ones who offer the KDS (kleines deutsches Sprachdiplom) of the Goethe Institut. They also offer a free conversation class and computer training for their students, and show films and have literature discussions.


The one place I would definitely NOT recommend is the Deutschakademie, formerly Blaise and Pascal.
I was attracted by the cheap price, but the price doesn't look as good when you realize that they don't teach on Friday, so you're getting one day a week less than the other schools. The office was chaotic, and the staff looked and acted in need of a vacation. Our teacher there, Nicholas, was a blathering idiot and wasted hours of class time talking about he, himself, and his interests. The class was a waste, and they wouldn't refund my money. I didn't even bother to attend the last few days, I was so sick of it. Since then, I have heard that from the teacher's perspective, they are also not good to work for. Thumbs down.


Finally, there are the Volkshochschulen,
which are adult schools, and offer German courses for very good prices. I haven't taken these courses, but I have generally heard positive reviews of the classes, so they may be worth investigating. Here's a list of Volkhochschulen by district. (on the right hand side, in the box). I couldn't find a webpage in English, so your best bet might be to click on the school closest to you by district, and write an email to them in English, asking what German courses are available.


Lots of other schools are listed under: www.integrationsportal.at
The site is in German, but if you click on the various choices in the main center box you should be able to get to some webpages in English.


Back to homepage