Faculty-led Program in Austria/Hungary (Prof. Andreini)

Experience the enchantment of Europe’s iconic cities through music on our exclusive study abroad trip to Vienna and Budapest! Dive into Vienna’s rich cultural heritage, once the epicenter of European music in the 18th century. Then, absorb the vibrant rhythm and charm of Budapest, often called the Paris of Eastern Europe, where you’ll enjoy captivating performances and explore its lively atmosphere. This unforgettable journey combines exceptional educational opportunities with breathtaking sights, offering a unique chance to deepen your musical understanding while reveling in the beauty of two historic cities. Don’t miss out on creating lasting memories in the heart of Europe!

Dates & Deadlines

App Deadline: December 15, 2024
Program Dates: May 20, 2025 to June 3, 2025 (Dates tentative)

To get started for Summer Break-Austria/Hungary 2025, schedule a meeting with an advisor using the link below.

Schedule First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the summer of 2025 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. If you are still deciding where or when you want to go abroad, you can also schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about the programs we offer and find one that works best for you!

Study Abroad Waitlist Schedule Info Meeting

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

Course Leader

Matthew Andreini, Instructor

Department: School of Music
Phone: 319-273-3121
E-mail: matt.andreini@uni.edu
Campus Address: GBPAC 18

Professor Matt Andreini teaches percussion at UNI and has been a lifelong enthusiast of travel and adventure. During his undergraduate studies, he participated in a study abroad program at the Franz Liszt Academy in Debrecen, Hungary, which profoundly shaped his performing career. Today, he’s still deeply connected to the Hungarian music scene, co-directing the "Iowa/Hungary Project" with Hungarian percussionist Gabor Palotas. This initiative focuses on cultural exchange and the creation and performance of new music from both their backgrounds. Together they have collaborated with dozens of composers from around the world.

Andreini’s vibrant performing career spans frequent solo performances, numerous concert engagements with orchestras, and extensive international tours across Europe, Central, and South America. He’s also shared the stage with prestigious ensembles like the Boston Brass and the Enso String Quartet.

Academics

MUS 1100: Soundscapes - Music in Culture: European Classics (3 credit hours)

This is a UNIFI: Human Expression category course. The course can also fulfill other credit needs, such as UNIFI elective credit. Talk to your academic advisor about how this course would work for you!

No prerequisites. All majors welcome. Participation in this program requires several class meetings during the fall semester, although the course is scheduled as a winter session course. The Study Abroad Center will enroll participants in the course. Please contact the program's course leader for more information on academic requirements.

Talk to your academic advisor about how this course would work for you!

NOTES:

Students planning to participate in the spring commencement ceremony in May can enroll in this summer term program, however, their degree will not be conferred until the end of the summer term and is contingent on the successful completion of the program and all required coursework.
Students attending colleges and universities other than UNI are welcome to participate in this program. If you are not currently a UNI student, but would like to participate in this program, please contact the UNI Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application.

Itinerary

Tentative Program Dates: Tuesday, May 20 - Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Dates do not include travel to/from destination)

Sample itinerary is subject to change.

Day 1: Students arrive and travel to their accommodations via public transport. We’ll kick off our trip with a group welcome dinner. Afterward, settle into your lodgings and familiarize yourself with local transportation options to get ready for the coming days!

Day 2: Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a half-day walking tour of Vienna's city center. We’ll explore the heart of Vienna, where the renowned pedestrian boulevards landmarks like the majestic Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), and the expansive Hofburg, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. The tour also includes a visit to the Wien Museum Mozart Apartment and St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Day 3: Tour Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs, known for its imperial ceremonial rooms and magnificent, sprawling gardens. In the evening, attend a Mozart & Strauss concert at Hofburg Palace.

Day 4: A day trip to Eisenstadt, the home of the Eszterhazy Palace where Prince Nikolai Eszterhazy employed the famous composer Joseph Haydn and his orchestra.

Day 5: Enjoy a free day in Vienna. Recommended activities include visiting Belvedere Palace or Prater Amusement Park.

Day 6: Travel to Budapest via train. Check in at the hotel followed by a walking tour of the historic Buda Castle district with a beautiful overview of the city from the Budapest Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion.

Day 7: Walking tour of downtown Pest, the urban center of the city. Our tour will begin at Deak Square. From there we'll visit the famous “Chain Bridge” which connects the cities of Buda and Pest, visit Saint Stephen’s Basilica (free), Hungarian National Parliament, Vaci Utca (“shopping street”) and the Great Market Hall.

Day 8: Continue exploring downtown Pest. We’ll spend time in the Jozsefvaros (the traditional Jewish district). The district was heavily bombed in World War 2 and was also the epicenter of the 1956 Revolution but has recently been revived as a thriving arts area. We’ll then visit Terror Museum which shows the city's darker history under Nazi and later communist Russian control. Our day will conclude with a casual evening “gypsy” influenced jazz music.

Day 9: After a walk down the grand Andrassy boulevard, enjoy a guided tour of the Hungarian State Opera house. We’ll have lunch at Franz Liszt Square, filled with wonderful restaurants in a district booming with music.

Day 10: Discover City Park and Heroes’ Square, including the House of Music, Széchenyi Baths, the Art Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Day 11: Take a day trip to Szentendre, a charming town along the Danube River with cobblestone streets, vibrant arts scene, unique galleries, cozy cafés, and local craft shops. Enjoy a scenic riverside walk, have an ice cream, or visit the Marzipan Museum before returning to Budapest for an evening concert.

Day 12: Today you'll visit MÜPA (Palace of Fine Arts), including the world class Ludwig Modern Art Gallery and multiple concert venues. Nearby, we'll cross the river to Kopaszi-gat park for a bit of relaxation.

Day 13: Enjoy a free day with an optional day trip to Balatonfüred at Lake Balaton. Stroll along the picturesque promenade, savor the stunning lake views, and relax in a lakeside café.

Day 14: Enjoy your last final day in Budapest. By this point, you’ll surely have some “wants” on your to do list - today is the day! (Recommended activities include one of the many thermal baths!) or time We’ll wrap our adventure as a group and exchange stories on a Dinner Cruise on the Danube.

Day 15: Departure day. Students travel to the airport on their own via public transportation.

Participant Info

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Austria/Hungary, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Stephanie will help you every step of the way.

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Austria and Hungary

Housing & Meals

Students will stay in hotels arranged by the Study Abroad Center while abroad. The cost of these hotels are included in the “Program Cost” line item of the program cost estimate. A few meals are built into the “Program Cost” (example: all breakfasts at hotels and 2 additional group meals in Austria/Hungary). Students will pay for the remaining meals out-of-pocket while traveling and are encouraged to try the local foods.

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost: $6,622*

*estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors

Estimated Total Program Cost	$6,622
Estimated U-bill Charges	$4,185
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs	$2,437

Austria/Hungary Summer 2025 Cost Estimate (PDF)

Cost of Studying On Campus at UNI*

*per semester, estimated, will vary per person

Tuition & Fees	$4,864
Room & Board	$4,824
Books	$400
Personal Expenses	$878
Transportation	$320
Total	$11,325

Source: https://admissions.uni.edu/cost-aid

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). Additionally, students must meet all of the following in order to be eligible to study abroad:

Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application and maintain this cumulative GPA prior to departure and throughout the study abroad process
If your cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, submit the following to the Study Abroad Center (103 East Bartlett):
- Letters of reference from two academic contacts (e.g. academic advisor and former or current professor) supporting your pursuit of study abroad. If you are attending a faculty-led study abroad program, one of the letters must be from a course leader. However, if the program has two course leaders, only one of the letters can be from one of the course leaders.

Must be over the age of 18 years old
Must meet the course prerequisites (participation in the program is dependent upon meeting these)
Must be in good standing with the university
UNI's partner institutions may require additional eligibility requirements to be met, these vary from institution to institution. Please consult with the Study Abroad Center staff to discuss these additional requirements, if applicable.
Applicants traveling to a region of a country or a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel) will not be eligible.