A group of SAF China students recently had the rare opportunity to step into the world of intergovernmental organizations during a visit to the IES Abroad Vienna Center.
The study trip, another successful collaboration between SAF and IES Abroad, provided students with an in-depth look at international organizations based in Vienna, a city celebrated as both as a hub for global diplomacy and for its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Running from January 27 to February 8, 2025, the Vienna Study Tour combined classroom learning, guest lectures, site visits, and cultural experiences, giving students a well-rounded and immersive introduction to international affairs.
For two weeks, students eager to become future leaders enjoyed 20 hours of coursework at the IES Abroad Vienna Center, housed inside an elegant 18th-century palace, Palais Corbelli, located in the heart of the city. The program, titled “International Organizations: Structures & Case Studies,” explored the roles and functions of international organizations, their challenges, and their impact on global politics.
Guided by esteemed faculty and guest lecturers, students gained firsthand insights from European professionals specializing in international law, multilateral diplomacy, and global governance.
As part of their coursework, students worked in groups to complete a capstone project, developing and presenting well-researched proposals that applied theories and concepts explored in class. This project became a valuable addition to their resumes and portfolios, potentially serving as the foundation for future theses or dissertations.
A major highlight of the program was the on-site visits to international institutions headquartered in Vienna, allowing students to see diplomacy in action.
One of the most significant visits was to the Vienna International Centre (VIC), one of the four global headquarters of the United Nations. Students received an extended guided tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at this epicenter of international diplomacy.
Other site visits included the Austrian Parliament, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), where students learned how decisions made in these institutions influence global politics, economics, and security.
Throughout the program, friendly and knowledgeable staff at the IES Abroad Vienna Center provided guidance and support, ensuring students had a smooth experience. From assisting with accommodation check-ins to leading city walking tours and arranging a Mandarin-speaking program assistant, every effort was made to help students navigate their new environment with confidence.
Beyond academics, the experience was enriched by Vienna’s incredible cultural scene. Students attended a concert at the Musikverein, Vienna’s world-famous concert hall, considered one of the best venues for classical music. They also learned about the city's centuries-old waltz tradition, taking dance lessons and attending one of the oldest ballroom events still running in Vienna.
No visit to the Austrian capital would be complete without indulging in its famous coffee house culture. Students gathered at the historic Café Museum, a charming vintage café in the city center, where they sampled traditional Austrian cakes while soaking in the atmosphere of Vienna’s intellectual and artistic heritage.
Living and studying in Vienna for two weeks also allowed students to build independence, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and broaden their global perspectives – all essential qualities for anyone pursuing a career in international relations, law, or diplomacy.
"We at IES Abroad Vienna were thrilled to host the SAF International Organizations study tour for the second time,” said Dr. Saskia Stachowitsch, Centre Director at IES Abroad Vienna.
“We put a lot of care into making these visits feel truly special – from taking students to a festive Viennese ball alongside our spring semester cohort to celebrating Lunar New Year in a 600-year-old Viennese tavern. It’s those kinds of experiences that make a lasting impact – one student even said that after just two weeks, Vienna already felt like a second home."
Rated as one of Europe’s top study abroad destinations, Vienna provides students with the perfect setting for scholarship and cultural exchange. With this in mind, SAF and IES Abroad designed this customized study tour to take full advantage of the city’s rich resources, connecting top-ranked universities and IES Centers across Europe with promising students from Asia.
As SAF and IES Abroad expand their global education partnerships, more students will have the opportunity to go beyond the classroom, gaining real-world experience and preparing for future careers on the global stage.
To learn more about real-world learning opportunities for ambitious students and shaping your future in international affairs, connect with an SAF consultant today.
