Hello,
My life is a story of studying abroad. I am an Austrian native, who studied for two years in Berlin, Germany, and Nottingham, Great Britain. Upon returning to Vienna, I had the good fortune to work with a US-American Fulbright Professor from Boise State University, who drew me to the United States. After finishing my Master’s degree at Boise State, I worked as a political consultant in Las Vegas, Nevada, then enrolled in the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC. I fell in love with my husband, became an Austrian-American, and found my way to the faculty of the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences. My time outside the classroom is spent chasing after a boy on his red bike who is getting faster (and bigger!) every day, but I still have time for Austria!
I serve as lead faculty for the PSU Vienna study abroad program. Together, students and I discover new places not just rich with history, but also untold stories (ones that tourists do not get to hear). We escape daylight and climb through catacombs, visiting ancient burial places; then we ascend a tower of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, admiring and comparing various architectural masterpieces inside and outside its walls. We travel to the city of Salzburg and meet a Holocaust survivor. We explore museums that offer us insights into what and who was considered important in different societies throughout the ages.
Study abroad shaped the course of my life. If you are a Penn State student who wants to join the adventure, get started by filling out an application (https://gpglobalea.gp.psu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10788). The deadline to apply for our program is February 1. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at iah2@psu.edu before then.
Best regards,
Ines Meyer-Hoess
Lead Faculty, PSU Vienna Study Abroad Program & Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Communication Arts and Sciences
Austria In Action 