Stanford-Vienna Exchange

Learn more about the exchange program between MIP and the Vienna School of International Studies (DA).

Three months is not a very long time to be away from Stanford, and there's a lot to gain: the experience makes you rethink prejudices, experience new ways of learning, new people, and how they deal with things differently coming from various backgrounds.

María García Lecuona

MIP Alumna, Class of 2015

The Stanford–Vienna Academic Exchange is an Autumn Quarter exchange program between MIP and the Vienna School of International Studies (DA). Two second-year students from each institution are selected by application to receive fellowships to spend Autumn Quarter in an academic exchange at the other institution. The DA is a postgraduate professional school dedicated to preparing talented graduates for international careers and positions of leadership in international affairs. Training areas encompass international relations, political science, international and EU law, economics, history and languages.

Vienna School of International Studies Website

Studying at the Vienna School of International Studies

At the DA, MIP students will work with renowned European scholars and a diverse, vibrant group of students at one of Europe’s most highly regarded international studies institutions.

In particular, MIP students will have the opportunity to:

Focus on European Union issues and policies
Enroll in intensive German or French language study
Participate in specialized courses and seminars led by prominent scholars with the goal of training students for careers in international organizations, public service, and international business

Academics

MIP students enroll in a combination of advanced courses, language courses, and skills courses. The official course list for the autumn trimester at the DA will be available in late August−early September.

Additionally, MIP students will be eligible to enroll in any upper-division course at the DA for which they are qualified. With approval, MIP exchange students may also seek to perform directed research under the supervision of a DA faculty member.

Participating students must complete all requirements listed in the M.A. curriculum. However, the minimum number of Stanford units required to graduate will be reduced to 65. Thus, in addition to the 65 units completed at Stanford, MIP students must complete 15 or more units at the DA. Coterms, joint, or dual degree students must complete 54 units at Stanford University, not including coursework taken at the DA in Vienna.

Academic Advising

MIP students will meet with academic administration at the DA during orientation week to discuss course enrollment. Students will then send their proposed list of courses to the MIP Assistant Director for Academic and Student Affairs for approval. Enrollment will be available at the DA in late September−early October.

Enrollment Status

During the exchange quarter, the selected MIP students will maintain the status of "active but not enrolled" at Stanford, i.e., they cannot take courses through Stanford University. Students will receive official transcripts from the DA for Autumn Quarter. The exchange quarter at the DA will not be listed on students’ Stanford transcripts.

Grades

DA grades received by MIP students will not be factored into their Stanford GPAs. However, students will be required to maintain good academic standing and adhere to the Honor Code and Fundamental Standard.

Funding

Students receive a fellowship for autumn that includes one quarter of Stanford tuition, roundtrip flight to/from Vienna, housing, a living stipend for meals, books, supplies, and other personal expenses.

Housing and Transportation

Students will be assigned private dorm rooms at the DA, centrally located in Vienna, and will have full access to all student resources including libraries, gyms, and social areas.

Arrival Information

The arrival date for MIP students is generally around September 20, although students may be able to move into their rooms earlier in the month. Students' departure date roughly coincides with the end of Stanford's Autumn Quarter in mid-December. Please visit the DA website to view their academic calendar.

Please note: Prior to orientation, most DA administration and faculty will be on vacation, so there will be limited activity on campus. However, students can leave luggage in their rooms and travel during this period if they wish.

Health Insurance

Students will be enrolled in Cardinal Care, which will be covered by MIP for Autumn Quarter. Students who would prefer to use thier own insurance or use alternative coverage may opt out of Cardina Care in Axess by September 15. For students who have Cardinal Care, Vaden Health Center suggests that students register with Health Net in advance of travel.

Outbound Student Information

Please review the outbound student details for information on travel and visas, enrolling in courses, the academic calendar, etc. Additional information will be added as dates and timelines are confirmed for autumn.

Inbound Student Information

Please review the Stanford-Vienna Inbound Student Information for details on travel and visas, enrolling in courses, the academic calendar, etc. Additional information will be added as dates and timelines are confirmed for autumn.

How to Apply

Eligibility

To be eligible, MIP students must have completed one full year of credit (45 units) by the start of the exchange in Autumn Quarter. Students must also be in good academic standing, both to apply and participate, and they must have no restrictions on spending the entire quarter in Vienna, Austria. Please see the University Bulletin for policies on academic standing.

Deadlines

Application deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023

Notification email sent to applicants: Thursday, April 6, 2023

Deadline to commit to participate: Thursday, April 20, 2023

How to Apply

MIP students must submit an application via SOLO, which includes the following materials:

Statement of Purpose
- As a header, list your full name, email address, area of specialization, and expected graduation quarter.
- The Statement of Purpose should be at least one page but no more than two full pages, double-spaced.
- Please explain your interest in the Vienna Exchange. Share any applicable background information and describe how spending a quarter in Vienna would further your academic and professional goals.
Study Plan
- Using the same document as the Statement of Purpose, please list your study plan.
- Please review this year's course offerings at the Vienna School of International Studies and list 3-4 that fit your interests and/or specialization. The course list is found on the MAIS webpage (https://www.da-vienna.ac.at/en/MAIS)
- Please also list any required core or specialization courses you need to complete in Autumn Quarter that would require an exemption or replacement.
Unofficial Stanford transcript
- Available via Axess 
Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Applications will be evaluated on academic performance, demonstrated interest in European studies, and alignment of academic and professional goals with the exchange program. Funding need will also be considered.

Apply on SOLO