DISCOVER DORNBIRN
FIND YOUR STUDY PROGRAM IN DORNBIRN
DORNBIRN AT A GLANCE
In the Austrian state of Vorarlberg lies the city of Dornbirn, the largest city in the state with nearly 50,000 inhabitants. The city is also within a very close proximity to three other countries: Germany, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, attracting many tourists every year and making the city’s atmosphere even more vibrant and diverse. A short walk through the city will reveal much of its history that is still captured today in some of the medieval buildings like the St. Martin’s Church, the Red House, or the Schlossguggerhaus. The surrounding region offers stunning landscapes such as the Karren Mountain, Hoher Ifen, or the famous Lake Constance, perfect for relaxation during the weekends. Dornbirn has a relatively mild climate compared to other Austrian cities, with an average annual temperature of around 10 °C. On summer days it is warm and sunny but one might experience some rainfall, with temperatures ranging between 16 °C and 28 °C. The temperature throughout the winter months varies between 0 °C and -2 °C. Dornbirn is well-connected to other cities in Austria and abroad, allowing travel enthusiasts to explore the region easily by car, bus or train. Local public transport is serviced by city buses circulating frequently across the city.
Academic Year
Summer Semester: March – July / Winter Semester: October – February
Official Language
German
Higher Education Institutions
1
Population
49563
Living Costs
900 – 1000 EUR
STUDYING IN DORNBIRN
The University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg is the only higher education institute established in Dornbirn. It was founded in 1989 as a Technical School, and in 1994 it changed its name to its current one. Nowadays, the university offers full-time and part-time degree programs in the fields of Business Administration, Engineering and Technology, Design, and Social Work and Health. Nearly 1,400 students of different origins and backgrounds are enrolled there, making the young society in Dornbirn quite diverse and multicultural. What makes studying here so desirable is the innovative teaching approach along with the individual attention that each and every student receives throughout their studies. International students coming to a foreign country for their studies might experience certain difficulties at the beginning of their stay. The International Office on campus not only assists new comers with the organization of their stay but also with finding the perfect accommodation. Student can stay in one of the dormitories located in Dornbirn or find a shared flat with their friends or other students on the private housing market. Rooms at student residence halls usually come entirely furnished. The price of the rent starts from 241 EUR per month including utility bills and can reach up to 390 EUR depending on the type of the accommodation.
DORNBIRN LIFESTYLE
Die Fachhochschule Vorarlberg ist die einzige Hochschule in Dornbirn. Sie wurde 1989 als Technische Schule gegründet und hat ihren Namen 1994 in die heutige Form geändert. Aktuell bietet die Hochschule Vollzeit- und Teilzeitstudiengänge in den Bereichen Betriebswirtschaft, Ingenieurwesen und Technik, Design sowie Soziale Arbeit und Gesundheit an. Fast 1.400 Studierende unterschiedlicher Herkunft sind dort eingeschrieben, was die junge Bevölkerung in Dornbirn sehr vielfältig und multikulturell macht. Was das Studium hier so begehrenswert macht, ist der innovative Lehransatz und die individuelle Betreuung, die alle Studierenden während des Studiums erhalten. Ausländische Studierende, die für ihr Studium in ein anderes Land kommen, können zu Beginn ihres Aufenthaltes auf gewisse Schwierigkeiten stoßen. Das International Office auf dem Campus unterstützt Neuankömmlinge nicht nur bei der Organisation ihres Aufenthaltes, sondern auch bei der Suche nach einer geeigneten Unterkunft. Die Studierenden können in einem der Wohnheime unterkommen oder auf dem privaten Wohnungsmarkt in Dornbirn nach einer Wohnung oder einer Wohngemeinschaft mit ihren Freunden oder anderen Studierenden suchen. Die Zimmer in den Studentenwohnheimen sind in der Regel komplett möbliert. Der Mietpreis beginnt bei 241 Euro pro Monat inklusive Nebenkosten und kann je nach Art der Unterkunft bis zu 390 Euro betragen.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN DORNBIRN
Most of the students decide to work while studying in order to support themselves. This is possible in Austria, however some restrictions in terms of working hours and permits might apply depending on the country of residence of each student. Students can find various job roles on campus in the library or as an assistant in the International or Career Office, or throughout the city in shops, bars, restaurants and other places. Furthermore, finding a place to work requires at least a basic knowledge of the German language, which is why some foreign students might need to attend language courses first. The aspect of finding a good job continues after graduation and becomes even more serious bringing more challenges for ambitious students. This is why there is a Career Service office at Vorarlberg University that assists students with any of their work-related inquiries. In addition, the office is also responsible for organizing career events and workshops where students can establish connections with representatives from local companies or improve their interview skills. Also, Universitaet.com is offers additional information on the current job offers in Dornbirn and other Austrian cities. The list of all employment opportunities can be found in the “Career” section on the website.