Life at IIASA is special! YSSP participants become part of the IIASA family allowing them to extend their professional network, make new friends and explore the cultural treasures of Vienna and its surroundings.
Life at IIASA
What is IIASA? The International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is an international institute located in a Habsburg-era Schloss ('castle') just outside Vienna, engaged in scientific research that aims to provide support for decision makers through models and analysis in six research programs.
Can I bring visitors? Yes, you can. Requests for extra beds will be handled and charged directly by dorm management.
Can I bring my family? Yes, you can. Please note that the stipend does not include family benefits. Travel and accommodation for them will need to be covered at your own cost. Our IIASA housing department can help you find adequate accommodation. Spouses who have the best time during the summer are those who are able to easily entertain themselves (shopping, going to museums, sightseeing in Vienna). Otherwise, if they don't speak German and don't have a scheduled activity (such as school or work), it could become tedious for them to remain for three months. Spouses and family are welcome at join YSSP activities, which is a good way for them to interact with English-speaking people. Please note the visa requirements for accompanying family members for non-EU residents (see point "Funding and visa").
Can I leave for a conference? Yes. You will have five (5) leave days available that you can use as you wish (for example, to attend a conference, travel, etc), subject to approval by your IIASA supervisor.
Can I leave for travel? Yes. You will have five (5) leave days available that you can use as you wish (for example, to attend a conference, travel, etc), subject to approval by your IIASA supervisor.
Can I open a bank account during my stay in Austria? Yes, we have several options at IIASA which allow you to open and close an account in order to avoid fees at ATMs.
What kind of weather can I expect? Austria is in the temperate zone; you can expect quite a warm summer with chances of rain and sometimes a bit windy. Please bring lots of T-shirts, a sweater, a warmer jacket (for excursions into the mountains), sandals and good [hiking] shoes, and something dressy for formal social events. Also, don’t forget to bring you swim suit – we have a pool here!
Fitness in Laxenburg Discover sports activities in Laxenburg.
What is the dress code at IIASA? T-shirts, jeans, and shorts are common working attire for the YSSP'ers. However, please respect the fact that IIASA is a scientific institute, often hosting high-profile conferences. One dressy outfit is fine (not least because of the YSSP Awards Ceremony Dinner & Dance at the end of the summer).
Public transportation and shopping
Vienna has an excellent public-transportation system with reliable, clean, and convenient service. The Viennese public transportation system is made up of trains, trams, busses and an S and U-Bahn network.
For those traveling frequently throughout Vienna and from Vienna to Laxenburg, we recommend a monthly pass of around 90 EUR entitling you to use all public transport systems in Vienna as well as the bus to Laxenburg. You can change from underground/subway to tram or bus without having to buy another ticket.
Monthly pass
Monthly tickets can be purchased online, at staffed ticket offices (underground stations), Vienna train stations, or directly from the bus driver on the busses no. 215, 700, and 200. IMPORTANT: monthly passes that are purchased in the Wiener Linien online ticket shop or using Wiener Linien’s ticket app are not transferable (only valid for one specific person), paper tickets bought at the train station or a ticket office are transferable.
Single journey ticket
Single tickets for Vienna are 2.40 EUR to 2.50 EUR (purchased inside bus/tram or at ticket office/vending machines); Subway and train map Vienna; ÖBB - Austrian Railways (for those of you under 26 check out the "Vorteilscard"); Wiener Linien - Vienna Transportation; Virtual Vienna; Tiscover Austria.
Shopping
Opening hours of supermarkets and shops are Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 19:00/19:30h, Saturdays until 18:00h. Shops are usually closed on Sundays. There are three stores of the supermarket chain "Billa" which are open 365 days from 6:00 to 19:00h (train stations Praterstern, Franz Josefs Bahnhof and Westbahnhof). Furthermore, the supermarket "Spar" located at Babenbergerstraße 9, 1010 Wien, is open on Sundays from 10:00 - 19:00h, but does not sell all products on Sundays.
Prepaid telephone cards (no contracts)
For mobile phones (sim card and re-chargeable cards): www.yesss.at. Cards are also available at supermarkets "Hofer" and under www.bob.at.
Medical information
Tick vaccinations: Certain areas in Austria such as forests, including the park behind the IIASA Institute and the Vienna Woods around Laxenburg and the city, are the habitat of the tick insect. Some ticks are infected and their bite can cause early-summer meningitis (ESME). Vaccination is available and IIASA has arranged for all participants and their families to receive the first shot during the first week of the program. The second shot will be administered a couple of weeks later (Costs: EUR 16 each). You may want to check with your general physician or local health authority if they can administer the first shot before you arrive in Austria. You should inquire about the "ESME" vaccination. For detailed tick information click here.
Medical insurance: Please note that you are required to have medical insurance for the duration of your stay. In case you have no insurance coverage in your home country, you must take part in IIASA's private medical scheme. More information is provided upon acceptance to the program.
Medical services: Click here for local medical facilities in and around Laxenburg.