Podcast

Let's talk Austria

Not all that glitters is gold.

In our last episide, we talked about "VIENNA, the most liveable city in the world" and praised Vienna very much.  But we, who live in Vienna, also have a few things to criticize. And so, we asked some Viennese and people who live here, what they don´t like so much in Vienna or about Vienna or about Austria. The results are presented in this episode. Have fun with "whining and nagging about Vienna".

"Vienna: The Most Liveable City in the World" – an episode that reveals the charm, elegance, and unique essence behind Vienna’s top global liveability rankings. But what truly sets Vienna apart? Why does it consistently lead the charts? Whether you're a long-time admirer or new to Vienna’s allure, tune in for a fresh look at what makes this city so exceptional.

When you move to a foreign country, the beginning can be a bit frustrating and exhausting. Deborah is an Expat coach and Intercultural Psychologist and is back again as my guest - and she gives us some tips and tricks to settle in smoothly in a new country. 

Austria is currently facing a severe shortage of skilled workers, with 272,000 positions waiting to be filled across the country. The Austrian Business Agency (ABA) addresses this issue by connecting international talent with Austrian companies. Beyond jobs in Austria, ABA also actively promotes Austria as a prime business location and advises foreign companies and investors looking to set up operations here.

And when Hollywood comes calling - whether it's Tom Cruise jumping off the Vienna Opera House or James Bond chasing villains through the city - ABA plays a key role in making it happen.

Tune in now to learn more about the opportunities awaiting you.

Discover ABA's Talent Hub: www.workinaustria.com

And if you’re in Vienna, don’t miss Mrs. Kreuzhuber’s favourite spot: The Nussberg, a stunning wine-growing area with breathtaking views, cozy wine taverns, and scenic hiking trails. Explore it here: Nussberg.

In 2024, we’re experiencing what's being referred to as a "SUPER-ELECTION" year, both on a global scale and right here in Austria. We are lucky to be joined again by Michael, our politics afficionado, who is here to share his insights on the upcoming elections in Austria. As a doctor, Michael has experience in breaking down complex topics into simple, understandable terms, and he does just that, helping us navigate Austrian politics. So, enjoy the episode and get to know Austria’s political landscape in more detail.

Michael’s Vienna Hotspot: The Krapfenwaldbad Public Outdoor Pool
Nestled high in the 19th district in an area known as "Cobenzl," Krapfenwaldbad is one of Vienna’s most picturesque summer outdoor pools. The pool is a protected heritage site, making it a true gem of the city. You can find it at Krapfenwaldgasse 65-73, 1190 Vienna, in the 19th district.

How difficult is it to learn German? Or is it actually easy? Mitar Pitzek is the owner of the Innes language school and in this episode I discuss everything about the German language with him. I also asked Mitar about the difference between the "German German language" and the "Austrian German language". And Mitar tells me about the "Viennese Grumpiness" and his favorite word in the German language - "der Trottel" :)

Mitar´s hotspot in Vienna: The Naschmarkt https://www.naschmarkt-vienna.com/
The flea market on Saturday is already a cult. From dawn to dusk, a diverse crowd buys fruit, vegetables and various delicacies from all over the world at the Naschmarkt. More and more trendy bars and restaurants are also finding their place in the more than 120 market stalls.

In this episode, we explore Vienna International School (VIS), with Tina Lackner, Admission Coordinator. VIS is Vienna's largest international school, currently accommodating 1,401 students from 116 countries. Tina guides us through the application process, grading system, fees, and other key aspects of this accredited international baccalaureate school. She also highlights VIS' strengths, including its inclusivity, academic achievements, and extensive extra-curricular activities.

An essential listen for parents considering international schools in Vienna for their children.

11-year-old Maggie found herself embarking on a life-changing journey, when she moved from New York to Vienna with her mother and brother. Twenty-five years later, Maggie shares her childhood experiences of relocating to a new country and adjusting to life in Vienna. She fondly reminisces about the newfound independence she discovered in Vienna, encounters with the 'killer grandmas' and how her experiences have shaped her outlook on life.

Despite not speaking the language initially, her first school in Vienna was a German-speaking state school. In total, Maggie attended four schools: two state schools and two international schools in Vienna. She recounts her school life and navigating the nuances of different educational systems.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and advice for families considering a move to Vienna.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Jeremy House, director of the Amadeus International School Vienna. Dr House shares how the school has grown and developed since its establishment in 2012, providing valuable insights into its core values and teaching methodologies. He also imparts some intriguing and lesser-known details about the school's history and its wildlife!

If you are a parent seeking information about international schools in Vienna, this is the episode for you.

In this Let's Talk Austria episode, we welcome Michael, a passionate politics enthusiast with an in-depth knowledge of Austrian politics. He provides us with a comprehensive yet concise overview of Austria's political landscape, spanning from the establishment of Austrian democracy to the present day.

Thinking of renting a flat in Vienna? Martine and I have compiled a list of the top eight key factors you need to consider before renting an apartment in Vienna, helping you steer clear of potential headaches. From budgeting for rent and utilities to searching for the right apartment, there are many unique aspects to renting in Vienna. Listen to this episode to help you make more informed decisions before committing to your rental contract.

In July 2023, Austria implemented the ordering principle, also known as the New Broker Act, relieving tenants from the financial burden of paying commission to real estate agents – a significant benefit for renters. In this episode, Daniel Grüner, a real estate agent at Mayerl, joins me to discuss the ordering principle, its implications for all parties involved, and its knock-on effect on the real estate market.

Additionally, we have published a blog post delving into this new policy, which you can read here: The Bestellerprinzip: A Game-Changer in Austria's Real Estate Market

The Foreign Employment Act undergoes regular updates to enhance labour market accessibility for non-EU and non-EEA citizens. The latest amendments concerning the Red-White-Red Card and Blue Card are now in effect. This episode offers a concise overview of these changes, focusing on the requirements for obtaining both cards. Listen to this episode if you are interested in understanding the criteria for securing a work permit for Austria.

We have also published a blog post on the policy changes for the Red-White-Red Card, which you can read here: Navigating the Red-White-Red Card: A Guide to Austria's Immigration Changes

In Austria, like in many countries, there is a significant shortage of skilled workers in the tech sector, across all industries. In this episode, I sit down with Moe from Honeypot Austria, a tech-focused job platform for developers and other tech professionals, to discuss jobs in Austria.

While Austria stands as one of the wealthiest countries in the world, like many cities, Vienna harbours a darker side. In this extraordinary episode, Nina shares her journey through drug addiction and homelessness in Vienna. She offers a candid account of her experiences, and despite all adversities, Nina's resilience shines through as she shares her path to recovery.

Today, Nina works as a caretaker for homeless individuals, and conducts guided tours around Vienna, shedding light on the struggles faced by the homeless and those battling drug addiction.

Property lawyer, Christoph Hackl, is back, and this time to talk to us about the legal aspects of buying an apartment in Austria, with a focus on Vienna. Before finalising your property decision, listen to this episode to guide your purchase of your Austrian home.

Looking for schools in Austria for your children? Navigating the kindergarten and school system in Austria can be daunting, especially for parents whose children are entering it for the first time. Fortunately, we have Nicole, our seasoned school expert and longest-serving team member, to unravel the intricacies of the Austrian school system. From state schools to private schools, and international schools in Vienna, Nicole guides us through the options across all levels of education.

If you are looking for apartments to rent in Vienna, this episode is for you. Respected Vienna-based lawyer Christoph Hackl brings over 20 years of experience, advising numerous expats on rental contracts. We are privileged to have Christoph share his insights and discuss the nuances of Austria's real estate market. He emphasises essential factors for prospective tenants to consider and crucial pitfalls to avoid before signing their apartment rental contract.

The Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) plays a pivotal role in approving or rejecting Red-White-Red Cards and Blue Cards for non-EU and non-EEA citizens seeking employment in Austria. Recent changes to the law regarding these cards are now in effect. Mr Grueber, Head of the AMS legal department, provides clarity on eligibility criteria and employment considerations for non-EU and non-EEA citizens.

We explore various scenarios to illustrate the options for those interested in working or studying in Austria. Mr Grueber explains the new legal changes and their implications for employers and potential employees.

A seventeen-year-old Anna leaves her home in Russia to pursue her goal of moving to Austria and experiencing student life in Vienna. She details the anxiety she felt while navigating the paperwork marathon required to make this happen, including obtaining her residence permit and student visa in Austria.

Her perseverance pays off, and in our debut podcast episode, we speak to Anna, the soon-to-be graduate, about her first impressions of Vienna, the unexpected culture shock she encountered and her experiences with job hunting in Austria as a non-EU citizen. If the idea of studying abroad in Austria appeals to you, join us as Anna shares her insights and experience as an international student in Vienna.