Studying Abroad in Austria: How Sara Built a Career in Tourism in Innsbruck

When you dream of studying abroad, you likely envision snow-capped Alpine peaks, historic European architecture, and a university experience that balances academic rigor with personal growth. For 23-year-old Sara Pajdas from Croatia, this vision became a reality in the picturesque city of Innsbruck, Austria. After completing her Bachelor’s in Finance and Banking at the University of Rijeka, Sara sought a new direction — one that aligned her professional ambition with her passion for travel.

Key takeaways from Sara’s study abroad journey:

• Sara from Croatia wanted to shift from finance to tourism and found the perfect Master’s in Entrepreneurship & Tourism at MCI Management Center Innsbruck.
• She discovered her programme on Online Result, chose Austria for its quality education and culture, and financed her studies with savings, family support, and an Erasmus scholarship.
• Her story shows how studying Tourism and Hospitality Management in Austria can open doors to both personal growth and international experience.

Finding direction through studying abroad

Sara’s journey began with a pivotal choice that many students encounter: the desire to pivot their career path after completing their initial undergraduate degree.

"I decided to transition from pure economics toward the tourism sector," she explains. "I knew that studying abroad was my best opportunity to gain a world-class education in this specialized field."

She began researching Master’s programs that could bridge the gap between academic theory and industry application. Austria quickly emerged as the top contender, praised for its excellence in hospitality management, its unique Alpine lifestyle, and its high quality of life.

"Innsbruck felt like the perfect destination to broaden my horizons while living in a hub for winter sports and tourism," says Sara.

"Studying abroad was my best opportunity to gain a world-class education in this specialized field."

Choosing the right university and programme

Sara’s primary goal was to secure a program that provided both academic prestige and strong industry connections. She wanted a curriculum that was globally relevant and deeply integrated into the tourism sector.

"My priority was the quality of the coursework," she shares. "I needed a program I could fully immerse myself in, one that resonated with my specific professional interests."

After extensive research, she identified the Master’s in Entrepreneurship & Tourism at MCI, which ticked every box: a practical, career-focused degree taught in English, set within one of Europe’s most vibrant student cities.

"I wanted to study in a German-speaking country to enhance my language skills," Sara adds. "Austria made sense financially, and the university's curriculum perfectly matched my goals."

Although she had initially applied for an Erasmus Mundus program spanning Slovenia, Spain, and Denmark, the MCI program in Innsbruck ultimately became her top priority.

"Austria made sense financially, and the university's curriculum perfectly matched my goals."

How Online Result made her search easier

Like many prospective international students, Sara faced a daunting search process. She turned to Online Result, a comprehensive platform that allowed her to filter and compare Master’s programs by subject, country, and language.

"Online Result helped me find all my potential options, including MCI Management Center Innsbruck," she recalls. "The search filters were incredibly intuitive, making it easy to find exactly what I was looking for."

Online Result simplified her decision-making by aligning her preferences with program content, instruction language, and cost-of-living estimates. The platform provided direct links to university websites and clarified essential tuition and admission details.

"Online Result was a game-changer; it’s exactly how I found my Master’s program in Innsbruck."

Living and studying in Austria

Living in Innsbruck proved both rewarding and eye-opening. As a popular student city, it provided a rich international community and stunning natural surroundings, though it did present some practical hurdles.

"Accommodation can be a challenge in Innsbruck due to the high volume of students and limited supply," she notes. "If I were to do it again, I would start my housing search much earlier and focus exclusively on student dormitories."

Despite these minor challenges, her overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive. "I am very satisfied with both the program and the university; I would highly recommend this path to others."

"Innsbruck felt like the perfect destination to broaden my horizons while living in a hub for winter sports and tourism."

Managing costs and financing her studies

Sara financed her studies through a combination of personal savings, family support, and an Erasmus scholarship, which significantly eased her financial burden.

"I relied on savings from seasonal and part-time jobs, along with support from my family," she says. "I also successfully received an Erasmus scholarship to study abroad. I strongly encourage every student to explore these funding opportunities."

She also emphasizes that learning German opens doors to part-time employment. "For EU students who possess German proficiency, finding work during your studies is much more accessible," she notes.

Learning from a new culture

One of Sara’s most valuable takeaways wasn’t found in a textbook, but rather in the cultural observation of the Austrian professional landscape.

"The biggest surprise was the difference in culture and the structured approach to education," she shares. "I truly appreciate the organized Austrian way; having a clear, well-planned academic structure makes the experience much smoother."

This structure allowed her to adapt quickly and focus on academic achievement, boosting her confidence in her ability to navigate life in a foreign country—a common milestone for students studying abroad.

"I love the organized Austrian approach to learning; it makes everything much easier to manage."

Sara’s advice for future students

Sara advises future international students, particularly those eyeing Tourism and Hospitality Management, to prioritize early planning and thorough research.

"I recommend using Online Result to explore programs based on your interests," she says. "It offers critical information on costs, enrollment procedures, and direct links to university portals. Once you shortlist your favorites, reaching out to the universities directly is a great final step."

She also stresses the importance of budgeting. "Research the cost of living in your destination city thoroughly to prevent any unpleasant surprises and to manage your finances effectively before you arrive," she adds.

If Sara’s story inspires you to pursue your own education abroad, start by browsing hundreds of international programs on Online Result. You might just discover the perfect blend of culture, career, and personal growth—just like Sara did.