78 CultureShock! Austria
MOVING TO A NEW COUNTRY can be a tremendous enterprise unless
you have travelled before or have an adventurous heart.
Austria is easier to adjust to than some other countries, as
many Austrians speak English, and each of the large cities
has an established international community which can be a
great source of information and help. Moreover, the country
offers a quality of life that is quite high.
Of course, there are problems that cause frustration
for newcomers, including short opening hours for stores,
banks, post offices and government offices; the bureaucracy
and cranky civil servants; occasional chauvinism; poor to
adequate service in some stores and restaurants (although
changes have been noticed); and having to deal with the
intricacies of the German language.
Yet relocating to Austria means you can look forward to
less stressful working conditions, a relaxed pace of life, a safe
and family-oriented environment, a rich cultural atmosphere,
beautiful and unpolluted landscapes, good medical care and
an excellent public transportation system.HOUSING
If you are working for a consulate, embassy or international
organisation, your employer may help you find a nice
apartment or house and bear the partial or full cost of your
rent. If you are searching for an apartment on your own,
look through advertisements in the Saturday editions of local