Helpful information

New in town, need some answers? Contact us at PTF@ais.at. The PTF also has also organized some country coordinators to help you if you are new in Vienna to ease the transition and keep you in touch. We try to have representatives of every country or a similar country available to contact their fellow citizens. If you are new to AIS and wish to be contacted by someone from your home country, please contact the PTF International Contacts Coordinator at PTF.Country.Coordinator@ais.at

Tips from experienced parents

• Purchase the AWA Living in Vienna book.  It’s full of everything you need to know about living in Vienna. The book is available at local bookstores.   The American Women’s Association is an international group and members of all nationalities are welcome! For more information please visit www.awavienna.com.
• Also recommended, www.wien.at. Here you can find information about Vienna as well as links to the Vienna Public Transportation network, which can provide routing and information on traveling between places with Public transportation. It also has a good city map to find locations.
• www.wien.info hosted by the Vienna Tourist Board is a good website to find out what is going on in Vienna.
• Virtual Vienna Net (www.virtualvienna.net) provides information to newcomers and their classified section is a good resource.
• Don’t have computer access? There are several internet cafes located throughout Vienna. Surfland, Krugerstrasse 10 in the 1st District and Café Stein, Währingerstrasse 6 in the 9th District. The computer in the MS/HS Library can also be used when not busy. Ask the friendly librarian for more information.
• Looking for a summer camp for the kids?  Check out the AIS camps at www.ais.at/info/ATD/AISSummerCamp.htm
• Check the AIS Website for links to your children’s grade. Did you know for instance that ES kids need two pairs of shoes, or that the MS/HS kids need special equipment for the field trip in September? You can also find information regarding the sports program and camps.
• Don’t stock up on American paper products.  In Europe the sizes are different, with A4 paper leaner and longer than US Letter size.
• Bored kids? Join the Video International located at Gymnasiumstrasse 64 in the 19th District. They speak perfect English and you can rent videos/DVDs for your kids. Be aware that in Austria they have a different coding system. You can purchase a relatively cheap, multi-system DVD player at stores like Mediamarkt, Niedermeyer and Saturn with several locations throughout Vienna.
• Importing a car? It can take up to 3 months to get an inspection (Technisches Pruefstelle), so schedule this before you leave home. Get more information at www.help.gv.at/Content.Node/134/Seite.1340000.html#Driving Also recommended, join one of the automobile clubs like ÖAMTC or ARBÖ. If you are purchasing a used car, they can provide an unbiased inspection.
• Why so many police? In light of past world events, the Austrian Police provide this service to our school as a precaution to keep our children safe. The threat level in Vienna is considered to be “low”.

Some events that you should not miss!

• AIS All School Picnic. This picnic is for the entire school to come together, eat, meet up with old friends, meet some new friends and most importantly, give you an opportunity to get community information. We will have information available for local businesses, churches, after school activities sign-up, Scouts, maps, nurse’s information and much much more.
• Newcomer’s Coffees - This is an opportunity for you to get some information about AIS and Vienna. In addition, it provides you with the opportunity to meet the Director, Counselors, Nurse, other new and returning parents in a warm friendly atmosphere.
• Flea Market. The PTF sponsors a flea market. If you need any items for your new house (or if you have some items you would like to sell), you might want to wait and see what you can pick up at this huge event.

Check the PTF website to stay current on the upcoming events!

Other Organizations

• The Scouting Program is available at AIS - please contact the following for more information. All divisions are seeking leadership volunteers.
  Girl Scouts: Bonnie Langendorff at langkok@hotmail.com
  Boy Scouts: Paul Caldwell at ppcaldwell@hotmail.com
  Cub Scouts: Peggy Caldwell at ppcaldwell@hotmail.com
• The Boosters is a group of volunteer parents that work to support the AIS athletic program. Volunteers are always welcomed and encouraged to help work with the Booster activities. Our primary fundraising activity is selling food to athletes during sporting events. We also sell sports clothes and items with the AIS logo. With the money raised we buy equipment and supplies for the athletic program. We also sponsor the end of the year athletic awards banquets for both the middle and high school teams. Boosters needs your help, we can not function without people helping. So when you hear requests for help from the Boosters please sign up.
  For more information please contact:
  Lisa Hillard - hillardlg@unvie.at