The Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes that I took were everything that they should have been - challenging, insightful, and eye opening to the culture and history of the Czech Republic. The political science classes that I took explained Czech culture more than I ever thought it would and helped me transition better.

On-site administration of your program

What a fantastic program! AIFS was well organized and the staff were helpful every step of the way with whatever I needed from them. Would go through this program again in a heartbeat.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did a dorm for my living arrangements, was placed in an international dorm that was suite-style. Location was good, only a couple of blocks from the metro and tram stops which made it very easy to get around the city. My only complaint would be that the kitchen was small and the burners were not that great for cooking (especially since there wasn't a meal plan).

Food was great! I didn't have a meal plan so often times I would make my own meals and go to the local grocery store or eat out. The experience of going food shopping was interesting and different from that back at home, loved trying to figure out what the different items were and getting things that you wouldn't see back home. It was during times like this that I felt less like a foreigner or traveler and more that I was really integrated into the culture.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In all honestly, I actually find this to be a complex question because of the country I went to. Czech culture in and of itself is much more private than other places I've been to and because of that it's not as easy to integrate into in comparison. What I would say is experience the every day pieces of Czech life, go where the locals go and do what they do and enjoy the slow process of really being integrated into their culture. If you have the patience to do this, the rest will naturally fall into place! I ended my semester with a great love and understanding for Czech life and would do it again in a heartbeat.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had needed to go to the doctor once during my stay in the Czech Republic and the experience overall was good. My program set up the appointment for me and helped me get to the doctor's office day of. Once there, I received good health care and the staff were professional and helpful, the same I would get in my home country.

I always felt safe in Prague. I would say that as a foreigner I did need to be cautious and aware of my surroundings in general, but I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe when I was wandering around the city. The public transportation system is great, the city is overall very clean, and the police were always around in the busier areas. Pick pocketing is probably the only safety concern you might face, and your program most likely will warn you about it, but I never had an issue.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Compared to the United States, prices were a lot cheaper in the Czech Republic which made it easier to budget and still get a great experience.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Czech is a very difficult language to learn and a semester is not enough time to be anywhere beyond the basics. The program encouraged us to use it when buying things or ordering food, but a conversational level was difficult and not expected since the language is so hard.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans

Select all that apply

• International Students

• How well they helped integrate us into the culture
• The classes I took
• Cultural opportunities/events

• More information on how the public transportation works in the beginning

The Academic or Linguist