Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A once in a lifetime experience Past Review

By (Wartburg College) - abroad from 09/04/2017 to 12/17/2016 with

AIFS: Prague - Charles University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more adaptable and how be more patient. It was my first time truly going somewhere where I knew no one so I was made to get out of my comfort zone and I have gained amazing friends.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was everything I could've asked for and more. Renata, Karin, Maike, and Z were so helpful and amazing throughout the semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There was never a time I felt unsafe in Prague. However, it is still important to just be aware of your surroundings and make good choices and typically you will be fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Throughout all of my travels and experiences speaking to friends in other programs, there was never a time where I had wished I went with a different program or city. Prague and the AIFS staff were so amazing and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to go through this program.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure reservations are able to be cancelled in case any last minute changes happen

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? No experience
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take the full semester course if you want to have a firm grasp on the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • People
  • Activities
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's okay to be homesick but make sure you don't sit at home and feel sad, go out and explore the city!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.