Study Central Europe outside the textbook Past Review
By Margaret N (Sociology., Providence College) for
AIFS: Prague - Charles University
Of course. I feel much closer to Europe's history having experienced it outside of a textbook.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Charles University |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Almost everything I learned seemed to fit in very well with my experience living and traveling in Central Europe. Most professors understood very well what we needed to understand and connect to the culture and the subject of the course. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The whole AIFS program staff worked very hard to ensure we had the best semester possible. They were friendly, easy-going, and always open to hear suggestions. Their guidance was an indispensable part of my semester. I have virtually no complaints. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Huge building that once served as the headquarters of the Communist secret police with 5 floors and seemingly thousands of rooms. Two bedroom suites with small common room/kitchen, bathroom and shower. Restaurant, cafeteria and pub all located in the building. Washing machines but no dryer. Very convenient to metro and tram lines in the Dejvice neighborhood. Lovely parks, supermarkets, good restaurants and cafes within walking distance <br /><br /> The somewhat moody dorm staff and the lack of dryers would be my only complaint. |
| * Food: |
The typical czech cuisine was pretty weak in the vegetables area but everyone made do. There are tons of other options. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Fun! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Personally, there were no problems and everyone that needed to address a medical problem had no complaints. Universal health care works. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bars and restaurants were beyond affordable. Finding the best way to travel was difficult sometimes. There were no obvious patterns in prices regarding trains and buses. I found it hard determining the right time to book a ticket and the right line to book it with. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Czech was extremely difficult for me or anyone with no prior experience with a Slavic language. However, knowing Czech is not essential for a 3.5 month stay in Prague. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The benefits of Prague's central location can't possibly be overrated and it was so nice to have a few trips already included in the program. If you want to get a close look at another country's way of life but still have the freedom to travel around the continent and become a part of a culture of young international travelers, this is a great program for you. If you want to really root yourself deeply in one specific culture and not just use CZ as a jumping off point, I'd say this program isn't ideal. |
