Prague! Amazing! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were usually small, enjoyable discussion based seminars taught in English. All of them had a mix of Americans, Canadians, and Erasmus students from various countries. Workloads varied from very light to heavy/on par with the course loads at my home university. Work was generally light over the course of the semester with an emphasis on reading assignments but at the end of the semester most courses required a substantial long research paper. Class topics vary but whether you are studying film, politics, history, art, or literature, all the instructors aim to educate you about the general culture and history of the beautiful town and country you are living in.

On-site administration of your program

AIFS was an amazing experience. It is a smaller program so you know all the students in your program and are able to form great friendships. The staff in Prague (Jana, Z, Marketa) is absolutely wonderful and they quickly become like your new family. They are literally always available, either in the office or by cell phone, if you have any kind of emergency, question, or just want to talk. Z is an older Czech gentlemen who acts as a grandfather figure to all the students and he is literally one of the smartest people I have ever known. He is a wealth of knowledge about the history, traditions, culture, legends, etc, of the Czech Republic and all the European countries you visit. AIFS is great but they don't directly deal with your classes - that is through ECES (Eastern Central European Studies) at Charles University. They have a whole different set of staff that are equally kind and readily available to help with any of your school needs.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorm (Masarykova Kolej on Thakuorva street) where you stay with AIFS is a mild drawback, but the staff insists that it is of a much higher quality/better location than dorms from previous years. Student dorms in the Czech Republic can be somewhat terrifying so given that, this dorm is pretty nice. American students may complain because it does not necessarily compare to nicer American university dorms. Masarykova Kolej is huge and there is a wide variety of students living there, and it also functions as a cheap hotel. There is a restaurant in the lobby where no one ever ate, but the bar downstairs is great for very cheap beer and a place to meet up with friends. Dorm rooms are decent - 2 students per room attached to a small suite/kitchen area that is attached to another 2 person room, so 4 people per suite. Sheets and pillows are provided but they are often worn thin and uncomfortable so most students bought extra pillows and new blankets. Also some kitchens had leftover items like bowls, a cup or two, a kettle - others did not. Showers were somewhat gross, often with mold. Dorm staff speaks very little english and can seem rude, but AIFS staff can help you if you have dorm issues. The location is just fine, but could be better. It is outside the main city center but located 2 minutes walking from the metro. It is three stops on the metro to school/Old Town. However the location is a problem when staying out late on weekend nights when the normal trams/metros close after midnight. Cabs home from the city center can be expensive and the night tram can be a 30 minute ordeal.

AIFS gives you a monthly allowance that is can cover at least one meal a day (though you can use the money for any purpose). Traditional Czech food can be very heavy on bread and meat and many American students complain. But try the beef goulash with dumplings because it's delicious. Czech food can be difficult for students with dietary restrictions. My roommate had a wheat allergen and had a very hard time. However Prague is a huge international city and there are a myriad of great restaurants and options ranging from KFC to Thai food to vegetarian. Clear Head is an amazing and very attractive vegetarian place. Go to La Casa Blu in the Jewish Quarter for great Mexican food and strong margaritas. I would not recommend studying in Prague if you do not enjoy beer. A glass of beer is cheaper than a bottle of water (there is no free tap water) and beer is a huge part of the Czech culture. Avoid drinking/eating in the touristy areas of Old Town Square because these places are ridiculously overpriced.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

AIFS is also invaluable for its offered trips to Vienna, Krakow, and Moravia, some of which are extra and others are included in the cost. These are weekend trips and tons of fun. There are also tons of day trips offered, like to Cesky Krumlov or Dresden, Germany. All the trips are wonderful because there is the perfect balance between free time and guided tours with Z. Also included in the cost of the program are cultural activities such as tickets to the ballet, the opera, and the orchestra. These are fabulous and are not to be missed, even if you don't think you're into it. The theaters are absolutely beautiful and historic. They also have tickets for local soccer matches or hockey games. All you have to do is sign up and pick up your ticket later. ECES also offers trips to Berlin, Cesky Krumlov, and Istanbul. Istanbul was very expensive and many students just decided to travel there on their own. This is an option but I recommend paying the extra expense to be with a tour guide, have guided tours and covered entrance fees into the mosques and palaces, and to be in a cohesive group. There are also tons of cultural field trips offered in most of the classes. Take courses that go on field trips to local art galleries or exhibits, special events or concerts.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Many students living in the dorm were sick and contagious especially in the winter months. Sinus infections and strep throat were the most common. AIFS staff can help you identify what medicines you need and you can pick them up easily at a pharmacy. However if you think you need antibiotics or something specific there is an international english-speaking clinic right next door to the AIFS office. Doctors visits can be very expensive but if you have all your receipts for the visit and prescriptions, AIFS works with your international insurance to refund this money back to your parents after a month or so. The main safety concerns in Prague are mostly pickpockets and petty thievery. It is important to keep purses and bags zipped up and be aware of your belongings, and if you do this you should have no problem. Incidents occurred only when students were drunk and/or falling asleep on public transportation. For the most part, the Czech people want to eliminate this stereotype of petty stealing and it is not condoned. For example, a man attempted to pick pocket on a tram and was caught by other locals, who yelled at him and aggressively forced him off the tram. Other safety issues arise from walking around alone late at night or taking random taxis on the street. Taxi drivers are known to over-charge non-Czech speakers and tourists, so always call for a taxi ahead of time.

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

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• Americans