Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Magical Summer Abroad: Prague Past Review

By (Speech Pathology, Pima Community College) for

AIFS: Prague - Charles University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned patience. not everyone thinks or speaks the way i do. I learned to not be afraid to try new things and explore new places. Studying abroad will put you in so many situations that are outside of your comfort zone and it is essential to adapt, the RIGHT way. Dont think about it negatively, you signed up for this! =) You are in THEIR country, not yours, so dont expect them to speak english. Studying abroad has given me the "travel bug!" I now was to go EVERYWHERE! See new things, learn new languages and study other cultures. I plan on doing my masters program in Australia and someday returning back to Prague. It is the place i am most happy.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The education system is very different! Czech students do not take summer school therefore, I was not exposed to students my age. However, the class times and the exams are presented in the same manner as my home college.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My trip abroad was absolutely magnificent! Everything was laid out and understood before i left my home country. The only thing i was a little bummed about what AIFS never told us that we would not be attending school with Czech students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were located very close to everything! the metro was your guide to get around Prague and went nearly everywhere! We had to buy dishes, dish soap and toilet paper for our dorm.

* Food:

the food in Prague is wonderful! However, it is very heavy and quite different than american food. Be open minded and eat all the dessert you can! Good food is everywhere, the only difference is the price. Try not to eat in Old Town, its a bit more expensive that if you ate closer to the dorms. I LOVED Paneria, it was pretty cheap and when i was feeling "fat" from Czech food, it was a great change! The 12 pounds i gained, was WELL worth it =)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of the extra trips are a blast! I loved Vienna, Krakow and London! Berlin was not all that great, but im still glad i had the experience! My favorite trip were with the AIFS representative, Z, around Prague. He is full of knowledge and absolutely adorable! I could go on and on about the things i loved about Prague, but i loved every aspect of my trip. Keep an open mind and enjoy every aspect of the country and the culture!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Prague was VERY safe! I never ever felt like i was in any kind of harm!

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I took Czech Language at Charles University while studying in Prague. The teacher was amazing and i learned the basics on how to get around Prague. Many people did not speak english so the little bit of Czech that i knew, was very helpful!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel opportunities
  • learning a new language in that country
* What could be improved?
  • make the trip LONGER!!!!! =)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Prague is very cheap! take advantage of it! Buy everything. This is a once in a life time opportunity, take advantage of EVERY aspect! Try all the weird foods and beers! Participate in every event that is offered. Dont be afraid to get on the metro, and just ride it, get off and get lost in Prague. It is a beautiful city with so much to see. Spend a night soaking up the beauty of the Prague Castle, it is a must. Prague is absolutely magical, you will fall in love with it. Miluji Praha.