AIFS is the best!! Past Review
By Maureen Sampson (University of North Carolina - Charlotte / UNCC) - abroad from 01/31/2018 to 05/12/2018 with
AIFS: Prague – University of Economics
I learned to step outside of my comfort zone and adapt to a culture quickly! It has taught me to keep an open mind in every situations and to not judge other people and the way they live their life. I think I have grown as a person immensely and I can not thank AIFS enough for that!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I picked up an International Management minor while I was in Prague and the business courses were very interesting and the professors seemed to care a lot about the subjects they were teaching. The testing was a little different, so that took adjustment, however, I learned so much! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were continuously there for us if we had any questions, concerns, or just needed someone to talk to! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt very safe in my living arrangements, the doors locked automatically when exiting the buildings and the apartments were very modern. |
| * Food: |
AIFS offered a great meal plan throughout my entire experience. Instead of us having to eat at specific places they gave us a debit card with an allotted amount of money each month to spend on food, groceries, or travel! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
On our firs night there, AIFS had a dinner and went over the cultural differences of Prague and the United States. That was beyond helpful! The program also sent out weekly newsletters with common cultural questions to help with the process of adjusting. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Aside from the difference in the medical system abroad, AIFS did a great job with scheduling a doctor's appointment for me while I was there. I unfortunately got very sick and emailed the resident directors immediately and got a response and doctors appointment within 2 hours. AIFS also gave me directions on how to get to the doctor's office and followed up after the doctor's appointment. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Prague! I think going abroad and being in an unfamiliar culture every student should have their guards up and just be aware of their surroundings at all times! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
AIFS was so accommodating during my entire experience abroad. They were always quick to respond if you had any questions or concerns during the semester! With the all inclusive program they offered, it made things very easy on myself when I was living there. |
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) |
I think it's dependent on the person and how much they are wanting to go out to eat or buy groceries! It's dependent on the person and the country you are in. Luckily, Prague is very affordable! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much money as you can before you go! There are ways to budget your money while over there, but always having back up money is good! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
My program encouraged us to try to learn basic terms in Czech, however, they did not make it a requirement to learn 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 |
| 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? | Look up basic terminology before you leave! It will help you navigate your way around and talk to locals if you have any questions. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To not be worried! AIFS made everything so easy and they ensured that we were having a good time. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
