Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Prague: Couldn't Have Been Better Past Review

By (International Business., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Prague, Czech Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I have definitely become more aware of different cultures though my time in Prague. Surprisingly however, one of the cultures that I learned most about was my own. Being put in a setting where things are different really made me question the way I do things and why I do them. It was really a great experience.

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.

Since Anglo-American University is structured the same as most American universities, the grading system was the same. However, the professors graded much easier than at my home university. The real value I feel that I received as education was learning to work with individuals from all over the world. Most of my classmates were from various parts of Europe and Asia so it was great getting to know them and learning about their cultures.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think the program administration ran smoothly. When I was ill, they were quick to help me out and make an appointment for me. They were very helpful and would go out of their way to help you when you asked a question.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment that I stayed in was really large, much bigger than what I was expecting! It was fully furnished and even had a dishwasher and washing machine. I had to bring my own sheets but a blanket was provided. The apartment was about 25 minutes away from my school by tram and a little ways out of the city center but it was definitely easy to use the public transportation.

* Food:

I love Czech food! I definitely suggest getting out there and trying everything. I wish I would have used the student canteens located in Prague more for lunches during the week. The food there is good, really cheap, and there are loads of local Czech students.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One weekend our program took us to Krakow, Poland. It was a great time! We got to see the city and hang out in a place besides Prague for the weekend. Another memorable component of that weekend was that we went to Auschwitz and talked to a Holocaust survivor who was actually at Auschwitz.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never had any safety-related incidents. I felt very safe in Prague even when I was walking around alone at night.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It depended on how much I went out to eat each week. If I went out to eat a few times then I would spend maybe $50 a week on food but otherwise you could get by even cheaper if you ate at home and cooked your meals.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Most things are pretty cheap here. If you want to go out to eat though, I suggest you get out of the city center because restaurants there are more expensive in comparison to the neighborhoods where the locals eat.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I really liked that my school was so multicultural
* What could be improved?
  • The internet in the apartments was spotty a lot of the time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Get out and explore the hidden parts of Prague! Old Town is beautiful, don't get me wrong, but you'll get to really experience the culture of Prague if you head out to the outskirts. I also suggest spending at least a weekend in the Czech countryside. It's very different than the hustle and bustle of Prague and I think you'll notice the people are different as well.