Prague will forever have a part of me! Past Review
By Sarah K (Communications & Journalism, California Baptist University) - abroad from 01/31/2014 to 05/27/2014 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Prague, Czech Republic
Going abroad takes you out of your element in such an incredible way. Studying abroad will forever leave me hungry to experience more. I gained such an incredible taste and perspective for what this beautiful and impeccable world beholds. The people I connected with, the culture I experienced, the vast & breath taking views, and all of the memories all mold together an astounding chapter within my life that I will never forget. To say it was worthwhile is an understatement. Every part of my journey was more than I could have ever imagined.
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Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics within the program were truly wonderful. It all varies depending upon what classes you are taking as well as what your major is but the professors & the CEA staff ensure that you do not take over your limit so you are able to enjoy your travels as you are gaining international experiences. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I cannot say enough wonderful compliments I have for the on-site staff there in Prague. The CEA team did an incredible job staffing this team. The team truly does keep their students' interests in mind, answer any questions you may have, educate you about the city, help you plan any other excursions to embark upon through the program, and are help support you through the whole process. Iva, Dalibor, Lenka, Christina, Marketa, and Radka were some of the MOST sweetest and most helpful people I experienced while being over there. Thank you all! (P.S. Miss you all dearly!) |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was very comfortable and great where it displayed the culture with where we were (Prague). It was perfect for a college student living abroad where we were close within the city yet far enough to experience how to use the transportation and live amongst other Czech residents within our building that added to the housing experience. |
| * Food: |
Oh the food is exceptionally delicious! Czech food is on the heavier side but the Vietnamese culture as oozed its way throughout the city where you are sure to find eats that are inspired from that culture. Also, the Italian food is by far some of the best Italian food my taste buds have ever experienced. The food within the walls of Prague is very vast, incredibly tasteful, and some of the greatest eateries you will experience! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of the main reasons why I chose Prague, Czech Republic is because of the passion I have for its culture. Just walking up and down the cobblestone streets, you can breathe in its deep roots of history & culture that is landscaped everywhere you stroll. Arriving there, I definitely experienced culture shock but I acclimated quickly and fell even more in love with the love its locals have for this charming city and the true beauty it exhibits. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did have to make my way to the doctors once due to feeling a little under the weather but the doctors that are available to you through the healthcare CEA provides for you is great! They were reasonable, well-knowledgeable, and very sincere! |
| * Safety: |
Honestly, I felt very safe roaming the city even by myself. Yes every city has its areas that aren't the best but you just need to be well educated about the cities corridors and be smart! I felt safer roaming around there then I do in Los Angeles, California. Living in Prague, I truly felt at home. |
| 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Prague is truly a dream city for a college student on a budget. You can easily make your dollar go very far there on the daily basis. Yes it is important to make a budget/goal for yourself so that you do not over spend so that you have extra money to put towards something else like a spontaneous trip somewhere! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Each week was different but I could easily get by with about 80$/per week (or even less) because we would make our meals at home and save Friday-Sunday for finding a new place to try out. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | My tip for any college student going abroad is to save over enough money so that you are able to make the most out of your experience. Go to your local bank branch and discuss with them about making a savings goal. For an example, set a certain amount that you want to save and take a % of each pay check and deposit it into the account without touching it. When you are abroad, it is smart to be frugal and cautious so that you can make sure your money is being spent respectfully. Saving enough money will ensure that you will be able to enjoy some very nice expensive dinners as well as very affordable eateries. Remember, most of the culture that you will experience going abroad will be portrayed within its food! Enjoy! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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? | One thing that I wish I knew prior to going was the internship program that is offered on site but it happens to be a new and upcoming thing within the program. I am excited for any student that gets to partake in this because I surely would love to! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
