Praha: The Adventure of a Lifetime! Past Review

By Kehkashan D (Political science, University of Houston) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Prague, Czech Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Because of my study abroad experience, I have decided I am going study foreign policy. I am now intrigued by the rest of the world and will work to keep it together and peaceful, as best that I can. Prague is a great place to find yourself, just make sure you don't get lost while doing it.

Review Photos

CEA Global Education: Prague, Czech Republic Photo

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 classes were a bit difficult for summer courses, but quite enlightening. I was exposed to the type of knowledge that one cannot phantom in the States. Superb information, but professors are a bit out of touch with the fact that the student is in the country only for the summer. The grading system was harder than that one is use to here, but then again, the U.S. educational system is lacking, so no surprise there. I went to the Anglo American University. It is small and intimate with great opportunity to learn about the culture.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	There were plenty of field trips organized as well as a list of places one can go see. Radka, one of the staff members, even had a pseudo language class each week with us per our request so we could learn czech small talk. Everything and everyone was wonderful! From the excursions, to the apartments, roommates and staff!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	There's a quaint bagel shop right outside the school. I spent quite a lot of time there and at several local beer gardens. So much food to try! You should try it all.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	All events were amazing! The best memory I have of social events was watching the Football (soccer) World Cup between England and US at the Old Town Square. Hanging out with other students and locals is the best way to get to know the people and their culture.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I got hurt though my own accordance... the walking hazard that I am. Try to avoid getting hurt if you can, the clinic is far from something you'd find here. You will find petty thief there but nothing dangerous like here. I live in Houston and felt safer in Prague than I do in my house on a daily basis.
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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Staff support They picked great roommates! Field trips/excursions
* What could be improved?	Would've loved to be closer to the city Out of country excursion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Prague is a beautiful city with amazing culture and people. Any student thinking about going their first study abroad program would enjoy it to it's limits. Weather you're alone or with a friend, this experience will change you forever, for the better. Make sure you travel, leave extra space in your bag, and bring your checking card (there are atms all over the place to withdraw money). Enjoy your time there and be open to new things. You only live once, why not entice yourself to do something you'd never think of doing?

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Eastern Central European Politics
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Great course to understand European history and had a wonderful field trip to the capital building. Professor was a bit flimsy, but the information was amazing! Enticed me to go visit Krakow, Poland for a weekend.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Same as the first course. Keep copies of paperwork! I can't say that enough.

Course Name/Rating:	International Relations
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	A great course to take if you're interested in foreign policy or international politics!
Credit Transfer Issues:	Yes, although I had all my paperwork in order, my advisor seemed to have lost it and informed me I had to retake the courses to fulfill those credits. Being the over=worried individual that I am, I saved the copies of all the paper work and was able to get that sorted out. Moral of the story? Keep copies of all your paper! ALL OF IT!