Probably the greatest experience I've had in my life up until this point. June 01, 2023

By A student (Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/06/2023 to 05/19/2023 with

IEF - International Economics and Finance Program (CERGE-EI, Charles University)

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

It was definitely worthwhile, being abroad and learning to be fully independent in a big foreign city was honestly such a good time, and going with friends made that easier as well. I also really liked how easy it was for us to travel around to other European countries and fully experience most of Europe.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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)	I traveled a lot on weekends and that added up.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Plan trips far in advance and buy tickets/housing early.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use 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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Pay attention in class and try using it when outside of class around the city.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans Other
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Great administrators Weekend opportunities No classes on Fridays
* What could be improved?	More class variety, a lot of the Econ classes were very similar to one another Make the "late classes" a little earlier in the day Orientation could be shorter
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It's super important to make a good budget so you can do all you want to do, and also buy groceries so as not to eat out as much.

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 Urbanite A 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Economics of Transition
Course Department:	Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The teachers weren't really on the same page, and both of them were pretty bad at getting their points across and being clear for everyone to understand.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Elementary Czech
Course Department:	Language
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Czech & English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Digital Currencies and Cryptocurrencies
Course Department:	Economics/Finance
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was a really interesting class that taught me about something that's really prevalent in today's world.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	CEE Economic Growth and Development
Course Department:	Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: