Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great experience that allowed me to travel and further academic studies. August 16, 2023

By (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?
Lots of differences in culture however there are many similarities as well. Yes, it was worthwhile.

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.

The courses were very informative and overall contained interesting and captivating content. Understanding the professors was one of the more challenging parts. Not an overbearing amount of assignments however some were extremely heavily weighted, although that is not unusual.

* 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

This was a great program that allowed me to travel as well as provided a focus in my field of study.

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 would vary from $150-$300.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Utilize grocery stores and no not go out much on weekends if you are looking to save money.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Spanish, none in Czech
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? Pay attention to the Czech course, it is helpful to learn although English is acceptable in Prague.

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

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travelling
  • New Experiences
  • Meeting new people
* What could be improved?
  • Convenience
  • Language Barrier
  • Preparation of Students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learn the area a little before you arrive, it will help save time and prepare you further.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Elementary Czech Language
Course Department: Language
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: Somewhat challenging, Czech is a very difficult language however we were well prepared to learn the necessary tools to succeed. Assessed through exams and homework assignments. Professor was occasionally helpful.
Credit Transfer Issues: Have been able to fully transfer yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Economic History of Central and Eastern Europe
Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging but interesting. The professor was knowledgeable and had a good pace for the class. The professor was also well-prepared for lectures. Assessed on presentations and exams.
Credit Transfer Issues: Have not fully transferred but need to transfer to my major requirements.
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Transition
Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging course. Very hard to understand the professor at times but the information was typically interesting. Prepared but some of the information/course material was somewhat irrelevant at times.
Credit Transfer Issues: Have not fully transferred yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Digital Currencies and Cryptocurrencies
Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging but useful and interesting content. The professor was well-prepared and presented the information in a way that was easy to follow. Assessed on homework, exams, and presentations.
Credit Transfer Issues: Have not fully transferred yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: A decently challenging course that was very interesting and had a professor who was an expert on the subject. Very interesting to learn about this event from a European perspective and included a field trip to Poland.
Credit Transfer Issues: Have not fully transferred yet.