Unexpected and transformative Past Review

By (Sociology, Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/20/2015 to 05/14/2015 with

CET Prague

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can't sum it up. I've learned about myself, people, independence, travel, the world, things that can't be taught conventionally in classrooms.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

More academically rigorous than most programs, according to other friends and students I spoke with.

* 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)

Prague is a very cheap country in general, so it helped attempts to be frugal and conscientious.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track. Write expenses down. Split groceries with a roommate. Don't shop like its the end of the world.

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? No czech language experience before program. Felt like I'd learned quite a bit by the end though!
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? Push yourself to order coffee and small things when you can in the native language. Even though English is easier, don't be afraid to embarrass yourself. No one will mind! And you'll improve!

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Coordination between the Prague office and the DC office
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't get bogged down in small details. Everything is an experience and a story, so just enjoy and don't fret.

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.