Experiential Learning- Fantastic Semester! Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/17/2018 to 05/17/2018 with
CET Prague
I definitely became more independent during my semester abroad. Having to navigate a new city and create new relationships was difficult at first, but I am so thankful that I had this experience and hope to return to Prague some day soon!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were definitely more laid back than at my home institution. I enjoyed taking classes that were unique to being in Prague (ie. Resistance and Dissent). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartments were amazing. They were very spacious and came with all the necessities (pots, pans, furniture, vacuum, etc.). We were located in Prague 3, a little bit outside of the city center, away from all of the tourists and traffic. The area was a little bit quieter than the center and felt like a neighborhood, while still having the hustle and bustle of living in a city. The apartment was very convenient to public transportation, a shopping mall, and super market. |
| * Food: |
I don't think a lot of people go to the Czech Republic for the food, and I would still say that after spending a semester there. It is a very "meat and potatoes" country, but the goulash is fantastic! Definitely would be difficult being a vegetarian there. However, while Czech food is not the best, there are many other options. There is a Vietnamese restaurant on just about every block and we managed to find good Italian, Mexican, and even an American BBQ place. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were two parts of my experience abroad that made me feel especially integrated with the Czech culture. Living with a Czech student, or "Czech Buddy" as the program refers to them, and tutoring English for a family once a week. Living with our Czech buddy was such an amazing experience. She was able to take us to her favorite spots around the city and to other towns in the Czech Republic, including her hometown to meet her family. Tutoring english for a Czech family enabled me to reach outside of the American bubble and spend one night per week in a Czech home with an amazing family and a home cooked meal. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to see a doctor once, and the insurance the program provides was very easy to use. You sign up for an insurance cell phone app at the beginning of the program and when you need to see a doctor, it is very simple to navigate and make an appointment in a location that is convenient. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Prague. |
| 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 SO CHEAP. I spent about $20 on groceries per week. I found myself spending the most money when I traveled to other countries on the weekends. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| 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? | When going to restaurants or the supermarket, try and use the language as much as possible. It is fun to take your skills outside the classroom and the locals really enjoy when you attempt to use the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish I had studied more about the history of Eastern Europe before I went. I definitely know a lot now, but I would have liked to have some more background knowledge going in. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
