Prague- A Film School Fairytale Past Review
By Julianne W (Johns Hopkins University) - abroad from 08/21/2013 to 12/17/2013 with
CET Film Production at FAMU
Living in Prague taught me how to be independent. Although I loved exploring with my friends on my program, I would often take the tram by myself and go wherever I pleased on Sunday afternoons. Going abroad made me more comfortable with myself, and encouraged me to do things for my own enjoyment, and not with the intention of pleasing others. I learned so much about all of the work that goes film production, and figured out my own academic strengths and weaknesses. This experience was absolutely worthwhile, and I wish I could do it all over again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was great to have our lectures paired with hands-on experience. I learned more about film with CET than I did from the theoretical classes at my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Kim, who ran our program, was very helpful. When I lost my cell phone midway through the semester, she was understanding and assisted me in getting a new one. The administration also offered a number of fun events, such as scavenger hunts, sports games, and operas. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our apartments were amazing. Because we were all placed in the same building, it had all of the social benefits of a dormitory, with the privacy and luxury of a private apartment. We lived in an area of Prague away from the beaten paths of the tourists. I had everything I needed- from beautiful parks to a grocery store- in walking distance. |
| * Food: |
The restaurants that CET took us to were delicious. I never would have guessed that I'd like goulash so much! I was expecting to be eating nothing but bread, meat, and cheese for an entire semester, but I was able to find many of my favorite foods at the local Billa Supermarket. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a Czech girl was a great experience. She showed us all of her favorite spots around the city, and helped us with any and all language difficulties. While I did spend a lot of time with other American students, I also met a few young locals who I still keep in touch with. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No one on my program had any serious health issues. |
| * Safety: |
No one on my program had any safety issues. I felt completely safe and comfortable 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 a very cheap city, but because I was not earning any money while I was there, I ended up spending over the semester. Because it was so cheap, I'd end up spending money on a lot of little things which added up. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cooking your own food is the way to go. |
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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High Intermediate French |
| 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? | Practice with your Czech buddies. They are a great resource. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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 that I had known how quickly it would pass by- I still find myself thinking about Prague every day. |
