Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Prague pushed me out of my comfort zone in the BEST way! June 10, 2025

By (Communications & Journalism, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/21/2025 to 05/03/2025 with

CIEE: Prague - Communications, New Media + Journalism

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
New friends, skills in a new language, unforgettable memories, knowledge in my academic interests, and the ability to adapt to new culture!

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.

* 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

CIEE is a great organization that has a lot of built-in student bonding and immersion activities. Staff is accommodating and helpful. The other students were equally as excited and invested. Most of all, Prague is the most beautiful city in the world!

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? 150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget spreadsheet! And save all leftovers for future meals...

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? Intermediate
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? Get to know the locals!

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Activities / trips
  • Location / city / housing
  • People / staff / students / locals
* What could be improved?
  • Food options
  • Academic rigor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was going to spend nearly all of the money in my bank account...

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Social Media's Revolutionary Impact on Journalism
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This course provided some really amazing field trip opportunities that immensely deepened the impact of the lectures. The main capstone project was very enjoyable and was graded in a fair manner.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Visual Theory
Course Department: FAMU
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This was a very in depth, discussion-based class that explored many artistic concepts and applications. The instructor was great about prompting student participation and ideas.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Realm of Montage
Course Department: FAMU
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: The instructor was very knowledgeable, but not as personable as some of my other instructors. I was glad to learn from her, but sometimes the standards of evaluation weren't quite clear. I would still take this course again, because it exposed me to filmmakers I hadn't encountered before.
Credit Transfer Issues:
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Intercultural Communication and Leadership
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This course was crucial in understanding what it means to adapt to a new culture and adjust to culture shock. There were two instructors who were both veterans at teaching this course and their academic chemistry in the classroom made the course all the more enjoyable. Assignments were at times a bit juvenile, but it was a nice break from some of my intense classes I'm used to at my home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues:
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International Marketing
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Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: I learned a lot in this course, particularly because my home institution does not offer anything in this subject. I enjoyed the assignments, guest lecturers, and field trips. The primary instructor was not quite as professional as desired, but still very knowledgeable on the subject.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Beginning Czech I
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: I only took this language course because my home school required me to, but it ended up being one of my favorite classes! I really enjoyed the classroom environment, which was collaborative and supportive. We had frequent quizzes and the expectations were always made thoroughly clear to us.
Credit Transfer Issues: