"Czech" Out Prague Past Review
By A student (Public Relations, Advertising, Applied Communication, New York Institute of Technology) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/20/2015 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Prague - University of Economics
Growing up in the U.S., you get comfortable. You know the ins and outs of your country, the language, the people. Stepping into an entirely different country is shocking. You're put very far outside your comfort zone. But it's the most invigorating feeling. You have to learn the language, culture, currency, transportation, and much more to get around. I learned more about the Czech Republic and its enchanting way of life. Most importantly, I learned how to use my resources to explore something new and foreign. The journey was my greatest accomplishment more than the end.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were engaging and had lots of good content. Professors were very knowledgeable and provided a holistic approach in each class. For each course I had one paper, one group presentation, and one or two tests. Not a difficult curriculum. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Organized and helpful in oncoming situations |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My group stayed at different dorms while the old ones were being renovated. Every necessity was there. It was clean. We had our own balcony too. |
| * Food: |
Meat, potatoes, and beer! What more could you ask for? The Czechs love their heavy foods and know how to prepare them! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As soon as you learn the norms and accepted cultural behavior, you'll do great. However, Czechs are not friendly towards outsiders. My caveat was that I'm Ukrainian so I fit in more. As long as you try to assimilate and adapt, they'll appreciate the effort. Learn a few phrases of the language! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a cold so I went to the local pharmacy and the technician provided me with an effective medicine. |
| * Safety: |
Overall, Prague is a safe city. I never felt like I was in danger or had any threats. One friend got pick pocketed when he was drunk. Just be aware and be careful. Don't fall for the tourist street sellers! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Amazing experiences and new friends for life in a charming city. |
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 student's paradise! Food and transportation are very cheap. $1 beer anyone? You will get far on a small budget. The food portion sizes are huge, too. But don't go shopping for clothes. You'll end up paying the same as in the U.S. Go to Germany for clothes shopping. |
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 |
Czech Language class was taken by many, although not by me. They had books and were tested every week. |
| 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 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Learn a few phrases. Use them when out and about. Learn a few more. Use them when on the town. Listen for common phrases, look them up, and memorize. |
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 I knew at least some Czech before going. It would have been easier to communicate. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
