Czech Republic: Not for everyone, vital for me Past Review
By Jason E (Political Science and Government., Providence College) for
Charles University: Study Abroad with ECES (East and Central European Studies)
It was worthwhile.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload is lighter...due to professor motivation, salary and an understanding that many students are there for fun. The grading system is similar. The school/University is an exercise in an emerging Middle Power with certain maintained ties to Socialism. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AIFS - abject failure of a baby sitting service that couldn't even assist with the most important part of my stay - the visa. ECES/CU. Excellent program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I rented two apartments, changing to the other mid year. It was fine and I was the only American doing this as far as I know. My personal logistics are unusual and I don't feel the need to comment. |
| * Food: |
European dining is not full service. Food in the Czech Republic is average at best when dining out unless you eat at the Marriott or like fried meats and dumplings. Most students tended to gain weight. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I can't stay. I struck out on my own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city is safe, the medical service is fine but conducted differently than in America and the government is effective in all aspects of life. You'll find that if the government is having a problem, you're having a problem...because they run and organize every aspect of your daily logistical life. You will not coddled by the Police, Doctors, customer service reps or the Public transit authorities. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Personal/not willing to share. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people I needed to interact with spoke English. I found the language course, which was mandatory, to be poorly taught and poorly organized with a bizarre focus on grammar and verbiage, rather than practical conversation. |
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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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? | Stay out of the tourist clubs, drink less, take some time to stay in shape and don't be a foodie. |
