Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., The College of William and Mary) for

ISA Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes - I gained a truer understanding of European life and culture. Made some good friends and great memories!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Charles University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+
The term and year this program took place: Winter 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Awesome classes. All of the professors were very knowledgeable in their fields and were approachable. Every class included trips and excursions outside of the classroom, where the teachers really tried to use the city setting to give us a well rounded experience. For instance, in our architecture class we went on weekly excursions to look at the historic places of Prague up front, and for our Business Practices class we went on a tour of a factory. All of the professors had a genuine interest in their students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Awesome program, great staff - very knowledgeable, helpful and fun

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Got a great apartment very close to the city center with several other students in the program - awesome place to live

* Food:

Cooked for myself mostly

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Prague is the best city in Europe, period. Cant think of a more fun place - great bars / clubs, beautiful women, cheap beer.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Prague is also one of the safest cities in Europe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself to save money (doing so you can easily spend only 5-6 dollars a day on food)

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?

Didn't know any Czech before I came (though it is similar to other language I do know). After instruction I was able to go on a weekend trip to another city in the Czech Republic by myself, where many people did not speak English, and survive just fine. It is necessary to continue study after the first 2 week course however, and actively try to practice. Most people in the country spoke some English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Come to Prague! All of the students, including myself travelled all over Europe while we were here (its easy too because its located practically in the center of Europe) and I don't think anyone found a better city to study in.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Business Practices in Central Europe

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great - professor was laid back and gave us interesting case studies, and knew a great deal about the subject.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Begining Czech Language

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: Highly useful course, gave us a good understanding of the language that allowed us the ability to get around and do anything in the city we might need to.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Art and Architecture of Prague

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Good course, went on tours of the city every week where we got to learn about some of the sites first hand.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Expansion of the EU - Economic Issues

Course Department:
Instructor: Jiri Holub
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Awesome class! Professor is incredibly knowledgeable. The first week he assigned us all specific EU countries to research. When we met next week and we presented what we had learned about every single countries Government, politics, history, etc he was able to comment and fix the errors we made - he has vast knowledge of every European country and about the rest of the world. Whenever we went on trips outside of Prague he was able to recommend what to do / see in the various cities of Europe. A highly respected man in the community and great teacher!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Politics of Central Europe

Course Department:
Instructor: Jiri Holub
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Same teacher as EU studies - amazing course.
Credit Transfer Issues: