Golden Prague Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think the classroom aspect of the trip was the worst part. I definitely felt like I was wasting my time. The professor was unprepared. Though two students asked for the reading he had said was "already prepared," he refused to post them until less than 2 days before the trip. He also was not prepared for the trip, asking students if they had brought power adaptors and cables to hook his computer up to the projector in the classroom. Further, he forgot to schedule an alternative classroom on a day that one at Charles University was not available, so we wandered around for a while before having a ten-minute session in a park. I felt like my time was disrespected. Finally, the teacher had invited students to view a performance, then was incommunicado for 12 hours. He really let the students down.

On-site administration of your program

The ISA Program Office in Prague was incredible. Daniela, Lucie, Martin, and Tamara made us feel so welcome and comfortable in Prague. Their doors were always open, their phones were always on, and they were so approachable. They would invite us to come to the office, use the internet, and just talk with them. They loved talking about Prague--they were the best tour guides because you could see the pride they have in their country. They also were willing to give us advice about traveling to other countries. They helped us narrow down trips and really choose the best destination. They helped us get around, and they *very patiently* taught us words and phrases in Czech. I really can honestly say the program would not have been worthwhile without them. I am so grateful for their guidance and hospitality.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were AMAZING. I could not have asked for a better place to stay, and it was DEFINITELY worth the cost of the program alone. It was a beautiful two bedroom apartment with a huge bathroom and large living, dining, and kitchen area. Everything was provided for us--from linens to pots, pans, plates, and silverware. It was directly next to a metro stop, which made traveling VERY easy.

The food in Prague is delicious. Though it is heavy on protein and carbohydrates, it is made with fresh ingredients and contains no preservatives. It is so affordable. Our favorite restaurants were U Jezulatka in Mala Strana and Cafe Slavia across from the Narodni Divadlo. Cafe Slavia is a must--it is both delicious and historical (Vaclav Havel and other major figures drafted Charter 77 there).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Terezin is an educational and poignant experience. I was floored visiting this site. Cesky Krumlov is beautiful and idyllic. It was a "vacation" on our "vacation"--a nice getaway from Prague, but still a welcoming, historical city. The Narodni Divadlo tour was exceptional, especially for us as Theatre Students.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any major health issues. Prague is very safe; no one had any negative experiences, despite what the ISU Study Abroad Office focused on pickpockets.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Americans

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• Americans