Past Review
By Clare M (Political Science and Philosophy , University of Northern Colorado) for
ISEP Exchange: Brno - Exchange Program at Masaryk University
My experience didn't change my academic interests it just reaffirmed my future academic plans and goals. I caught the travel bug and my cultural awarness was exapanded. My geography and my taste of music and my ablity to adapt to new situations all were greatly expanded upon.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Czech educational system was very different from the American educational system mainly because students have a right to retake and exam as many times as they need to pass. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The ISEP advisor at Masaryk University was extremely helpful and always providing the student with preemptive information. He always responded quickly to any email and was alwayas willing to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location of the dorms was very close to the faculties and to the city center.The location was also right next to a tram stop, getting into the city center took about 10 minutes. Although the dorm is a very old building, I was fortunate enough to have a renovated room. For other students the dorm was not as great because the dorm was very old. Our neighboorhood was very safe and populated by mostly students and families. We received new sheets twice a month but the rest of the things we needed we bought ie: cookware, laundry detergent , towels, etc... |
| * Food: |
Our program provided a meal stipend that we could use anywhere from the dinning hall/school canteens to the grocery store and local restaurants.The stipend was totally unrestricted . It really was one of the best aspect the program. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had an international studnet club that organized trip around the CZ and out of the country, organized language classes,trips to sporting events,game nights, and club nights. The ESN club was very helpful in makimg students feel like they belonged in this large family. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Brno is very safe except for pickpocketing. I never felt unsafe.Healthcare in the Czech Republic was not great. We all had to get additional health insurance when we got there eventhough we got health insurance through ISEP. It was madatory to have Czech Health Insurance. One time we took my friend to the emergency room after he got a cut and needed stiches . Not only was the hospital signs confusing and not well "marked" , we waited for hours to see an english speaking surgeon to do simple stiches. |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Brno is a city for adventurous people. No one speaks english and there are not a lot of Americans in the city. Also the people aren't terribly friendly. But if you want a cosmopolitian experience this program is for you. The international student dorm and the ESN club makes you feel part of this diverse, large family. You will make friends from all over the world and learn about many cultures other than the your host country. Lots of international comradely! |
