Life changing. May 15, 2021
By Jasper H (History, Edgewood College) - abroad from 06/17/2016 to 07/17/2016 with
Masaryk University: Brno - Summer Schools
I obviously learned a great amount about the history of Czech Republic as well as the culture. But I also learned many life lessons as well. I learned how to navigate myself in a foreign country. I learned how to interact with people from all across the world. I learned how to step out of my comfort zone and make connections. I learned the dos and do nots of international travel.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The course was challenging but was never overwhelming. We were given enough time to prepare for exams and projects, and we were graded fairly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Every administrator involved in the program were outstanding. Richard was very friendly and knowledgeable. Martin did a tremendous job of coordinating a dense itinerary that was packed into a short amount of time. They both made us students feel like family. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I thought the housing was better than expected. This course is so inexpensive that I was expecting a much rougher housing situation. Our rooms were spacious, and I only needed one room mate. Some people were even lucky enough to have their own rooms. These are university dorms so do not expect luxury, but given the price of the program I believe the housing was great. |
| * Food: |
The food in Brno was outstanding. As was the drink ( delicious beer). The dorms are located within short distance of restaurants and markets. The food is very cheap, which I greatly appreciated as a poor university student. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Like many Americans I knew next to nothing about the Czech Republic before arrival. By the end of my course I had a much deeper understanding of the countries history and culture. Ever since my visit I have had a strong desire to return to the Czech Republic, because of how fascinating the culture is. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not experience any health issue while apart of the program, but I know if I did I would have been taken care of. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe while apart of this program. The dorms were well secured and Brno is a very safe city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
My experience in the Czech Republic changed my life. It was my first time going out on my own to a foreign country for a extended period of time. I learned not only about the Czech Republic, but myself as well. This program gave me the confidence to continue traveling to this day. |
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) |
Czech Republic is a very inexpensive country compared to the United States. I was able to live very comfortably on a student budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 55-65 US dollars. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Avoid eating out at restaurants for every meal. Make use of the lovely Czech grocery stores and cook your own meals when you can. Also make use of the free breakfast provided by the program. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | Be open to any experience that comes your way. Always try to step out of your comfort zone. |
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. |
