Nebraska Semester Abroad: A Learning Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was extremely light. Essentially, all we had to do was show up to class, take notes, and (at least pretend to) listen to a lecture. The most difficult part came near the end of our stay when we had to write a research paper about a topic from the lectures that interested us. The paper made up the majority of each of our grades. The Czech language class was similar, but instead of a paper we had a fairly easy test at the end of the class to determine our grade. The lectures were hardly interactive. Teachers often just stood up there and talked while presenting slides on PowerPoint. It was very difficult to pay attention knowing I wasn't going to be asked questions about the material that I didn't even understand to begin with not having had any extensive prior knowledge of Europe.

On-site administration of your program

Overall, it seemed like we students were left largely to our own devices, especially in regards to meeting people outside of our group. We had classes together, lived together, traveled together, etc. The faculty leader and program coordinators seemed to keep to themselves a lot except when guiding us on field trips, so it was often difficult getting to know them and trying to have a quality conversation about culture.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was rather disappointed by the living situation. I was hoping we were going to be thoroughly integrated in the dorms and be assigned to live with people *not* from the U.S. I ended up rooming with an American from my group and living next door in the same flat to two other American girls from the group. While we did live with three other Europeans, we were on such different schedules, and they often kept to themselves, making it difficult for us to get to know them, ask for help, and learn about each of their cultures from their perspectives.

Overall, I had great luck with eating in Europe! I'm a vegetarian, and Czech people eat a lot of meat, but I was often able to find delicious meatless dishes. I ended up eating a lot of great pasta and pizza. The portions were usually adequate, not like the huge meals we get here in the U.S., and they never made me feel sick, unlike the greasy, fattening food that is so prevalent here. The only downside was that we had to walk a lot in Europe, and I have a high metabolism, so I had to eat frequently to keep from feeling hungry. Unfortunately, this wasn't always possible, and I ended up losing about ten pounds when I was there. Of course, my weight loss may have also had to do with the fact that I *hate* grocery shopping, and trying to shop with a language barrier and lack of cultural awareness could be intimidating.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed most of the cities we visited, even though I was still tied to the group. I was pleasantly surprised by Vienna. It was a beautiful city, not overly touristy (Prague was horrendous in that regard), and, while it still was tourist-friendly, it still seemed to have its own distinct culture intact. I also enjoyed the bus ride there. Austria is gorgeous, the people were perfectly friendly, and I would love to visit it again in the future! Toward the end of our stay in the Czech Republic, we visited Cesky Krumlov. It was probably the most beautiful city I've ever visited. It was a bit like walking into a fairytale kingdom with all the trees, old buildings, and the river running through it. It also wasn't very touristy, the people were nice, and I loved visiting the impressive castle and old theater there.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Overall, Olomouc felt fairly safe, but I still wouldn't suggest walking around by yourself at night. I remember visiting Bezruc Park just outside the old city walls and seeing lots of graffiti and it felt a little bit rundown. I also remember that shortly after we arrived in Olomouc, one of our flatmates had her computer stolen out of her room. I made sure to lock my doors and windows, but we hever had any problems after that.

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

Czech language class, while fun, seemed a bit superfluous since we were staying in the Czech Republic for such a short time. There was still a significant language barrier, and the little Czech that we did learn was definitely not enough to carry on even a simple conversation with the locals.

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• Hostel
• Dorm

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• International Students
• Americans
• Local Students