Study Abroad at Palacky University Past Review

By Kaitlyn S (Photography., University of Nebraska - Kearney) for

Palacky University: Olomouc - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was possibly the best thing I've ever decided to do and I would do it again in a heart beat. The people were amazing, the cultures were interesting and educational, the different cities and countries were beautiful and I feel like a better person having experienced all of it. It makes you realize how much there is to do and see in this world and how unimportant the little things are that we obsess over. Every person I met on this trip was kind, helpful, and just over all good people, Europeans seem to not take time so seriously as we do over here. Everyone walks a lot slower, they appreciate everything around them much more than we seem to do. I was sceptic about going originally, I almost ended up not going. I am so glad that I did, this program is definitely the first in many abroad programs I plan on attending.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Palacky University
The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The professors were extremely helpful and willing to make time for the students even after their lectures.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I never once felt unsafe in Olomouc or Europe. Though the dorms were a 10 minute tram ride to the University and many of the clubs around town it was never really inconvenient. The trams ran every 15 minutes and dropped us off within walking distance of anything we needed to get to.
* Food:	The food was amazing. There are so many kabob stands, basically on every corner, along with many cafes. For any vegetarians, there is a panini stand that makes vegetarian paninis right down the street from the University and The Green Bar, which I unfortunately never got to experience but only heard good things about it. The University's bakery had some of the best fresh pastries that each one of us would get every morning. Traditional Czech food must haves: garlic soup and goulash!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	One of the main things in Olomouc I recommend everyone going to is Beerfest, it was a couple weeks before we left. There are so many different stands that you're able to try any kind of beer you desire. During Easter weekend four friends and I went to Budapest and it was one of the most amazing trips, I recommend staying at the Grund Hostel. It isn't anything spiffy but it was amazing. Truly, the main thing I suggest is just getting out there and experiencing anything and everything.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Never once during the trip did I feel unsafe, even traveling alone.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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?	A large group of us partied a lot our first two weeks there and ended up spending a lot more money than we thought we were because all of the beer is significantly cheaper but believe me, it goes quickly. Just be mindful.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?	Since we were only there for two months, I definitely am not fluent in Czech but I do remember a bunch.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Make sure to do a little bit of research about the country you'll be living in and be willing to be outside your comfort zone. Be ready to have a good time and to bring a lot of money!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Czech language
Course Department:
Instructor:	Tomas M.
Instruction Language:	Czech
Comments:	Though it was rather difficult to pick up on the language because it is so different from English, the class itself was a good time. We were able to play games in order to study the language and the two tests we took were not that complicated or difficult.
Credit Transfer Issues:	As far as I know right now, I've had no issues with transferring the credits to my college in Nebraska.

Course Name/Rating:	Different topic lectures
Course Department:
Instructor:	many
Instruction Language:	english
Comments:	Depending on where are field trips were during the time, our lectures would be focused on those areas. Many about Czech Jews, the economy, and politics.
Credit Transfer Issues: