Czech Republic Study Abroad Past Review
By lisamarie28 (Interior Design., University of Nebraska - Kearney) for
Palacky University: Olomouc - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was the best thing I have ever done, and even though I am still working my way back financially, I will never regret it. I now feel as though I can do anything and go anywhere which is a feeling I would not have if it wasn't for this trip. I gained an awareness of the world which is a humbling feeling. Knowing that there is something outside the US is a thought which many Americans probably never think too hard about. I have become much more conservative in every aspect of my life due to seeing how people live in such radically different ways.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I feel like I was challenged but in a way that allowed me to learn the most during the short time we were there. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt the program was very well organized, and I personally had no problems whatsoever with anything administration related. The costs were somewhat high overall, but in comparison to any other means of spending 2 1/2 months in Europe, I feel it was a bargain. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Everything felt very safe. I felt like I usually feel at my dorms in Nebraska. It was a short walk from the dorms to the tram stop so that was a plus. |
| * Food: |
Wish we would have had a meal plan included with the trip. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I travelled alot, and that is what students will have to do in order to get the most out of this trip. Olomouch is amazing, but there is so much more in the Czech Republic and in Europe that is only a short (and cheap) plane ride away. My best advice is to conserve your money when you can, and travel every chance you get. And be careful with Ryanair. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I had no major health issues, and the only time I felt my safety was in danger was during spring break once or twice when me and my friend Kelly were lost in Paris. No big deal, looking back it could have been sort of bad...but that's all part of the experience! |
| 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) |
|
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I knew enough to get by, but in no way did I become fluent. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't be nervous, if I can do it, anybody can do it. You will be stressed to the max more than once, but looking back you will never regret any of it. |
