A look into revolution and dissidence through artistic expression Past Review
By A student (Film Studies, Barnard College) - abroad from 02/09/2013 to 05/25/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Czech Republic - Arts and Social Change
I gained so much that I can't really even put it into words, it was incredibly worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Comparatively to other study abroad experiences the academic rigor was very high, also considering how immersive the program was with discovering the culture and history. I feel I can speak in depth on the Czech Republic and its history and culture from 1918 onward, something I knew little if nothing about before i went abroad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration is great as the program is very small allowing for numerous one on one interactions to see how each student is doing academically as well as socially |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I enjoyed my living arrangements, the only troublesome part was that my family lived about 45 minutes from school, and going out later at night meant that the buses would stop running close to my house making me have to stay with a friend living closer to town. |
| * Food: |
A lot of meat and potatoes, though the beer is wonderful! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family I felt extremely integrated with the culture in terms of having authentic food, and speaking the language. Although it was hard meeting young student age Czechs. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The administration was very diligent about having any student receive help that needed it and people who went to the english speaking clinic were able to quickly and efficiently get an appointment and treatment. |
| * Safety: |
Prague is extremely safe! Although it never happened to anyone on our program pickpocketing is something to be aware of in the touristy areas. |
| 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) |
Food and drink was extremely cheap allowing for me to go out at eat a few times a week and really only spend $40-50 a week at most, though if you eat with your host family most of the time you won't spend much money, though clothes are fairly expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40-50 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | eat the lunch that your host family makes you! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
A lot in terms of having a class and being with a host family learning and using the language was highly encouraged |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Elementary 1 Czech |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to use it even if some people answer you in english, also ask your host family to speak Czech with you! |
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? | How cold it was going to be! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
