Returning as sooooon as I'm able! Past Review
By Sarah (Smith College) - abroad from 02/07/2020 to 03/17/2020 with
SIT Study Abroad: Czech Republic - Arts and Social Change
Worthwhile is an understatement. I had the most incredible time, from my first car ride staring out the window to our hotel. I learned so much about myself, and the others in my program that I'll know for the rest of my life. Prague is the best city if you want to experience a new world in the heart of Europe and without breaking the bank. I gained so much insight into the culture and everyday life there, I can't wait to return someday.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Experiential learning made the program so much more enjoyable than sitting in a classroom the entire time could have! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Sarah Brock is the best - felt super safe and comfortable from our first dinner on. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was the perfect match. Miss them so much and can't wait to return! |
| * Food: |
I don't eat meat (only fish) and I was super surprised by how easy it was to find accommodations! My host family had me grocery shop with them and I could find at least one meatless meal at every restaurant! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Going to shows, galleries and events really allowed me to learn about the culture at a closer and deeper level than if I had chosen a regular program. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Had no problems, but would have been super accessible and comfortable asking if I had needed anything! |
| * Safety: |
So many less creepy men or strangers trying to talk to me or asking for money than other cities, always felt extremely safe commuting alone or walking at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Although my program group was super small they've become some of the best people I know, I didn't realize how much better a time I would have in a small program. The experiential learning really helped me realize that's the way I learn best, and it gave me an amazing perspective on the environment, culture and history of the city not to mention how much more fun going to art exhibits or performances are than class in a room is all the time. It was so amazing to live with a host family and become so immersed in what life is like there, while also sharing and recognizing the differences your culture has too. I couldn't speak higher about my time in the Czech Republic and I can't recommend this specific program enough to anyone that wants to have the best abroad experience of their life. Don't go through a regular university - you'll learn and be exposed to so much less about the city life there if you do. SIT is the best and this program changed my life! |
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) |
The city was super affordable and my host family always gave me plenty of food so I really just spent money on drinks or desserts out when I wanted to! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 USD? Max |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go for the pivo - you won't be disappointed and its such a deal. You'll miss it once you've left. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
As much as we could or were comfortable! Its a challenging language so try to get as much practice as you can out or with your family. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None in 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? | Just listen to Zuzanna's instruction and you'll do great! Just practice every time you go out or have any money/food exchange and you'll become a lot more comfortable. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Beer IS cheaper than water, but carry a water bottle around to save money either way. Bring a scarf and good coat but leave the summer clothes at home if there's going to be a global pandemic. |
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. |
