Incredible Month in Eastern Europe! Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/30/2016 to 06/30/2016 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling in Central Europe - American Government - Theory

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent, I appreciate what I have in America even more, and I am much better at navigating a new place! I also gained some incredible friends that I never would have met otherwise. The trip was so worthwhile and my longing to see the world and experience new cultures is at an all time high.

Review Photos

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling in Central Europe - American Government - Theory Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling in Central Europe - American Government - Theory Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling in Central Europe - American Government - Theory Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling in Central Europe - American Government - Theory Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling in Central Europe - American Government - Theory Photo

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.

The course was easy, yet thought-provoking.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administrators were very welcoming and seemed excited that we were studying at their university.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Girls were allowed on the guy floors, but guys were not allowed on the girl floors at any time, so there was a double standard. Also, at 10pm every night the hall doors locked on the girls' floor so we couldn't get in or out. Our professor had to make keys for us just in case there was a fire or some other emergency. There was no air conditioning but we had a balcony and the beds were comfortable.

* Food:

The food was incredible, even the university's cafeteria food! I did get tired of potatoes though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt completely safe in Trencin and the other cities we visited, but just make sure you always have a buddy with you! Walking alone in big cities like Prague can be dangerous, so don't put yourself in that situation.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Everything was included except for some meals. We paid on average 1 meal per day, so that added up, but overall the cost was minimal. We did have to plan and pay for housing in Prague, but this was expected and we chose an inexpensive (yet very nice!) hostel that cost around 50-60 euros per person for 3 nights.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Being immersed in a new culture
  • The food!!
  • Meeting the locals, especially the students in our class
* What could be improved?
  • Program planning
  • Length of time in each city was short
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are going to be times where you have to be VERY patient with the people around you. Also, don't let negativity from others ruin your time abroad.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.