Budapest, Praha, and Wien: One Month of Immersion in Three Cultures Past Review
By Hayden G (Political Science, Texas Christian University) for
Texas Christian University (TCU): Budapest, Prague, Vienna: Politics, Culture and Communication, Summer Program
This was my first time outside the US, and it was entirely worthwhile. Unlike most students, the trip affirmed more of my persuasions than it changed. I have been determined to become as culturally aware and globally minded as possible since I was a junior in high school. While I did encounter inconveniences, they were largely inconsequential so I give the experience a perfect rating.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload is reasonable and definitely worth the trip. However, the grading system (one long paper counting for 100% of the grade) does not seem to lend a great deal of validity to going to another country in the first place. At least a small portion should be determined by student attitude or perhaps small assignments relating to a day or week's experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were surpassed. The worst inconvenience I can think of is a few days in which we did not have much opportunity to get breakfast. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Again, there was at least one weekend in Budapest when we were leaving early and the closest place to get anything breakfast related that was open was a 24-hour convenient store. This was my only food-related problem. European food is wonderful. First of all, almost any restaurant is sure to impress you in one way or another. Even so, here are my recommendations: At the bottom floor of our Budapest hostel is a small diner that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a decent, low-priced selection. Just a short walk around the block from the hostel is a sit-down restaurant, Stefania, with a wide variety of food. In the other direction from the hostel there is also an excellent Chinese restaurant with very low prices compared to Chinese food in the US. In Prague, I recommend Bohemia Bagel and Pizza Colosseum. In Vienna, there are a few excellent places within walking distance of the hotel, but we had several (amazing) meals at the International Film and Food Festival. I am uncertain whether it is there every year. You must try goulash, Wiener-schnitzel, and apple strudel at least once each at some point in the trip, and keep your eyes peeled for fruit stands. In fact, if anything on a menu seems unfamiliar but interesting, try it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Visiting numerous museums, attending an opera, Lake Balaton, Bugaci Puszta, climbing a mountain in Visegrad |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Four stars instead of five because you have to keep an eye out for pickpockets. While it was not a chronic problem for our trip it was for some previous trips. |
| 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Stay focused on the big picture. Do not allow minor inconveniences - and you will encounter them - to weaken your resolve or affect your perception of the trip. If you are faced with something different from what you are used to, try to see at as simply something different - an opportunity to learn. Remember, the point of studying abroad is to learn more than just course material you could have learned on campus. Second, while it is not required, I suggest attempting to learn the basics of at least one of the three countries' languages. Czech and German can both be found in Mango Languages, which can be found under the TCU library's databases. |
