Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best. Past Review

By (Biology, General., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/09/2013 to 12/12/2013 with

UPCES - Study Abroad in Prague (CERGE-EI, Charles University)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile. Do it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some classes were really interesting. Others were not. I didn't expect the classes to be academically rigorous, but I was surprised with classroom etiquette. The lack of respect by some students was really shocking.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration is super helpful and extremely nice!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were fantastic. It is scary finding an apartment and roommates at first, but for me it worked out really well. It is annoying that a lot of people have housing figured out before they arrive. I recommend meeting new people and following the programs recommendations. Meet new people!

* Food:

If Czech food gets old, Prague has so many other types of food to offer. Its also much cheaper to eat in Prague than other European countries. More money to travel! Easy to cook in most apartments.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

They provide the option of Czech buddies. Do it! Not all of them are great, but some of them are. You have nothing to loose except missing out on the opportunity to meet a great international friend. Social and Cultural integration is all about how much effort you put into it. Czech people may come off as cold at first, but they are awesome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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)

Prague is a great place to go on a budget. Much cheaper than many places on the Euro.

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

You could really easily get by with just english.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Friends
  • Travel
  • The views
* What could be improved?
  • Classroom Etiquette
  • Social Cliqueness
  • A Fall Break
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A semester is not as long as it seams. It goes by so fast.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department:
Instructor: Michal Plzak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my favorite class I took while abroad. I am not a history person, but I got really interested in this material. Being in Prague gives a unique perspective. Michal presents really interesting discussions and is not a tough grader. All around, exactly what I wanted out of a study abroad class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Walking History of Prague
Course Department:
Instructor: Ondřej Skripnik
Instruction Language:
Comments: Everyone takes this class. How can you pass it up? Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. You do get to see really cool places! My professor was hard to understand, and practically read off of his kindle. You are not tested on what you actually learn. This class has a lot of potential, but falls short.
Credit Transfer Issues: