Unbelievable Past Review

By A student (Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/03/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Absolutely worthwhile, I would literally do anything to go back...learn a lot about yourself and how to live on your own while also appreciating the beauty of numerous different countries and how people live outside of the United States.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Academic rigor was definitely present and it was intense to a degree, resources were excellent and if you needed help from a professor or program director it was easily accessible.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Administration of UPCES was excellent as they were always willing to help at any time and at any point of their day. Extremely helpful.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My living arrangement was excellent.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Healthcare was easily accessible, Program directors give you great guidance and information if you need to visit a healthcare facility for whatever reason.
* Safety:	Prague was very safe, never had a worry at all in regards to my personal safety or for anyone elses.
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)	Very easy.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	If you include travel expenses, a lot, but besides that not much at all, definitely less than $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Save as much money as possible and be wise with how much you spend because other countries are on the Euro, while the Czech Republic is on the Koruna which is much cheaper and depreciated compared to the Euro. Euro is very expensive.

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 possible. Were able to use it where ever needed.
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?	Advanced Placement in French
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?	Study, study, study.

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	Local Students 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?	Structure/Trips Environment City
* What could be improved?	Duration of classes Class scheduling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	To always inspect apartments thoroughly before accepting an agreement! Do your due diligence.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department:	History
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Teacher was extremely knowledgeable and very well-prepared. Participated in class as much as I would at Midd and we were assessed with a paper, exam, and presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I should not have any issue transferring credit.

Course Name/Rating:	Prague as a Living History
Course Department:	History
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Made perfect use of the location and the course is designed for students to fully immerse themselves in Prague and all of its beautiful culture. I participated in class the same amount that I would have at Midd and we were assessed with a paper, two exams, and a presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Economics of Transition
Course Department:	Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Difficult, but definitely interesting and relevant. Participated a good amount. Assessed by class participation, two exams, and a paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: