Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My abroad experience allowed me learnabout other cultures and about myself. Past Review

By (Economics., University of Richmond) - abroad from 09/07/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the different places I visited in Europe. I also learned a lot about myself during this time. I have never had an experience like this before and it showed me different qualities about myself and made me grow up in a lot of situations.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I only had one class at UPCES, my other 4 were at VSE. My course at UPCES was a more straight forward because all the students were from America.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I found my living arrangements before arriving to prague which they looked down upon, but it was the best decision.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel integrated at UPCES, but I did feel integrated at my school at VSE.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Prague is pretty safe compared to other cities. There is a lot less stealing but if you are a girl men are very touchy so make sure you watch out for one another.

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 definitely cheaper than other European cities. So when I stayed in prague I didn't spend that much money on the weekends. However when I traveled I spent a ton.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? getting grocery a is really cheap so cook a lot during the week when you have classes and go to restaurants on the weekends.

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

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? Spanish 221
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? Try to understand what people are saying to you at grocery and other service based places before saying you speak English.

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?
  • The city
  • Experiences
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Getting apartments there
  • Study room is too small
  • Too many kids from one school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I traveled to more places that I think I will never go back to.

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 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.