Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Semester Ever Past Review

By (Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/08/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program did an amazing job at integrating us within the Czech lifestyle and I learned a tremendous amount about myself and the culture by being a part of Prague for 3 months.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not eat out to restaurants as much. Shop at grocery stores and try to cook as much as possible at home.

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? None
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? Constantly approach strangers whether asking for directions to places and just repetitive learning

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?
  • Freedom
  • Cultural exposure
  • Nightlife
* What could be improved?
  • Group trips
  • Some food/living programs or guidance
  • Travel tips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive traveling would be

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department: History
Instructor: Michal Plzak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I found the class very interesting and powerful. Professor Plzak is a great guy and wonderful teacher.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Housing Market in Central European Context
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Martin Lux
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great course that was very informative of the evolution of housing from Socialist to market economies.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Transition
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Kresimir Zigic and Vilem Semerak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Good class on the differences between European economies pre and post socialist/communist era
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Prague as a Living History
Course Department: Art History
Instructor: Ondrej Skripnik
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Wonderful Class outside walking around the beautiful city of Prague and identifying the different landmarks that make the city so rich in culture.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Intro to Czech
Course Department: Language
Instructor: Silvie Prevratilova
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: Awesome class and the professor was amazing. Learned a lot about Czech language and culture.
Credit Transfer Issues: