An amazing city with amazing friends Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While UPCES courses were certainly not as rigorous as classes at Middlebury, they were in many ways more informative, more engaging, and more socially relevant than my academic experiences at Midd. I think as an elite academic institution, we have a tendency to jump on our high horse and discredit less reputable, less rigorous schools/programs. But what UPCES lacked in rigor, it made up for in engaging intellectual exposure to European economics and politics. UPCES classes offered insights into major world issues like austerity, carbon markets, and immigration from a non-American centric viewpoint, which I think was a unique and valuable academic experience.

On-site administration of your program

The staff was always there to answer questions/offer support

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an amazing apartment. I think having the opportunity to choose my own housing arrangement was extremely important.

Traditional Czech food is nothing to write home about. Nonetheless, there are still great spots to eat. I was surprised by the awesome asian/vietnamese cuisine.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think there are some Czechs that hate American students studying abroad, which is certainly understandable. We can be loud, obnoxious, and we like to go out and drink a lot. That being said, the Czech locals were generally very kind. I can't recall any negative interactions with locals beyond a dirty look or two.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

UPCES was very helpful with helping us find doctors/get medicine.

Besides one argument with a taxi driver over the fare, I can't recall another time that I felt unsafe. Prague is a gem of a city.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Compared to other European cities, Prague is very cheap. I spent a lot of money at bars/clubs, but those expenses can easily be avoided.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans
• International Students

• Great group of kids
• Engaging classes, but not too much work
• Cheap nightlife expenses

• food
• more time for travel

The Academic or Linguist