Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My study abroad experience was the best 3 months of my life. Past Review

By (Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/08/2014 to 12/14/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live on my own, interact with people from all over the world and how to have a more global perspective.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Fantastic exposure to academics much different than those in the United States. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn from European professors about European issues and topics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was extremely efficient.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had my own spacious room in a good location.

* Food:

Central European food did not exactly match my palette, but there were many different options since I was in a big city.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living amongst Czechs for 3 months provided a very enriching experience. By the end of the semester, I felt like a member of the community.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick during the semester and was able to see a doctor relatively quickly.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe in the city.

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)

In Prague, it was very cheap. However, traveling could be expensive.

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? Book trips ahead of time.

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

The program encouraged us to use the language in our daily lives.

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 in Czech
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? Review the grammar basics.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The classes
  • The other students
  • The ability to travel on the weekend
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had all my questions answered from students who had participated in the program beforehand.

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:

Psychoanalysis
Course Department:
Instructor: Erik Roraback
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my most thought provoking class. We discussed a wide variety of issues and I was able to write about topics of my choice.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred any credits yet.
Course Name/Rating:

CEE Growth and Development
Course Department:
Instructor: Dragana
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my least favorite course. It required economics prerequisites, however most of the class was review of things I had already learned.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred any credits yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Intro Czech Language
Course Department:
Instructor: Silva
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: This course was a good introductory experience in Czech language. It provided me with a basic understanding of the language so that I could communicate with natives.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred any credits yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Prague as a Living History
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was great. I was able to learn about the history of Prague by actually seeing the sights of historical events.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred any credits yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Urban Anthropology
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Good class. Gained a better understanding of urban development in Central and Eastern Europe.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred any credits yet.