An Eye-Opening, Ridiculously Fun Experience I Will Cherish Forever Past Review

By Tim P (English Language and Literature, Philosophy, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/02/2015 to 05/17/2015 with

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

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

At a very basic level, my abroad experience opened my eyes to the fact that there is an entire world of people who exist outside of our American bubble--and they are doing just fine! In fact, they do many things better than Americans do. It was beneficial for me to be the outsider, the guest, for once. It is a very humbling experience. Your ego is stifled a bit and you are able to connect and learn from people. It was an amazing experience I will cherish forever.

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.
* 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?	$160
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	1. Plan trips ahead of time 2. Cook for yourself at home sometimes

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?	Use it within your daily interactions! It's very easy to practices in restaurants, markets, malls, taxis, trains, in class, with friends, etc.

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?	Exposure to new culture/locations Fun with my friends Exposure to European history in an academic setting
* What could be improved?	Pre-departure information Housing process Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I knew the time/financial benefits of planning trips ahead of time.

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:	Prague as a Living History
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	O. Skripnik
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Ondrej is an unbelievably nice, engaging, and enjoyable teacher. This class endeared me to the wonderful landscape, architecture, and scenery that characterizes Prague and its rich history. I loved this class and would recommend it to all students studying abroad in this program. It was a great experience.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Nope!

Course Name/Rating:	Czech Language
Course Department:	Language
Instructor:	Z. Svibkova
Instruction Language:	English/Czech
Comments:	The course was challenging, but it was also instrumental to my study abroad experience in Prague. An introductory grasp of the Czech language was extremely helpful in interacting with the locals--be it at a restaurant, club, classroom, etc. The class provided me with a base knowledge for assimilating into the Czech experience. I am very grateful I had the opportunity to learn the language.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No, and no!

Course Name/Rating:	Central European Literature
Course Department:	Literarture
Instructor:	J. Fulka
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was very engaging. I really enjoyed Professor Fulka's style. We read some great literature that allowed me to connect with the region. We also enjoyed some field trips that enhanced our knowledge of our readings. Thank you Professor Fulka!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No and no!

Course Name/Rating:	Human Relationships in Czech and American Film
Course Department:	Film
Instructor:	D. Shanahan
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was my favorite course that I took while abroad. Professor Shanahan is extremely insightful. He is as good of a man as he is a professor. I was lucky to have taken a class with him. This course provided me with a new appreciation for American life as well as Czech society and culture.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Nope!

Course Name/Rating:	Central Europe: Shaping a Modern Culture
Course Department:	Sociology
Instructor:	T. Hribek
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	I really enjoyed Professor Hribek's class. Like my other classes, it gave me a comprehensive grasp on the history and progression of Czech culture. I learned how the Czech Republic dealt with entering the modern age. It was very interesting! I would highly recommend this class to anyone interested in History or Sociology.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No problems!