Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing! Love Prague! Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/11/2017 to 12/15/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned a lot about my self/how to live completely independently in a new city. 100% worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics were interesting - not much work to be done during the first half, but almost everything is squeezed into the final few weeks of the semester. The work wasn't too hard, but there was just a lot of it, which made it difficult to manage. UPCES resources were great and classes were interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

UPCES was very helpful in any issues what would arise. They want their students to have good and valuable experiences, so they are very helpful. The program also sponsors cultural trips/activities which were very fun and unique to this program. Love UPCES.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Getting the housing was a bit of a hassle, but living on Vezenska was perfect. Great location and great landlord.

* Food:

Czech food is good but can't be eaten all of the time. But Prague is super great and offers literally any type of food you could possibly want. And it's cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As American students, we were pretty confined to the more touristy/less authentic places in Prague (aka Old Town, New Town). Having a Czech buddy was cool though and gave me a unique connection/guide to the city that some of my classmates did not have.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Felt very safe at all times.

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 itself is cheap and pretty easy to budget, but I spent most of my money on travel.

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

Czech is hard but they taught us basic conversation to help us get around. I tried to use Czech when I could.

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

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?
  • People
  • No class Friday
* What could be improved?
  • Housing Process
  • 8 AM Czech
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Enjoy most at the beginning and do everything you can because by the end, you'll have stuff that you want to see/do but will have final exams/papers/presentations.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department:
Instructor: Plzak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: By far the best class I took in Prague. 10/10 recommend.
Credit Transfer Issues: