Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Prague was amazing, I wish I could go back. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/05/2018 to 05/18/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I was able to explore the world in a way I never had before.

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.

I had a very positive overall experience

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was satisfied with the administration

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with the actual apartment, but the area outside the building was a little shady. I wish I could have been allowed to go outside of the program to find living arrangements, as my friends who did this found cheaper arrangements.

* Food:

Czech food was a little strange, but there were many other options

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel very integrated but it was a great experience just being able to be present and learn about the culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not experience any need for healthcare while abroad

* Safety:

Prague was actually one of the safest places I experienced while abroad. Just be smart and travel with friends if it is late at night

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had a great experience

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)

I found it pretty easy because many things are cheaper in Prague, however, since I lived near the city center, many things were similar prices to that of the US

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I don't know, maybe $3000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy and cook food

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? I had not completed any
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? talk with friends of the same or higher level of skill

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
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?
  • Professors
  • Tips on travel
  • Overall experience
* What could be improved?
  • Some professors
  • Guidance on food
  • Housing system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Things are very expensive near tourist centers of cities.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was great, one of my favorite classes I have taken in college
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Transition
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: I liked the professor a lot and I had a great experience
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Czech
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: I liked this a lot, professor was helpful and understanding.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not have any issues
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Development
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: The professor was not great at articulating himself in English and I think he assumed us to have a higher proficiency in economics than undergraduate juniors
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not have any issues
Course Name/Rating:

Shaping a Modern Culture
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: The course was interesting and enlightening
Credit Transfer Issues: No