Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A once in a lifetime opportunity. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/09/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew a lot as an individual and my ability to do things on my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Was not the most challenging but had good resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Not as good as at home, very young staff but experienced.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Do not feel like you have to go through the school in housing, it does not make it "safer".

* Food:

Czech food is very heavy buy tasty. Prague in general has many options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Did not feel like a tourist but was clearly an American.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health system not as easy as in the US due to language barriers, etc, but assistance is readily available.

* Safety:

Cant be unaware but a generally safe place.

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

Prague is a very inviting city with a lot of culture and beautiful architecture.

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)

You can manage $100 a week not including travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80-$120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a lot of money the summer before you go.

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

It was encouraged but you soon realize 90% of people know english.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? High School Spanish
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? Don't really worry about the language aspect, I only really used it on the days I had Czech class.

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
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 city
  • The convenience
  • The attitude
* What could be improved?
  • The housing process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Being abroad will test you in ways of growth, embrace it.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department: Philosophy, History
Instructor: Michal Plzak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class is a must take, professor is great, material is very important for all people to learn about. One final paper and two exams.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Environmental Economics in the Central European Context
Course Department: Economics, Environmental Studies
Instructor: Jana Krajčová
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Topic was interesting but lectures were rather dry, manageable class. One midterm project and one final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Elementary Czech
Course Department: Language
Instructor: Petra Bulejcikova
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: You have to take it so you might as well try to enjoy it, elementary level so not too hard. Two exams and four quizzes.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Urban Anthropology of Central European Cities
Course Department: Anthropology, Sociology
Instructor: Lucia Stefankova
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting class, will go on field trips, midterm exam and final paper.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Prague as a Living History
Course Department: History, Cultural Studies
Instructor: Ondřej Skripnik
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Walk around the city looking at statues and architecture, great way to explore Prague. Two exams and one paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: