Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New experiences! January 30, 2023

By (Psychology, Environmental Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/12/2022 to 12/16/2023 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 independently in a foreign place. It was worthwhile and would not give it up.

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.

Class were not too difficult. Czech is a difficult language yet they do a nice job with teaching the language. Many were midterm and final focused with long papers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

UPCES is a in great location and the administration did a great job introducing us to Prague.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very nice apartments / had my own room

* Food:

Food was good and we utilized the delivery service Wolt.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated minus not knowing the language yet did not make local friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health issues. Nothing to comment on healthcare

* Safety:

Safe location - no issues

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

I loved Prague and the students I went with.

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)

2

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $8,000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop

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

Sometimes encouraging language -- only in class

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? 5 years of 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? Talk to locals

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 students
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • School trips
  • Travel tips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? planning travel early

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:

Czech

Course Department: Language
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: It was a difficult course yet they made it elementary. The teacher was fluent and good at understanding multiple different backgrounds in language.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Environmental Economics

Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Very interesting course-- challenging concepts and lecture styled class. Exams and large paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Living history of prague
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Loved this class. Exam and presentation based. Toured around Prague and learned a lot of history.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

European Relations and Politics

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Professor was difficult and but was good to learn history of Europe. Exam and paper
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Psychoanalysis and cultural studies

Course Department: Psychology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Very knowledgable professor. Exciting class and discussion based. Papers and presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues: No