I really enjoyed Prague, but wish the academics were more rigorous. March 02, 2023
By A student (English and Film, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/12/2022 to 12/16/2022 with
UPCES - Study Abroad in Prague (CERGE-EI, Charles University)
It was a very lovely and meaningful experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The spectrum of academic rigor is very wide. Some classes can be very challenging, while others are quite lacking. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Lindsay and Veronika are amazing people! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
The academics were not very fulfilling despite the fact that the administration was lovely. There was not a great sentiment amongst the student body to engage with the material, and as a result, I found the class discourse to be lacking in depth. |
Finances
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* 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) |
2.5-3 |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | This varied a lot based on travel. Within Prague it was easy to budget about $150 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook at home! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | n/a |
| 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? | Do not be afraid when ordering at cafes. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There are only American kids from very similar and less rigorous schools in your classes. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Introductory Czech |
| Course Department: | Czech |
| Instructor: | Silvie Převrátilová |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This course was wonderfully taught and a very joyful experience. Silvie is an amazing instructor. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
