Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing trip to the gem of Europe. November 01, 2023

By (Environmental Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/03/2023 to 05/13/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about central europe and its role both in history and in current times. I didn't know very much before about this area and now I would love to come back.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No experience but it seemed everyone else was able to address any health care issues easily and quickly.

* Safety:

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

Yes, Prague is an amazing city that has so much to offer. The people are friendly but not nosy and the city is the perfect level of busy but comfortable.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn to cook for yourself and learn how to make czech food. The grocery stores are so cheap.

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? None
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? Just try and speak the language to anyone outside of class, they will all speak back to you in czech even if they know you don't speak it.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Time for exploration
  • Class Trips
  • Czech language
* What could be improved?
  • More class options
  • more integration with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. Open mind!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Film as a Mirror of History, Ideologoy and Individual Freedom
Course Department: Film
Instructor: Professor Brdeckova
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Really interesting course that explains a lot of the ideology and history of the Czech people throughout years of German and Soviet occupation.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

CEE Economic Growth and Development
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Kudashvili
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Basic fundamentals of economics class. Homeworks and tests that fit exactly what you learn in class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

CEE Economic History
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Professor Ochsner
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging course that asseses you on the events, causes and outcomes, of Europe throughout the last century. Thought provoking and interesting to see a central european perspective on things we learn about in the US.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Elementary Czech
Course Department: Language
Instructor: Professor Převrátilová
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: Really fun and interesting class that really helps you out throughout your time in Prague. Great style of teaching and you learn a lot more than you would think.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

CEE Economics of Transition
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Professors Semerak and Žigić
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging course that dives too much into niche details. The tests are difficult and hard to prepare for.
Credit Transfer Issues: