Czech it out, but be careful Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very reasonable. Grading systems were well communicated and acted upon. However, we were promised a computer lab and internet in our housing; we didn't have internet for half the program in the housing, and the "computer lab" was two computers in one of the classrooms, so they were unavailable during class times and before/after instructors were present. It was very difficult to find time to complete assignments.

On-site administration of your program

The program administrator was not very readily available and could not resolve our discrepancies in services promised v. actually received. We did not have internet for weeks, our furniture had been purchased days prior and not fully assembled, we did not have full sheet sets or kitchenware, we had no washer or dryer in 2 of 3 apartments (spread around the city), we could not access school facilities during chunks of the business day, they overcharged us for public transportation passes (between 30 students, they collected an extra $150), and we could not easily settle any of these.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The fact that the apartment was in the middle of the city, separated from the other groups of students, made it great for being immersed in the city. I truly felt like a local, leaving the apartment for the metro, walking along city streets, not standing out as a student or foreigner. Aside from the absolute basics in furniture, we were on our own for sheets, kitchen utensils and cookware (which we left behind). We could not communicate with our landlord, and could rarely reach our program director, which made it difficult. The downstairs neighbors smoked marijuana in the hallway, making it uncomfortable, but, hey, it's another country.

We had no dining accommodations, but weren't promised any. We dined around the city and experienced real Czech food (which is effing amazing). The Czech Republic is (was) so cheap, that you could eat dinner (app., entree, dessert and drinks) for less than $5-10 American. Breakfast was often for $1-2 from a street vendor, lunch from a deli and dinner from wherever. All of the food is great and cheap. Bars are also very cheap if you know where to go (aka away from the tourists).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had a field study for credit which was a 5-day trip to 4 countries' capitals. It was awesome. We also took two day trips. One was to a glass-blowing factory where we blew our own glass piece. The other was to a former concentration camp, which was chilling, but very informative and it helped to round out the cultural aspect of the trip. All of the trips were great and well worth it.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Neutral ratings. We were as safe as the group was. We were in/out/around the city every day. It's a big city and not always safe, but if we stayed in a group, we were fine. I felt comfortable on my own, except late at night after the bar, in an unfamiliar part of town. I am 6'2", 190lbs, so I was ok, but we always had a guy or two with the ladies. Health wasn't a huge concern, we took care of ourselves. I don't know of any help which we would have received, but we looked after each other.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I dropped the language course, due to conflict with the instructor in clarity of course objectives. You could practice language with every one of the course instructors and program staff. Also, we were placed in apartments around the city (together, in groups) and thus could easily immerse ourselves in the culture and language. Opportunities for practice were endless as we traipsed around the city to eat and drink in local restaurants, ride public transportation and converse with instructors and others in the city.

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