AIFS: Prague - Charles University Photo

PRAGUE: What's Up?

A Study Abroad Program Review For

AIFS: Prague - Charles University

Program Information

Study in the capital of the Czech Republic, a city built of picturesque towns, each of which still retains its own unique character. Find yourself in a city rich in culture where aspiring young American writers and artists gather, jazz musicians improvise in the open air, locals sip coffee in art-nouveau cafés... More

Provider: AIFS
Hosted at: Charles University
Location(s): Prague, Czech Republic
Year Founded: 1964
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Benjamin L. (R-T-F, The University of Texas at Austin) on January 24, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2010-09-18
* End Date: 2010-12-18
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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did The University of Texas at Austin prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Nope

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do it.
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? I'm all for meeting great people, and now I have a network of friends in America and the CZ that make future visiting much easier

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Circulating within the Modern Cinematic Image

Course Department: CUFA F 346
Instructor: Erik Roraback
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was horrible. Roraback loves the sound of his own voice and letting you know that he's had an extensive education. Did you know he went to Cambridge? His class does, he reminded us enough. On top of that, the man simply cannot teach. I had more work for this class than any other and took nothing away
Credit Transfer Issues: Not sure yet
Course Name/Rating:

Czech Short Stories

Course Department: CUFA LIT 326
Instructor: Clarice Cloutier
Instruction Language: English
Comments: My favorite class, Clarice was perfect. The class was early but she easily kept us awake and alert, always bringing videos or music on the current subject to keep us actively listening. Great subject material too, I learned a lot about Czech culture
Credit Transfer Issues: Don't think so
Course Name/Rating:

Alternative Culture: Literature, Music & Lifestyles

Course Department: CUFA SOC 342
Instructor: Pavla Jonssonova
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Pavla was amazing. The readings were all fascinating, as were the walks we did around town. Very hands on class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

(Mostly Czech) Photography and Genius Loci

Course Department: CUFA ART 321
Instructor: Jan Stary
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Jan gave great criticism and worked with you no matter what level of photography you'd mastered before the class
Credit Transfer Issues: No idea yet, I should hope not