Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lived Well, Laughed Often, Loved Much Past Review

By (Music Management, University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/31/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

AIFS: Prague - Charles University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I look back on myself prior to when I left, and right now. Good things happend while overseas. Met some of the best people I have ever met. Had experiences that I would have never dreamed of. I can honestly say that it was the best time of my life.

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.

Thought there was too much emphasis on academics while I was there. Would I rather travel with the intere

* 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?

* Safety:

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

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? Probably too much.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Some things are very inexpensive in Prague...go easy.

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

Czech is super super super hard. And most of the Czech people like when you attempt to converse with them in their native tongue, but they will start to speak English to you instead.

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? Sophomore year of High School
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? Use it amongst your friends, and if you make friends with the locals, then ask them questions about the language and try to use it with them as well.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people in my AIFS group
  • The optional trips through AIFS
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a very difficult question. I don't think anything. I think the best part was learning as you were going. That made it fun.

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.