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AIFS: Prague - Charles University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I am so happy I went. I loved Prague.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Charles University
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had a very positive experience with Charles University and the ECES program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The AIFS staff in Prague did an amazing job of making each of their students comfortable and at ease with the transition to a new country. The preparation and help with pre-departure documents (visas, etc.) was very helpful and AIFS was always available to answer questions. The staff both in America and in Prague were very accessible and helpful. My expectations were met, I highly recommend this program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in an awful run-down dorm. It was about a 20 minute tram ride outside of the city. I was very upset/disappointed about the housing conditions. <br /><br /> The Kolej Komenskeho was not very central, it was a hassle to get to and it was very run down. The staff was also quite unfriendly.

* Food:

Lots of places to eat out, grab a sandwich etc. I did not particularly like Czech food, but there were lots of other restaurant options available (mexican, sushi, italian, etc)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking around Prague. The city is very well lit and night and there are always people walking around Prague 1 (the main city hub)

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? In general, Prague is a cheap city (especially since CZ is not on the Euro). I spent most of my money when I left the country and traveled on weekends.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

I only participated in the 2 week Czech Language Intensive so I was only taught a broad overview of the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Enjoy your time there, I miss Prague already. There are so many American programs there so it is really easy to make and keep great friends.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Globalization

Course Department:
Instructor: Veronika Sušová
Instruction Language: English
Comments: My favorite class that I took abroad. I learned a lot and the professor really engaged the students in the lectures/classes. There was a lot of work required but I enjoyed all of it.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Anthropology of the Image - Art Today and the Visual Communication

Course Department:
Instructor: Josef Záruba
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Lots of field trips (one every class), teacher was very knowledgeable
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Czech and European Art and Architecture

Course Department:
Instructor: Josef Záruba
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Attendance important, lots of field trips, teacher was very knowledgeable
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Alternative Literature, Music and Lifestyles

Course Department:
Instructor: Pavla Jonssonova
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Really enjoyed the class, was able to gain a different perspective about the Czech underground culture.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Czech Language Intensive

Course Department:
Instructor: Miroslav Šedivka
Instruction Language: English/Czech
Comments: Good teacher, he made a very hard language a little easier to understand.
Credit Transfer Issues: