Study Abroad at Charles University in Prague Past Review
By Danielle T (Economics and Political Science, Providence College) for
AIFS: Prague - Charles University
I loved Prague and I loved my program. I just feel that I would have chosen the much less expensive one and spent the money that I saved on traveling more. It has been an invaluable experience seeing so much of Europe, and it has solidified my belief that I want to live abroad when I graduate.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Charles University |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AIFS was great. The program administration was helpful and friendly. I just think students should know that you can get the same academic experience for a third of the cost by enrolling directly through ECES. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Masarykova Kolej. Thakurova 1 in Dejvicka. Large dorm with hundreds of students. 50 were American. Typical dorm with two doubles sharing a bathroom and kitchenette. Dorm itself had a small cafeteria, two bars, and a restaurant. <br /><br /> Excellent location. Close to transportation. |
| * Food: |
Wasn't as hard to be a vegetarian as people had warned me. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Lots of cultural and social opportunities through AIFS. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Sent us some H1N1 info, but it wasn't really a concern here. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | We had to pay for internet and a few other things we hadn't expected, but it wasn't a large amount. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I only took the intensive course, not the entire semester, but it isn't a big deal if you don't know Czech. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Come to Prague! If you have the money, study through AIFS, but if you don't, come anyway and go through ECES directly. |
Comments
All Providence College students are required to attend programs through a provider (either an organization like AIFS, or another U.S. college). Direct enrollment at ECES and other institutions is not allowed because students need to have the administrative support of a program provider both in country and in the U.S. prior to departure. PC does not receive any money from these providers; it is simply a matter of having high quality student services and on-site staff to facilitate administrative issues (i.e., transcripts). As of the 2009-10 year, students can choose to attend Charles University through either AIFS or CIEE.
Anonymous December 16, 2009
