Prague: A balance of learning, culture and fun Past Review

By (Journalism, Johnson State College) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Prague, Czech Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Every time I've been abroad, it makes me realize that all over the world people are really the same. All cultural differences aside, people are just trying to make it through life and be happy. Depending on where you are both of those things could be different than what we're used to in America or what someone is used to somewhere else in the world but there is always that common ground.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was definitely more than at my home school, but that's not particularly tough to beat. I appreciated the small class size and how personal the classes were.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was much happier with the program once I got here than before I left. In the States I didn't feel that I got a lot of help from CEA, but once we were in Prague, they were great. Radka, Marta, Sandra and now Eva were all a real help and super friendly. They were almost always available and got back to you quickly. They helped organize trips and address housing issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was good. We didn't have to make any arrangements for our housing and the apartments were good and in reasonable locations. There were three different apartment buildings in different parts of the city. Mine was about 15-20 minutes by public transit to class not far from downtown/nightlife. I never felt unsafe in our neighborhood.

* Food:

The Czechs definitely aren't noted for their culinary skills but all in all the food was fine. There are plenty of restaurants and stands to get things and grocery stores all over too. Fried cheese is really awesome though (smazeny syr).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The city itself is amazing. From the sights to the nightlife, there's always something to do. Our trip to Poland was really fun and educational. There were a ton of day trips through CEA that were good as well. Prague's location in the heart of Europe makes it easy to travel around as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe or concerned for my well being while I was here. There were times when I got lost at odd hours of the night but even though I wasn't scared or nervous. People keep to themselves. The healthcare system here is interesting. The insurance that came with the program was pretty comprehensive, decent care and didn't have to pay for anything. The advisors were helpful in getting that assistance. The hospital/doctor here was definitely not what we're used to in America, but it got the job done.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Most people spoke English which was good. The language wasn't a part of the program, but Czech language classes were available at the school which I took. Since it is a very difficult language and we only had class twice a week I didn't pick up a ton of it. The class was also divided between language and culture although there are classes devoted entirely to language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city
  • The nightlife
  • The program advisors
* What could be improved?
  • Options for learning the language
  • Interaction with locals