Pure Bliss, Amazing Friends, Amazing culture, GREAT price, Great program! Past Review

By (Liberty University) - abroad from 08/28/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Prague, Czech Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an immense amount of confidence. You realize how much bigger the world is (figuratively and literally). I learned to appreciate people and their stories. I discovered how much you can learn from every person. I found value in simplicity. And I have a whole new appreciation for different cultures and kinds of people.

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.

I am a communications major and I found all of my classes in Prague to suit my major and degree extremely well! I loved my professors, I learned way more than I thought I would through hands on experiences, and the work load was reasonable to handle while traveling!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CEA office in Prague is always there and willing to help! Every member of CEA was extremely personable and kind and was able to answer any questions I had and made my transition into study abroad, experience while there, and leaving/post study abroad easy and stress free!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great apartment in a great location and amazing roommates! Couldn't have had it any better! SO many places to eat right around my apartment and it was safe!

* Food:

So many different options every where you turn and for GREAT prices. Prague is extremely affordable with great quality food. They have everything from Czech cuisine, to Thai, to pizza, to seafood, to all kinds of desserts, and so much more! Also the BEST coffee everywhere you turn. Miss it like crazy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met some Czech people at the gym and we had a nice neighbor who owned a local restaurant who we befriended, but people do not say hello in passing or are necessarily willing to help when you're lost. They aren't the most friendly group of people, but once you get used to it you can start to pick out the people who are willing to help!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

This is going to sound crazy... but I had a growth in my neck while in Prague. It started before I left, so I didn't get it from being there. However, it got bigger and I had to seek medical attention. Within two days, I had a doctors appointment and in a single appointment they were able to do a strep test, blood work, a few other tests, a thorough exam by two doctors, an ultrasound, AND a biopsy where they sucked out the fluid that had caused the inflammation. Completely sterile and talked me through the entire appointment. A week later, they had me back in for a follow up and went over by bloodwork and ultrasound results and even printed out copies for me. Clearly it was a pretty crazy situation but it was handled more efficiently than I believe it would've been in America. Additionally, insurance covered all of the costs! I had to pay out of pocket but was reimbursed shortly after.

* Safety:

My parents scared me into thinking I would get robbed or pick pocketed if I wasn't on high alert at every second. I can attest that I was not on high alert all of the time, but I was conscious of my surroundings and never once felt unsafe.

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

It went better than I could've ever imagined. I made some of my best friends, I got to visit thirteen countries, CEA made it stress free, and I am more confident of a person than I ever was before.

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)

Prague is super affordable. I impulse bought alot, but honestly was surprised at how little I spent each week. A BIG food shop would be $30. And I'm saying BIG. I could feed myself for weeks (apart from the perishables)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200 but I splurged
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget before you go! Know what kinds of things you want to spend your money on. Decide how much you are willing to eat out. Be willing to cut out the non-essentials (ie. eating out everyday, buying every cool thing you see, etc.)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 price
  • How helpful CEA was
  • The city!
* What could be improved?
  • Stipend for food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I got postcards from every country to look back at and show people. And wish I didn't spend money on so many things in the first few weeks because you realize as you're there whats worth it and whats not.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.