10/10 Would Recommend CEA Prague Program Past Review
By Paige (Adrian College) - abroad from 06/03/2017 to 08/05/2017 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Prague, Czech Republic
I went to Prague a business major and came back to the states an aspiring international business lawyer. I learned so much about myself as a result of my experience abroad. Through my internship at international news publication company, Project Syndicate, whose mission is to provide international commentary to its audience regardless of its audience's ability to pay, that I discovered my passion for advocating for those whose voices are often not heard. I also grew personally, in that I developed a higher level of confidence and cultural appreciation during my time abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I chose to take an additional culture course, and I'm so glad I did! I learned so much about historical cultural movements and about Czech culture through my course. While the coursework was engaging and fun, it still challenged me intellectually to consider different perspectives. We even got to graffiti the John Lennon Wall as a class project! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The CEA on-side administrators are nothing short of incredible! They provided an orientation during the first few days to educate students on Czech culture and customs. They were always available to answer questions during my time spent abroad and even provided free pastries and coffee every Wednesday morning in their office :) |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I kid you not, my living arrangements were nothing short of ideal! I shared an apartment with 5 other girls in my program. Some of us shared rooms and others had single rooms. We shared 2 complete bathrooms and 1 kitchen. The location of our apartment was downtown and near both metro and tram lines! |
| * Food: |
It was difficult to find "true" or "authentic" Czech food, however, it wasn't difficult to find delicious Italian food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Although I was unable to participate in any of the numerous cultural excursions CEA offers through their program due to my internship schedule, the orientation during the beginning of the program prepared me to understand and appreciate my surroundings throughout the program! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have a personal healthcare situation during the program, however, a roommate of mine did. Everything seemed to go seamlessly for her. |
| * Safety: |
There was not a moment during my summer spent in Prague that I did not feel safe. Just remember, as you always should, to be aware of your surroundings and address any potential concerns with CEA on-site administration. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
If you are looking for a budget, up-and-coming European city to study abroad in, Prague is perfect! Food and drinks are very inexpensive if you do your research. Also worth noting, travel within Europe is very inexpensive as well (I'm talking like $10-$20 bus tickets to other countries cheap, again, if you do your research!) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do your research! Identify tourist-trap restaurants, explore the local farmers markets, take advantage of student discounts on travel (i.e. StudentUniverse.com for flights!) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Although I can say with confidence that I made the most of my time spent abroad, I wish I had known just how quickly the time would go! Be sure to take tons of pictures and journal in order to document your experiences and growth! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
