Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wholesome experience Past Review

By (European Cultural Studies and Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/22/2013 to 12/12/2013 with

CET Prague

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained valuable knowledge about the political, social, and cultural climate of Eastern Central Europe as well as a sort of global awareness of how cultures are different and similar including important problems in some parts of the world that may go by completely unnoticed in the US.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There was no meal plan, so this is kind of n/a. Czech food is heavy, lots of meat and bread. I guess it was hard for vegetarians sometimes but I was fine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I thankfully, did not need to have any experience with healthcare but therefore am unable to really comment.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $100 a week.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None in Czech...
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Eye opening class experiences, including the Traveling Seminar.
  • Environment- art, architecture, Czech beer, etc.
  • People! Administration, participants, Czech buddies
* What could be improved?
  • I am not used to taking so many classes per semester. A full class load was technically 5.5 classes whereas I am used to 4.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It seemed like it was difficult to eat enough fruit and vegetables at times. This part of the world is very bread and meat and potatoes heavy.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!