Growing in Prague Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2019 to 12/20/2020 with
CET Prague
I learned for to budget and live by myself. I learned how to be with myself. I learned how to pace myself with life and for the first time since I started college I really felt like I was enjoying my youth. I also, and most importantly, gained a new perspective as an American. As the daughter of first gens I never really identified as a very "American" person but while abroad I realized just how ingrained by Western ideals are and that I have to take a step back before making assumptions.
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. |
The academics I thought were just right. Enough that I felt like I was learning but not so heavy that I couldn't enjoy the new environment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The professors were hired from Charles University I believe. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my apartment. The only problem was the shower- it often wouldn't work or would turn the hot water cold a minute or two into the shower. But other than that it was excellent; great accommodations, beautiful views and decent temperature. Also I lived right next to a grocery store which came in handy. |
| * Food: |
I loved the food, I only wish that there were more vegetarian options. I am also lactose intolerant and a lot of food was cheese based but I understnad that has to do with the culture of Europe. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like there were many opportunities to integrate. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My health concerns were addressed promptly. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe most of the time. However some racist and/or homophobic remarks did make me feel less safe both in the classroom and in public. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I think this program was small which helped get to know the people in my small community and I had a fantastic time but the lack of diversity(class, race, sexual orientation) not only in the program but in the country was very taxing. I wouldn't take back my time at the program. |
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) |
I am a very frugal person but I still found myself having to sit out certain activities or skip meals in order to save money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | set a budget ahead of time. Go for food in bulk that may be cheaper Pack efficiently otherwise you might have to spend extra money on an extra warm coat or boots. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
5 |
| 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? | i had gotten a book with a few Czech phrases just to get by at restaurants and the airport. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Use it as much as possible. Unless you are at the grocery store people are very patient and are happy to correct you, which in the long run will help you learn. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That certain medications would not be available abroad The lack of diversity That you arent supposed to pet peoples' dogs |
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 Outright UrbaniteA 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. |
