Prague- A Film School Fairytale Past Review

By (Johns Hopkins University) - abroad from 08/21/2013 to 12/17/2013 with

CET Film Production at FAMU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living in Prague taught me how to be independent. Although I loved exploring with my friends on my program, I would often take the tram by myself and go wherever I pleased on Sunday afternoons. Going abroad made me more comfortable with myself, and encouraged me to do things for my own enjoyment, and not with the intention of pleasing others. I learned so much about all of the work that goes film production, and figured out my own academic strengths and weaknesses. This experience was absolutely worthwhile, and I wish I could do it all over again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was great to have our lectures paired with hands-on experience. I learned more about film with CET than I did from the theoretical classes at my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Kim, who ran our program, was very helpful. When I lost my cell phone midway through the semester, she was understanding and assisted me in getting a new one. The administration also offered a number of fun events, such as scavenger hunts, sports games, and operas.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartments were amazing. Because we were all placed in the same building, it had all of the social benefits of a dormitory, with the privacy and luxury of a private apartment. We lived in an area of Prague away from the beaten paths of the tourists. I had everything I needed- from beautiful parks to a grocery store- in walking distance.

* Food:

The restaurants that CET took us to were delicious. I never would have guessed that I'd like goulash so much! I was expecting to be eating nothing but bread, meat, and cheese for an entire semester, but I was able to find many of my favorite foods at the local Billa Supermarket.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a Czech girl was a great experience. She showed us all of her favorite spots around the city, and helped us with any and all language difficulties. While I did spend a lot of time with other American students, I also met a few young locals who I still keep in touch with.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No one on my program had any serious health issues.

* Safety:

No one on my program had any safety issues. I felt completely safe and comfortable in Prague.

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)

Prague is a very cheap city, but because I was not earning any money while I was there, I ended up spending over the semester. Because it was so cheap, I'd end up spending money on a lot of little things which added up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking your own food is the way to go.

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? High Intermediate French
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? Practice with your Czech buddies. They are a great resource.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 amazing, accessible city
  • Classmates
  • Accommodations/location
* What could be improved?
  • Money making opportunities
  • More time to edit films
  • Tutorials in Screenwriting
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known how quickly it would pass by- I still find myself thinking about Prague every day.