An artistic and Cultural Learning Experience Past Review
By Kathryn Sweatman (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/21/2016 to 05/13/2016 with
CET Film Production at FAMU
I learned about Central European history and culture and directed a short film. I travelled extensively, and saw places I might not have otherwise. This was definitely a worthwhile experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program was a culturally enriching experience, and I had the amazing opportunity to learn about Central European culture while pursuing my passion for film. Academically, the program was pretty disorganized and professors were not always approachable, but CET does try to make resources available and provides unique cultural immersion. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was very disorganized. It was difficult to get help or have questions answered. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
CET houses students in apartments near the city center with local students. My apartment was enormous and accessible by public transit, with all the amenities that could be expected. The view of the river was beautiful, and our local roommates were very nice and helpful. |
| * Food: |
There is no meal plan, but Prague is very cheap, especially when it comes to food! I was able to eat out a lot without straining my budget, and the food was very good. Groceries are accessible and affordable, but bring a bag-they charge for those! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
CET's true strength is in it's cultural immersion. Each apartment had one Czech college student living there, and this really helped. CET sponsored outings and events which exposed us to the local culture in fun and interesting ways, and basic Czech language classes helped us get around, though most locals speak English. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
CET provides health insurance, which covers doctor's visits but not prescriptions. CET gives out a list of English-speaking health clinics, and scheduling an appointment and seeing a doctor were very easy. |
| * Safety: |
Prague is very safe--watch your bags and pockets, like you would in any city, and you should be okay. I felt safe walking at night, and never had any problems, though I was warned of pickpockets. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I wish there was a "Maybe" option. Though CET and FAMU were very disorganized, my overall experience was culturally enriching and unforgettable. I got to direct a short film and see places I might otherwise have missed. I often felt lonely, but this can be expected, as I have never lived so far from home for such a long time with new people. |
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) |
Prague is very affordable. I spent the most money on travelling, which, though expensive, can be done cheaply if you watch your pennies! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150-$200/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When eating for lunch, get the specials-usually they're quick and cheap. Try to cook at home, and ask your local roommate their money-saving tips. When traveling, shop around for the best deal (by bus this is usually Student Agency) and plan ahead. Travelling with a friend is cheaper, and definitely take advantage of hostels and student discounts! |
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 |
CET requires a basic Czech language course, which not all Prague programs do, so this was helpful. Overall, you won't use it much, as most locals speak English. |
| 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? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Actively use it, whether ordering food or talking to your local roommate-ask them to help you! |
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? | It's easy to feel intimidated around more experienced filmmakers, and (white, male) professors don't always take female students seriously, but dealing with this helped me gain confidence in my own abilities. Study abroad can be lonely and isolating, so having a support system back home is vital-keep in touch with friends and family, and build on the connections you form in Prague. |
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. |
