Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Formative and unforgettable! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/26/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

CET Film Production at FAMU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to shoot on film, how to more precisely measure exposure and work with light, the importance of film language (color, composition, etc) and how to work extremely closely with a group to develop and produce an idea from start to finish. The absolute best thing I gained were the friends I made and the new connections I now have.

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.

CET worked with FAMU and Barrandov Studio (two highly respected institutions) to provide us with incredible equipment that I would never have the opportunity to use in America. Our professors at times seemed ambivalent about our academics and I wish that we had a more in depth lessons about directing and script-writing prior making our films.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most people in Prague speak English and almost all of my interactions were with people in the program, who are from America. I appreciated that CET gave us a Czech roommate, who was fantastic and talked to us about all things Czech.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Were I to study film in Prague, I might look for a more intensive film program.

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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook most of your meals. You don't have to go out every night or even every weekend. Travel to other countries that are also cheap and close enough so that bus tickets are cheap.

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
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? Try to talk to people in everyday life, such as at the checkout counter. Talk with your friends or roommates in the foreign language. Have a pocket dictionary or dictionary app with you at all times and try translating anything you see on a daily basis - signs, shops, menus.

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 people
  • Film production
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • Program organization
  • Stricter and more focused core courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack lightly so that there's space for any new clothes and gifts. It might be hard to leave America but it's even harder to come back.

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!