Univerzita Karlova - Spring Semester at Charles University in Prague Past Review

By (Religion/Religious Studies., The College of William and Mary) for

Charles University: Prague - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Extremely worthwhile. Learned how to depend upon myself and trust in my abilities. Learned how to force myself to get out there. Learned to overcome fears.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Univerzita Karlova
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Loved my faculty (Protestant Theological Faculty), great professors. Less work than W&M but I still put a good deal of time in, and I wouldn't have wanted more work. The classes I took were regular institutional classes in English, so by default it was mostly international students. I was the only American; there were a few German students, a Belgian student, a Chinese student and a Hungarian student. Also, a few Czech students participated in some classes; usually only one per class. Classes werer only once a week, which was nice. Learned a lot from a non-American perspective, and the classes were engaging. All professors were really knowledgeable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international director at my faculty was great; very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at Kolej Hostivar, located about 30 minutes outside of the center by tram. It was a quiet neighborhood save for the large group of international students. The dorms could be rowdy, but my floor was quiet. Met lots of interesting people; I was one of only a few Americans. Seemed dismal at first, but ended up being a great experience.

* Food:

Prague has delicious and cost efficient food in general.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Prague seems relatively safe, but I avoided traveling very late at night alone. As a single female I tried to exercise caution in general; not be too predictable, walk confidently, speak minimally if I felt uncomfortable so they did not know I was not Czech. These were just precautions though.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Inched above $100 due to traveling expenses.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

There were no Czech classes available through my department; I should have pursued them elsewhere. I knew enough for my day to day dealings (buying groceries, ordering food, etc.) but as i was living with other foreign students everyone spoke English as a common language anyway.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go for it; direct enrollment is scary but thrilling. Sometimes you will feel foolish for traveling off alone, but sometimes it will be wonderful. And it will all come from you.