Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Single Greatest Experience of My Life Past Review

By (Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/28/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

Charles University: Prague - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was simply the best thing that could have happened to me. Loved everything about it.

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.

* 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?

* 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? 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 very affordable - it's not as cheap to travel as people say though.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn to cook / the grocery store is your friend

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

That being said - Czech's knew if you were American and would speak English to you rather than struggle with Czech

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? Level 5 AP Spanish in HS
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? memorize it and practice with classmates

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Interesting classes
  • Great staff
  • Great Location
* What could be improved?
  • Czech language was a waste of time
  • Silva - was the only reason that I enjoyed the class whatsoever
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't live with too many people and don't go abroad with too many friends. Some of my best experiences were in other Countries where i only knew one or two people.

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 Urbanite
A 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Czech language
Course Department: Language
Instructor: Silva
Instruction Language: Czech/English
Comments: It was probably the most challenging course I took abroad. I think it should be optional as almost everyone speaks to you in English regardless of whether you try to speak Czech to them or not.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Transition
Course Department: Economics
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: really interesting course on Central European countries and their Economic transition towards capitalism (or not)
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust

Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Awesome course. would highly recommend it. Eye-opening to this period in history
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Global Communication
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Really interesting course - somewhat boring instructor. Participation was dominated by a few individuals - the professor had a hard time keeping people interested
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Prague as a Living History
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: easily the most interesting class - opportunity to see hidden parts of the city no one really knows about as well as learn a lot about the more typical attractions
Credit Transfer Issues: