Prague is Fantastic!!! Past Review

By (Anthropology and Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

CIEE: Prague - Central European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Incredibly worthwhile!!! I became so much more independent after studying abroad, and met so many interesting people. At first I was quite shy, but it got better after meeting some people! The classes were the least part of my experience, peehaps unsurprisingly.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although generally easier for me than classes in the US, classes here were hit or miss. Many were excellent, with great professors. Others, unfortunately, were a bit less than good, especially some professors who simply could not teach. The Czech languages course was overall the best for me, I especially adored my teacher. I wish I had taken a Charles University course though, they did not give us enough time to switch our classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of the staff members are awesome, they're so helpful with everything and generally great people!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with two other American girls and our Czech buddy (who was the absolute best) It was around twenty minutes by metro/tram to classes, but the location was fantastic (right next to the Flora stop and the mall)! The internet was often spotty, and was not present for the first week, but that was not the fault of the program. Our flat was quite new and there were two other groups from our program in the same building. I wouldn't have moved from my apartment for anything!!! (Although we did not have a dishwasher, and there was a little lack for storage space.)

* Food:

It's generally not hard to find any kind of food in Prague, if you look hard enough. I'm a vegetarian and I had no trouble at all. Even typical Czech food if great, but it is often hearty meat/bread/potatoes stuff, and lacking in fresh vegetables (fruit dumplings are great though). Super market produce was often not great quality, but the farmer's markets around the city are fantastic- I went at least once a week because I cooked a lot. Generally food, restaurant or market, is less expensive than at home. Avoid eating in the city center because of tourism prices.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The city is rather easily manageable, with or without knowing Czech (it's so helpful though, you don't even know). I didn't really befriend any Czech people outside of the program, but all of the Czech Buddies and staff members made the experience so much more amazing, everyone is just so awesome!!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't really get sick or injured, so no problems.

* Safety:

I had zero trouble while I was there, but I know some people who got pickpocketed. Use general caution- don't leave your bag, wallet, laptop, etc anywhere away from you, even for just a second. During the day the city is quite safe, but don't wander alone so late at night, general sketchy people. Czech people are willing to help you though, just ask if you're lost or something! Also, the trams will not stop anything or anyone; don't walk in front of one, or even too close, you could easily get hit. Drivers are also a bit crazier, it seems. Try not to jaywalk.

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)

Things in the Czech Republic, especially food, are cheaper that in the United States. While I was there it was about 19 Koruna per $1.00. It's pretty easy to go overboard if you don't keep track.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $70 for food, $20 for other things, roughly.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to limit eating out and ordering drinks. Beer is cheap, but adds up. Keeping record of expenditures is a good idea. Don't get pulled in by tourist-grabbing shops and restaurants. Also look for student discounts at museums and some eateries! Having a tram/metro pass is another bonus.

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

Didn't use it in other classes than Czech, but it was nice to practice with my Czech roommate and generally around the city.

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? Intermediate
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? Pronunciation was easily the worst! I can't roll Rs, and that made me harder to understand. There are also letters that just sound very similar in Czech and that took a long time to get used to. Don't get discouraged, ask the Czech Buddies to help you, and keep practicing!!! It's really appreciated when you can speak even one word of Czech.

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
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?
  • Exploring Prague and the Czech Republic
  • Learning about Czech life and society
  • My Flat!
* What could be improved?
  • Classes/Professors
  • The Handbook
  • The last few days (we had to leave just a day after classes ended!)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That would end up befriend so many great people, and maybe some Czech. =)

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Seminar on Living and Learning in Prague

Course Department:
Instructor: Jana Cemusova
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Overall pleasant experience. Focused mainly on differences between Czech and American values. Sometimes met in coffeeshops or had dinner in class. There was also a field trip to the countryside that was quite an experience; I would take the course based on that trip alone. Short writing assignments throughout, but more work than would be thought for the credit received. Jana is also great to talk to!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Psychology of Transition and Transformation

Course Department: Psych/Poli
Instructor: Wyrobkova and Heller
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Would not recommend. The two professor format made it very confusing, not to mention that neither really related lectures to the course. Heller was preferable to Wyrobkova, though. Midterm exam and final paper/presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Intro to Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism

Course Department:
Instructor: Blaha
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Based on in class movies and readings. Could be confusing at times, but that was not a problem due to the structure of the class. Had weekly reading responses, a midterm, and two papers.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Beginning Czech

Course Department: Czech
Instructor: Storchova
Instruction Language: English/Czech
Comments: Quite difficult at first, but got better with practice. Short daily homeworks, with quizzes and exams spaced throughout. Very helpful for adjusting to life in Prague.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Czech Culture

Course Department: Czech/Anth
Instructor: Pavala Jonssonova
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very interesting material- we covered graffiti, music, movies, art, poetry. Went on some field trips to galleries and a concert. Reading responses every so often, plus a midterm and final project.
Credit Transfer Issues: