Walking a lot in Praha Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/24/2017 to 05/14/2017 with

CIEE: Prague - Central European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a very basic knowledge of Czech, a better knowledge of beer and that is about it.

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.

Classes were easy and students were not engaged.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Long standing program that seems to know what they are doing. A little impersonal at times, but I found that to be okay.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great apartments that, for the most part, are close to the school.

* Food:

You have to cook for yourself so the quality of food really depends on your cooking. All kitchens are well stocked with cooking supplies and cutlery and dishes.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I became very close friends with my Czech buddy and she exposed me to her culture and friends. However, classes and other american students don't really expose you to the culture at all.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

Prague felt very safe. I had no problem walking to the bus stop at 3:30 in the morning.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Program was decent. I loved Prague.

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 a very affordable European city. I was easily able to spend less than $30 a week (not including international travel expenses).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25 - $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No tips, just spend wisely.

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

The program encouraged you to take a Czech course.

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? Intermediate French
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? The best way to practice is to talk with your Czech buddy in 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
  • 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?
  • Host city
  • Czech buddy
  • Organized bus trips
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • Czech workbook
  • Attendance policy
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How cohorts of students from other colleges all come to the same program. This makes it hard to make friends because people are reluctant to make new friends if they are already studying abroad with their friend group.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.