A nice break from Reality Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/11/2017 to 12/23/2017 with

CIEE: Prague - Central European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile to study abroad because i got to experience a new culture and travel to new places.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

None of the classes were challenging, which I enjoyed as it allowed me to spend more time traveling. I also enjoyed the large selection of classes that were offered in this program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall it was fairly good, however, at times you would ask a question and you would be sent to several different people for the same issue.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were spacious and comfortable to live in and in good areas of the city. The only downside to housing is that you can get stuck in a building from people in your program who all go to the same school. So if you want to meet different people from different backgrounds make sure to read the housing options carefully.

* Food:

Czech food is great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed learning about the czech culture, but you do have to go into the city and find it. The program does have events to try and fully immerse into the culture, but the best way is to go out on your own and explore the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did get sick while I was abroad and it was easy enough to go to the doctor. The program recommended several ex-pat doctors. However the doctors were not as willing to handout antibiotics as they are in the United States.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Prague.

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

I had a great time and for the first time in several years my stress level was very low.

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)

It was very easy to live on a budget in Prague. Everything is very inexpensive (accept for name brand clothing).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-100/week

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

There were many language courses offered and they made everyone take an emergency Czech class.

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? I had completed intermediate Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the city I was in
  • culture
* What could be improved?
  • there needs to be a bigger diversity of students in the program
  • more classes offered at the home university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can buy almost anything you use in the US in Prague.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'