Czech Prague Out! Past Review
By Harrison G (International Studies-Political Science, University of California - San Diego) for
Charles University: Study Abroad with ECES (East and Central European Studies)
Yes. I have decided to change some of my priorities upon my return to the states for the better. Definitely take the opportunities to volunteer when you study at ECES.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
An appropriate workload for the amount of credit. The system is similar to America but encourages more participation, something I personally enjoyed going to such a large university in the states. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff in the ECES office are all awesome. Samantha is a particular pleasure to deal with. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I applied through AIFS and lived in AIFS housing. The housing is away from other ECES students and at CVUT. The area is rather safe though but a bit far from the city center and classes (better than other dormitories controlled by the university though). |
| * Food: |
I'll admit I could not figure out the Czech menza even with the help of my Czech friends. At the same time though, food was easy and cheap to get all around town. Despite rumors that the country is bad for vegans, there are definitely options for them (I'm not vegan, but sometimes a change was good). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Orientation was quite enjoyable. The only downside is that there were not enough people for all the trips to go on as planned (eg Istanbul). |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in the Czech Republic. It is hard to converse with the authorities however if you have any issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The best way to improve your language learning skills is to participate in the CUNI International Club Tandem Teaching Program. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Continue to learn Czech beyond the two-week course. Do tandem teaching. Attend Czech movie nights. Travel abroad (even though its not recommended). Volunteer somewhere, like at GJK. |
