Golden Prague Past Review

By (Theatre, Illinois State University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, despite the lack of preparation leading up to the trip through the American offices, the PRAGUE ISA OFFICE made the whole trip worthwhile. Personally, I am really frustrated that ISA Austin, Texas and the Study Abroad Office at ISU continue to make us respond to this trip, and I am ESPECIALLY disappointed that this survey needed to be completed to access our transcripts. That really makes me uncomfortable and unwilling to speak kindly about these specific organizations.

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.

I think the classroom aspect of the trip was the worst part. I definitely felt like I was wasting my time. The professor was unprepared. Though two students asked for the reading he had said was "already prepared," he refused to post them until less than 2 days before the trip. He also was not prepared for the trip, asking students if they had brought power adaptors and cables to hook his computer up to the projector in the classroom. Further, he forgot to schedule an alternative classroom on a day that one at Charles University was not available, so we wandered around for a while before having a ten-minute session in a park. I felt like my time was disrespected. Finally, the teacher had invited students to view a performance, then was incommunicado for 12 hours. He really let the students down.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA Program Office in Prague was incredible. Daniela, Lucie, Martin, and Tamara made us feel so welcome and comfortable in Prague. Their doors were always open, their phones were always on, and they were so approachable. They would invite us to come to the office, use the internet, and just talk with them. They loved talking about Prague--they were the best tour guides because you could see the pride they have in their country. They also were willing to give us advice about traveling to other countries. They helped us narrow down trips and really choose the best destination. They helped us get around, and they *very patiently* taught us words and phrases in Czech. I really can honestly say the program would not have been worthwhile without them. I am so grateful for their guidance and hospitality.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were AMAZING. I could not have asked for a better place to stay, and it was DEFINITELY worth the cost of the program alone. It was a beautiful two bedroom apartment with a huge bathroom and large living, dining, and kitchen area. Everything was provided for us--from linens to pots, pans, plates, and silverware. It was directly next to a metro stop, which made traveling VERY easy.

* Food:

The food in Prague is delicious. Though it is heavy on protein and carbohydrates, it is made with fresh ingredients and contains no preservatives. It is so affordable. Our favorite restaurants were U Jezulatka in Mala Strana and Cafe Slavia across from the Narodni Divadlo. Cafe Slavia is a must--it is both delicious and historical (Vaclav Havel and other major figures drafted Charter 77 there).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Terezin is an educational and poignant experience. I was floored visiting this site. Cesky Krumlov is beautiful and idyllic. It was a "vacation" on our "vacation"--a nice getaway from Prague, but still a welcoming, historical city. The Narodni Divadlo tour was exceptional, especially for us as Theatre Students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I did not have any major health issues. Prague is very safe; no one had any negative experiences, despite what the ISU Study Abroad Office focused on pickpockets.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $600 for the whole trip (three weeks). Everything was affordable there--museum tickets were $2!!
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? None.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Theatre Students.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Eastern European Theatre

Course Department: THE 497
Instructor: Alan W. Sikes
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was ill prepared. I did not feel as if the reading or discussion material focused on the studies that were appropriate while studying abroad.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes, because it was through the school.