Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Experience March 14, 2021

By (Murdoch University) - abroad from 01/04/2020 to 01/24/2020 with

Masaryk University: Brno - Summer Schools

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
If I never went on the program, I don't think that the Czech Republic would have been on my list of 'places to visit' any time soon. I got to experience a different culture and learnt that Central Europe is a place that I would love to visit again. Knowing what I know now, I will definitely go again if I have the opportunity.

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.

The material that was covered was very relevant to the course, and the lecturers provided quite a bit of context when it comes to the EU, so that we could better understand the material. The lecturers were also very engaging. There was also a mini 1hour crash course on the basics of czech, which was very helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall, I was satisfied with the accommodation provided. However, different people had different facilities despite paying the same amount.

* Food:

The food there was super cheap and really good. However, there were limited options if you have dietary requirements. Not too many gluten free or vegeterian options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Brno. It's a foot friendly place, filled with students. It was a very welcoming atmosphere. One of the students did have their wallet stolen in Prague, but the host university handled it very well, and they did warn us before getting on the tram that it was a current occurence there.

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

The program was well organised. I got to travel to three different countries on one program. I met some amazing people and the people were very supportive.

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)

I found it very easy to live off a student budget. Eating out everyday is affordable comparable to Australia. Biggest expenses were activities that I wanted to do.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own meals. Eating out is very affordable but cooking is still cheaper. Bring a water bottle with you if you don't plan on drinking because tap water isn't free. If you have to withdraw money, withdraw what you think you'll need in one go as there are ATM fees. Learn the public transport system in Vienna. Uber is so expensive there (not so much in Prague though). Choose what activities you want to participate in, don't do everything if you are on a budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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 activities and guides to the different cities
  • They gave us enough time to explore the cities on our own but also had planned activies so that we get to experience the most of the city
  • The lecturers
* What could be improved?
  • I would have loved to have had more interaction with the local students rather than just other Australians
  • More of a language course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive Vienna is. How much to tip and how difficult the language is to learn.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.