An experience like no other May 12, 2021
By Jai Kakkar (University of Toronto) - abroad from 05/09/2018 to 06/15/2018 with
Masaryk University: Brno - Summer Schools
Absolutely worthwhile! This was my first time being in a place where English wasn't as commonly spoken, so this really helped me on learning survival level Czech and appreciate a different part of the world for its own beauty.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Great course! Great people! Great location! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very supportive. It's been 3 years and I'm still in touch with a few administrators I got to meet at Masaryk. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great dorm environment. There wasn't much food at the dorm but again, the city transit was so nearby it would've taken out of the experience if we stayed there all the time instead of going out to eat. |
| * Food: |
Great places in Brno to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Loved how each week we went to a different city and learned something new. Movie nights, Pub nights, Opera/Ballet nights etc - all experiences were so enriching. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Meh, Everyone did get sick once but it all went okay after all. |
| * Safety: |
The city seemed safe as long as you were in groups. Keep the metro pass, a power bank and a valid ID with you at ALL times. My roommate got robbed in Prague because he was arriving to Brno - but that was before the program began, so I recommend being in a group of at least 2. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Yes, with the same people!! It is the people that make the program so much better. If you keep to yourself or your selective group, you won't have fun. The bigger your friend circle, the better! |
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) |
It was already included in my program cost, so I didn't have to look this up. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend less on Dinner but more on Lunches. |
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? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | That it'll be the best thing ever :) |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
