Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wonderful experience May 12, 2021

By (University of Toronto) - abroad from 05/12/2015 to 06/17/2015 with

Masaryk University: Brno - Summer Schools

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Totally worthwhile. International experience like this truly opens one's eyes and makes one a different person. In fact, I think it should be mandatory for all university students to have some sort of international experience during their studies. We could have had a better, kinder, more tolerant world, if everybody did it.

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.

The course was intensive with 3 hours of lectures per day, but also included tours and other things that made it both educational and fun at the same time. A mini-library was set-up specifically for us to borrow books to do research for our essays.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very friendly coordinators. They showed us around and gave local tips. Throughout the course, they were always there to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The residence was good and newly renovated. Each room has its own kitchen corner and bathroom, which is nice, as that means only 2 people are sharing them.

* Food:

Czech Republic has the tastiest food I've had anywhere among the 21 countries I've been to, and at some of the lowest prices.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lots of opportunities to visit many places in Brno and outside of it and get acquainted with the local culture. A year later, I came back to Brno for a weekend, and it felt like coming home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable. Nothing special needed for the program (at least in pre-covid days).

* Safety:

Brno is a student city. It is fairly small (compared to Toronto or even Prague), and I felt totally safe there.

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

I absolutely loved it, and I fell in love with Brno. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

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)

The Czech Republic has a low price level compared to Canada. On a budget I was used to in Toronto, I could buy 4 times as many groceries in Brno, and that meant I could afford to eat healthier, such as buying lots of fruit. The student transit pass was only 300CZK at the time - that's 87% lower price than in Toronto.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Choose the Czech Republic for your study abroad - the price level is lower than other European countries or Canada. Prepare food yourself or eat at the university cafeteria (it's only 40CZK (about $2) for a full meal) instead of restaurants. Get monthly transit pass rather than paying for individual trips.

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • trips
  • local culture
  • low prices
* What could be improved?
  • add some optional language classes in the afternoons
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know Czech language better, as going on this program inspired me to get back to studying it. So I wish I studied it more before going, as many people in Brno outside of the university (stores, restaurants, train station) don't speak English.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!