Enriching, but grueling. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 12/21/2016 with

New York University, Tisch Study Abroad: Prague - 35mm Filmmaking in Prague

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about filmmaking and collaboration, definitely very worth 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

All food was bought separately from the program, though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

it framed who I am as a filmmaker.

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? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries, Prague is a pretty cheap place.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The language lessons ended once filmmaking classes began.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't do the film program if you want to learn the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Shooting on 35mm film
  • The people
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how fast-paced the production of the film would be.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Intermediate Production

Course Department: Film Production
Instructor: Michael Gamut
Instruction Language: English/Czech
Comments: It was challenging, very fun but a lot of work. The instructor was harsh and at times interrupted work on set, but taught us invaluable lessons on filmmaking.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.