Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Hard but Fulfilling and Loving Experience Past Review

By (Grinnell College) - abroad from 02/08/2020 to 05/23/2020 with

SIT Study Abroad: Czech Republic - Arts and Social Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained friendship and perspective and a strengthening of my values. I really never felt lonely in Prague. There were always support systems in place to make it an inclusive experience.

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.

This program gave me frameworks to restructure how I think about the intersections of art and community, and that will definitely affect my career trajectory. It reinvigorated my faith in art as a medium for social change. And it gave me an opportunity to explore ideas I could not on campus.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The director of this program is incredible. Such a caring and wise woman. Just spending time with her is incredibly fulfilling. She push you out of your comfort zone and support you the whole way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family and location. I felt like I was perfectly matched with them, and they really took into consideration my personality and needs.

* Food:

I miss Czech food. So much.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt extremely welcomed into my host family, and the program director's roots in the art community make the program have incredible access to art communities and spaces that on not on the radar of other programs in Prague.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got really sick, and was very cared for by the admin. They were super accommodating academically as well.

* Safety:

I always felt incredibly safe in Prague. The transportation is really accessible and safe.

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

I love the academic director, I'd honestly do it all over just to hang out with her.

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)

It is super cheap beer. Like it really is.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • host family
  • regional stays
* What could be improved?
  • I honestly can't think of anything, and I had my experience cut short by COVID, but they still made remote extremely fulfilling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Abroad is about independence , but the relationships you can make with adults who care for you are so important

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.