Czech Republic Changed My Life. Past Review

By (Double: Math and Childhood Education with Special Education, SUNY - College at Geneseo) for

SUNY Geneseo: Prague - Humanities Course

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and so many other people. Because of this trip, I have gained confidence, wisdom, and understanding.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We were constantly learning- from using the public transportation systems on our own, to interacting with locals and other foreigners, to lectures, and to field trips and guided tours. Teaching methods were diverse and wonderful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Faculty was very enthusiastic and very knowledgable, friendly, and approachable. The only weakness is that there was some confusion as to what was on the midterm and final (confusion as to what readings were going to be covered). Overall, everything was very organized and trips and tours were well prepared and planned.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood was safe and conveniently located. The provided us with linens and a maid cleaned every the bathroom every day.

* Food:

It's more expensive to eat in or close to Old Town Square. I would walk suggest walking down side streets because there are some great restaurants close to the dorm that are delicious and affordable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I don't even know where to begin. Terezin, House of Terror, Sensation, Czech Beer Festival, Hydrofoil, dinner cruise on the Danube...

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Always stay with a group or at least one other person.

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

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? I spent about 1500 Czech Crowns per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would honestly say that it is worth it to save up for this trip. Every penny spent is worth it. It was also nice not having to think about running out of money or having to budget.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Prague is a city that has much to offer- from it's beautiful architecture to it's unbelievable past history. You will learn more about yourself in 4 weeks than you could ever imagine.