Dynasty to Democracy: An Opportunity of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Nursing., Texas Christian University) for

Texas Christian University (TCU): Budapest, Prague, Vienna: Politics, Culture and Communication, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I would recommend this program to students interested in going to Central Europe to study. I believe I gained the ability to read maps, and generally survive far away from my familiar surroundings. I know that I can successfuly travel again.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We attended lectures in our dormitory and learned on foot at many MANY museums. Although we learned a great deal in Central Europe, the bulk of the work was done in the United States after we returned. I wrote, for example, my 30 page paper on the Czech Republic's economic transition in the month of August prior to returning to regular classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Most of our learning from the host country were from tour guides, which were very knowledgeable about the countries we studied in.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was satisfactory. The university dorms in Budapest were in close proximity to transportation which could shuttle us to interesting parts of the city.

* Food:

The food was very good. We ate traditional Hungarian stews, etc., on some occasions. On others, we grabbed food on the go (such as pastries), which caused a fair amount of weight gain, I discovered, on my return.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Prague was a very memorable city because the structures somehow maintained their integrity through World War II. We went in a synagogue that was hundreds of years old, for example.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

n/a

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans