Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Prague exposed me to cultural aspects I was never aware existed. Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/04/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

UPCES - Study Abroad in Prague (CERGE-EI, Charles University)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that even though it may be difficult, the best way to get the most out of your study abroad experience is to get outside of your comfort zone and really try to integrate yourself.

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:

* 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

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? Approximately $100-150

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Introductory Czech
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Peers in my program
  • Location of the city for travel
  • Flexibility of the program's schedule
* What could be improved?
  • Class size
  • Food
  • Study area accessibility
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't get complacent with hanging out exclusively with Americans and, specifically, whichever friends you go abroad with.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Ideas Behind Politics: Communism, Post-Communism, and Civil Society in Central Europe
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Prof. Juraj Hvorecky
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was relatively challenging and it provided some of the most culturally and historically relevant material for the country we were studying in.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Transition
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Prof. Vilem Semerak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was probably my most challenging course, however it was still very manageable.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department: Philosophy/History/Religious Studies
Instructor: Prof. Michal Plzak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: My first philosophy class, this was extremely thought provoking and new to me.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Introductory Czech
Course Department: Language
Instructor: Prof. Zuzana Svibkova
Instruction Language: English & Czech
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Prague as a Living History: Anatomy of a European Capital
Course Department: History
Instructor: Prof. Ondrej Skripnik
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: