The mandatory Czech language class was helpful Past Review

By (Philosophy, Tulane University) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Charles University
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.

There was very little day-to-day work or homework, which made exploring Prague and other cities very manageable. But when exams came around, there were many of them in a very short period of time, which proved to be relatively difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration could not have been any better. They were easy to reach (we had all of their cell phone numbers and email addresses, and they always got back to us within a few hours), helped with any and all problems that arose throughout the semester, and planned numerous trips for the program (to a few cities inside the Czech Republic as well as Krakow). Words cannot explain how helpful they were. They were great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

This is the one and only thing that should be changed about this program. Upon our arrival in this very foreign place, we were expected to work with realtors and actually sign a lease and rent an apartment on our own. The names and numbers of the realtors were provided to us by our program, but this was it. We were expected to pick our own roommates and literally shop around Prague looking for a place on our own. The advantage of this, however, was that we could choose exactly where we wanted to live in the city. People could live in the direct center of the city (as I did), but people could also live on the very outskirts of the city if they so chose to.

* Food:

Czech food is "poor man's food." There are a ton of heavy meats, gravies, potatoes, etc. It gets old very quick. Try many of the other incredible restaurants in Prague. Most notably: Cantina (Mexican) and Noi Thai (Thai).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We took multiple day trips to cities inside the Czech Republic as well as one overnight trip to Krakow, Poland. We also went on a boat cruise around Prague at the end of the program, which was great.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Prague is extremely safe. Besides pickpocketing (which is all over Europe and the world), there really is not anything to worry about. Regarding health, our program suggested doctors when they were needed and would help us through a situation if needbe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prague is extremely cheap compared to the US, but it can still add up if you eat out and party every night (which you will).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

There are definitely some people who speak English in Prague (especially near the city center), but once you move from the big tourist spots, it very quickly becomes difficult to communicate with people. This is why the mandatory Czech language class was helpful. Although it was a hard class, it proved to be very useful. I was able to get around the city, order food at a restaurant, and ask for directions in Czech at the end of the semester.

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Every single person that studied abroad in Europe said that besides their own city, Prague was their next favorite city. Putting aside all biases (people preferring their own city/program just because it's their own), this translates to Prague being the best city to study abroad in. It's extremely cheap, the nightlife is outrageous (possibly the best in Europe), the location is great (very central, which made it easy to travel all over europe), and it was an overall incredible experience

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Czech (language)

Course Department: -
Instructor: -
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: Mandatory class that is held at 8:20am (no other option). Very difficult and frustrating, but definitely useful while living in Prague.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Czechs, Germans, and Jews in Bohemian Lands

Course Department: -
Instructor: -
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Extremely boring. 3.5 hour lecture. Professor is very knowledgeable but impossible to pay attention to. Do not take this course.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending The Holocaust

Course Department: -
Instructor: Michal Plzak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Combines Holocaust history with an analysis of the Holocaust from a philosophical standpoint (ethics, morality, etc.). Very interesting material and professor. I highly recommend this course.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Human Relationships in Czech and American Film

Course Department: -
Instructor: Dan Shanahan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Basically a class on the philosophy of love. Examined and compared relationships (romantic, family, etc.) that exist in both cultures. Located very far from the main school building (30 min trip on the metro), but this was not a huge issue. Watched a movie every other class. Teacher was American and very interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: No