Glad I experienced it, would do it a different way next time Past Review
By Shelby E (Willamette University) - abroad from 09/08/2014 to 12/12/2014 with
UPCES - Study Abroad in Prague (CERGE-EI, Charles University)
It was definitely worthwhile, but I would not choose UPCES again. This is the "party program" where many use Prague as a stop off point for traveling.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics were sub-par at best. The lectures were boring and dry, and the reading wasn't stimulating at all. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They're there if you really need help, but don't expect them to reach out. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Apartment was great! Fantastic location and good price. |
| * Food: |
I made my own food most of the time. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Cliquey, cliquey cliquey. Most schools came here with friends they'd already made. Don't look for much. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
One kid got black out drunk and broke his jaw climbing a ten foot wall. Good job UPCES. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
Easily able to afford Prague if you don't travel. Beer, or pivo is about 30 crowns, or less then 2 dollars. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make your own food! |
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 |
Czech classes were taught well, very active and engaging. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Spanish 231 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | YOU SHOULD KNOW CZECH BEFORE YOU GET HERE. I'm dead serious. It will be necessary. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | YOU NEED TO KNOW CZECH BEFORE YOU COME HERE |
