Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Couldn't Have Asked for a Better Place to Spend My Semester Abroad Past Review

By (American Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges) - abroad from 09/08/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only was my semester in Prague worthwhile, but it was life changing. I learned so much about myself and the others that I spent my semester with, and made lifelong friends.

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.

While the academic rigor was not quite up to the level of my home school, it was just stimulating enough that combined with the demands of living abroad, I felt positively challenged.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The UPCES program is so well run and organized, I couldn't have asked for a better administration. The events and trips were well-planned and organized, and I always felt safe and comfortable asking any questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

While it was really stressful in the beginning to find apartments, it was well worth it in the end. I was so happy with all aspects of the apartment that I lived in - location, landlord, size, etc.

* Food:

While Czech food isn't my favorite, Prague has so many amazing options for all different types of foodies. UPCES has no involvement with any of our food though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Czech students were in many of our classes with us and were always willing to give their insight. UPCES also took us to many culturally immersive trips like hockey games and ballets.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Most people think Prague is not a safe city, but it is no better or worse than any other city in Europe. Obviously it is important to always be on your best behavior and high alert, but unless you are being stupid there is really not too much to worry about.

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)

Prague is a relatively inexpensive city and if you are contentious, you will be able to live very easily on a normal to even smaller budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to use Czech in your daily life as much as possible. Many Czechs will hear you struggling and just start speaking English, but really make the effort to even get a few basic words and phrases down.

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
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?
  • Organization
  • Trips and Events
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Apartment Search
  • Some of the Courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The courses in this program focus a lot more on Central and Eastern Europe than I expected. Also Czech is hard to learn.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.