Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best decision I have ever made Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Middlebury College) - 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?
I learned a lot about myself and who I want to be. Additionally, I realized that there are many trivial things I pay too much attention that are not worth my time and energy.

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.

This course was helpful, insightful, and comforting. I learned an incredible amount and think that removing it as an option for future Middlebury students is a disservice.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were always there if you needed them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied. I rented an apartment with a friend from home and had a very pleasant experience. My landlord was always available and patient.

* Food:

Food is not expensive, but I suggest cooking a few times a week.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel as integrated as I should have.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

To be honest I never dealt with medical issues because I never got sick or injured. From what I have heard the hospital was nice and helpful.

* Safety:

I felt safer in Prague than I do in New York City.

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 not expensive but it is easy to make it so.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-$175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook a few times a week. It's fun and saves money

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

It is not necessary to speak Czech when in Prague

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? Nothing
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? Go to other districts in Prague besides Prague 1.

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
  • 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?
  • The people on my program
  • The city
  • The diversity in the city
* What could be improved?
  • Amount of programed organized trips
  • The 8:20 AM Czech class
  • The hostel when you first get to Prague
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I spent time in more obscure parts of Prague.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Housing Market in Central and Eastern European Context
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Martin Lux
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not super challenging. If you are into real estate at all I would suggest taking this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: Still waiting on transfer credits.