Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/10/2018 to 12/14/2018 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 different cultures and experienced various cultural events.

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.

* 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

Studying abroad was an amazing experience! I was able to travel to various countries and experienced great levels of cultural immersion.

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? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend your money wisely.

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? none
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? Speak the language as much as you can!

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?
  • the people
  • the city environment
* What could be improved?
  • student- teacher relations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To lock your apartment at all times!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Transition
Course Department: UPCES
Instructor: Vilém Semerák
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The lectures and homework assignments were not challenging but I think the mid term exam and final paper were both challenging. The mid term was harshly graded, suggesting that students were not fully aware of the professor's expectations. The professor was knowledgeable and well-prepared for classes, but not extremely concerned with the performance of his students.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Housing Market in European Context
Course Department: UPCES
Instructor: Martin Lux
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I did not think this course was too challenging. The teacher was always well-prepared and passionate about the content which made class very enjoyable. I participated frequently and was assessed through papers and exams.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department: History
Instructor: Michal Plzak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I really enjoyed this course, especially because I have always been interested in the Holocaust. Moreover, the teacher was very knowledgeable and came up with thought provoking questions which encouraged me to constantly participate. I was assessed through papers, exams, and a presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Living History of Prague
Course Department: History
Instructor: Ondrej Skripnik
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I really enjoyed this class as it made use of the location and offered many field trips. We visited many historic sites throughout the city and I was able to expand my knowledge of Prague and its unique history. I was assessed through papers, exams, and homework questions.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Czech Language
Course Department: Czech Language
Instructor: Petra
Instruction Language: Czech and English
Comments: This class was challenging as learning a language is always a challenge. The teacher was very well-prepared and encouraged risk taking throughout the semester. I feel that I learned a lot in just three months of language study. We went on a field trip to a local school and we were able to speak in Czech with other students.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A