Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I think my life peaked during these 3 months. January 24, 2024

By (Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/15/2023 to 12/15/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was worthwhile because I gained a whole new perspective and experience on Europe.

Personal Information

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.

* 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

Yes, I would do it all over again at the same program. I really enjoyed the small school with 80ish American kids from different universities. It was really easy to make new friends and feel connected in a place I was unfamiliar with.

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)

Yes it was pretty easy to be on a low budget in Prague.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

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? Intermediate
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? Use it in any restaurant and stores. We learn great phrases, sentences, ect.

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
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 city
  • My classmates
  • the CE economics
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew less so it was more surprising.

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:

CEE Economic Growth and Development
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Nikoloz Kudashvili
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Yes, it was challenging. The teacher was very good and educated on European Economics. Yes, participated more often that at Middlebury. We were assessed on papers, exams, homework, and participation.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not yet transferred the credit upon returning back to Middlebury.
Course Name/Rating:

Elementary Czech
Course Department: Language
Instructor: Barbora Těhníková
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: Yes challenging. Offered great field trips. The teacher was very helpful. Participated the same amount. Assessed by exams and homework.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred credits yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Environmental Economics in the CE Context
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Jana Krajčová
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Yes, challenging. No field trips. The teacher was very knowledgable and well prepared. Participated less. Lecture based class. Assessed by exams, presentations, and papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not yet transferred my credits.
Course Name/Rating:

Film as a Mirror
Course Department: Literature, Screening and Writing
Instructor: Brdeckova Tereza
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Yes, challenging. No field trips. Yes participated in class more. Teacher was very kowledgeable. Assessed by writing assignments and long papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not yet transferred my credits
Course Name/Rating:

Story of Religion
Course Department: Religion/Philosophy
Instructor: Petr Mucha
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great field trips. Yes challenging. Teacher was very knowledgeable and well prepared. Participated more. Assessed by exams and papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not yet transferred my credits.