Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing and jealous of the people going in the Spring. February 08, 2024

By (International Politics and Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/11/2023 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?
Just being immersed in a new culture was amazing and it was extremely worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would say that the content that we learned was very challenging, but the assignments we were given were not very challenging and there weren't a lot of them. Exams were often very tough though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were outstanding. Very helpful and almost felt like our parents abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My location was second to none, close walk to school and downtown Prague.

* Food:

Czech food is phenomenal, there were no issues here.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since I lived in Europe for 2 years I had no issue with integrating into the culture. I felt extremely comfortable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have an issue but my friend did and one of the administrators went to the hospital with him which was very comforting for him.

* Safety:

No issues here whatsoever, Prague was a very safe city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Program was wonderful and I met a lot of new people.

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)

Cooking at home saved me a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Intermediate Spanish
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? Pay attention in class and use the language when 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

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Administraton
  • Students
  • Course load
* 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? Being more open to meeting new people

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Czech

Course Department: Language
Instructor: Zusana
Instruction Language: Czech
Comments: Not a challenging class. It was very helpful for communicating with the locals. I participated often and the assignments were fairly easy.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

European Am Relations
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Josef
Instruction Language: Political Science
Comments: Very nice professor and very knowledgable, Assignments were easy but very interesting to do.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

CEE Economics
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Nikoloz
Instruction Language: Economics
Comments: Very challenging class and I feel like what we learned in class was not what would we do on all of our assignments. I tried hard in this class and didn't do well. I would not recommend this class
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Digital Currencies
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Saxa
Instruction Language: Economics
Comments: Very easy class and interesting. Professor was super nice and gave us assignments that were actually enjoyable and engaging to do. He was well prepared and always had us focused in class
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Comprehending the Holocaust
Course Department: History
Instructor: Plzek
Instruction Language: History
Comments: Very interesting class I took a Holocaust class at Middlebury but this was nothing like it at all, He gave us new perspectives on the Holocaust and gave it more in a Central European context. Assignments were fairly easy as well
Credit Transfer Issues: N/a