If you love history, sociology or politics this program is incredible Past Review

By (Sociology., Rice University) for

USAC Czech Republic: Prague - Politics, Culture, and the Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES. Go.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2007

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

See last response. If you love history, sociology or politics you can really make this program into something incredible. If you want to have fun you can also do that while still enjoying the professors and classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought they did a fabulous job with orientation and our trip. This program was pretty cheap in comparison to the other programs in Prague and around the world. I did a CIEE program the following semester that was a good $10,000 more expensive and the orientation, trip and general administration wasn't as good as USAC's in prague.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

So much fun.

* Food:

If you're a vegetarian you'll probably have to cook a lot. All the americans went to bohemian bagel, which is totally american, all the time. I tried to stay away from there but it was pretty delicious. There were tons of great bakeries, little food shops and whatnot. The traditional czech food isn't exactly my favorite though. Oh and the beer, it's amazing. Amazing. If you like breweries, you'll be happy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is an awesome program. Great people. Great classes. You're in the middle of Europe so you can travel my train or plane just about anywhere. Prague is BEAUTIFUL. There is so much hiking to do around Prague and in CZ too. The city has unbelievable nightlife. The coffee shop culture is amazing. I don't think you can go wrong personally...

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

You have to be careful about not getting into cabs and not getting pick-pocketed in the touristy areas but you should be fine. I saw a great doctor while I was there.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? I don't have the specifics, but if you're on a budge Prague is a great european city to go to because it's not on the euro. I spent so much less than my friends in other cities on food and getting around.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

I had never taken it before so everything I learned was an improvement.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans