CIEE College Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic

My J-Term Social Psychology course in the Czech Republic was my first time studying abroad, and I'm glad it was. I was initially nervous about the extended stay in a country I knew little about, but after settling in, I fell in love with the local charm. It's very easy to get around, even if you're a bit underprepared -- you can use English and credit cards at most places, you can navigate Prague using tram, bus, or subway, and if you're missing any necessities, you can definitely get it at a local store. The academics and classes were great, though not the most challenging. They were wonderfully bolstered by the day trips to neighboring cities, which provided a more comprehensive look at the country. CIEE also offered numerous amazing after-school activities, of which I attended and thoroughly enjoyed all. This was a great experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in studying abroad!

General Tips
- Make sure to bring 220v adaptors.
- Pack some warm coats (and maybe some boots).
- Bring some cash to exchange into Korunas (or Euros), as you will likely accrue an international fee withdrawing from ATMs and using debit/credit cards. If you don't mind the extra fees, you can get around using only card.
- If you do exchange money here, make sure to find a bank or exchange office that doesn't tack on fees.
- Feel free to visit local pubs and clubs with friends for a nice night out. Czechia is generally a safe country for tourists.
- BUT always be wary of pickpockets. While I didn't run into any, many do.

I absolutely love Prague and the city is very easy to navigate. The CIEE staff are very welcoming and happy to help or answer any questions you might have. The city is overall very safe and there was rarely any time where I felt unsafe. The excursions CIEE provided allowed us to immerse ourselves into the culture and also have fun while also learning. The class, social psychology, is very interesting and informative, I loved the field trip we took to the invisible exhibition, it allowed me to immerse myself in what it would be like if I had lost my sight. It was very informative and a fun experience. The class overall is easy for those who have had no prior psychology classes and a nice refresher for anyone who is already a psychology major.

There is so much to do while living in Prague. It is extremely easy to travel to any place you would like to see in Europe and it is one of the most fun cities in the world. There is always something to do and the housing truly makes it feel like a home versus other countries I visited. It is also one of the safest cities I visited. There are also a variety of courses that are interesting that also cross over with requirements from my home college. There are also a variety of attractions to visit in Prague as it contains some of the oldest architecture in Europe that is well preserved.

CIEE was an incredibly well-run program. They care about their students and provide much support. There are weekly guest lectures, activities, and thrilling field trips. It's a great time in the most beautiful city in Europe. The school itself is located within a breathtaking fort on one of the highest hills of the city. There's a great going out/night scene, and being in central Europe makes travel easy. Everything within Prague is incredibly cheap, especially compared to the other Western European cities that are most common for students studying abroad. Best beer in Europe!

CIEE’s Prague program exceeded my expectations for my semester abroad in every way. Not only were classes interesting and relevant to the local area, but CIEE also planned activities and trips to help us immerse ourselves more in the culture. Some of my favorites were cooking classes or the trip to Pilsen. I think everyone would benefit from studying abroad and the broadened global perspective they will leave with, and I think the Prague program is especially wonderful for people looking to have a unique study abroad experience.

This will be my most memorable semester by far. I was surrounded by people I loved while doing and learning about things I loved — I also got to know the city I lived in pretty well through lots of daytime excursions and exploration. Although it was difficult to find time to travel during the first couple of months, I got a lot out of being situated in Europe's center later in the semester. It was also a great opportunity to hone adulting skills (cooking, commuting, etc.) that will be helpful for the rest of my time in college. If I could go back, I would tell myself to document things more (keeping a daily journal, even if I write just a sentence)!

My study abroad experience in Prague was my first time traveling to Europe. Studying abroad through CIEE was the perfect choice. They made me feel at home in a new country and kept us engaged with the local culture and events. Even though I was in Prague for just a month, I felt like a local. The housing they provided was in a very residential and safe area, which greatly contributed to my sense of belonging and cultural immersion in Prague. My class was very intriguing, and my professor was very passionate about the subject. The homework load was not too bad either. Each class was 3 hours long, which at some times was hard, but our professor gave us little breaks every hour. Overall, I would definitely recommend studying abroad through CIEE. The academics, the housing, and the excursions that they plan are all very enjoyable.

I loved this program and everything they allowed us to do. Starting from the beginning it was a great welcome to a new country and meeting so many fun people. The classes were so detailed and learning-filled, and the extra circulars were great. We got to see tons of different places and got to go pottery painting, go on a wine tour, see holocaust museums, travel some, and more. It is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am so thankful to CIEE for making it special and something I could never forget.