AIFS Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic (CU): Semester

I really enjoyed Prague. The city is amazing and has so many diverse experiences to offer. There is a vast selection of things to see including arts, good food, history, sports, nightlife, and nature. I felt that AIFS was really helpful and available with all the questions I had. I really liked the AIFS staff in Prague too (Jenny and Renata), they were both super fun to talk to and had lots of great insight to share. Prague is just genuinely one of the coolest cities I have been to. I also traveled a lot during my study abroad, and still found Prague to be my favorite or one of my favorite cities. Across all the different aspects of a city, it is just so consistent and have so much to see. I really enjoyed the AIFS group trip to Moravia as well. Some drawbacks I experienced now. There were many AIFS events to attend (which is a huge plus) but I found it pretty difficult to plan so far ahead with these and declare attendance. I understand it is difficult for AIFS to handle this issue but the restrictiveness was difficult as well because when you study abroad you are just trying to sort out your mind. It's very overwhelming to figure out the subset of things you actually want to allot your time towards, since there is just so much to do. The other thing I didn't love was how the dorms didn't provide food other than super simple breakfasts. And you don't really have any space for groceries and it seems like a waste of money to buy kitchen items (tools, spices, etc) for one semester. While it is fun to eat out and explore, it was pretty inconvenient to always have to do it. Lastly, integration w/ Charles University wasn't really there. I found that I made great friends with the other AIFS and other study abroad students staying at the dorms, but it was hard to have good experiences with local students or have a proper "campus life". Overall, I would still highly recommend Prague w/ AIFS. My study abroad semester was something I'll never forget, and I don't really have any regrets related to it.

I cannot emphasize the quality and experience of this program. Renata and Jenny are the best program advisors and truly were one of the most important parts of the program in my memory. I was hesitant about going abroad and looking back on that fear just makes me feel so grateful for the program's support and kindness throughout the entire semester.

Truly one of the most amazing and transforming times of my life. I recommend this program to ANYONE looking to travel and learn more about themselves and the world. I will forever love Prague and will 100% be back soon!

Going abroad through the AIFS Prague program was the best decision I have ever made! The staff was very helpful throughout the semester and any questions that needed answering were answered in a timely manner. The trips and activities that were offered were great too. The activities also helped build friendships early on with other people in the program which was very nice. I definitely recommend this program and Prague if you want the best abroad experience.

My experience abroad was amazing. AIFS made my transition into Prague seem-less and stress free. The advisors are so helpful and are truly here to make your experience better. I am so happy I chose to come to Prague and I couldn't have done it without AIFS.

The staff were very friendly and accommodating and our group became very close over the course of the semester and everyone loved Prague. I don't know a single person who isn't sad to leave. The city was beautiful and the people and Prague will always hold a special place in my heart.

Studying in Prague has been an amazing experience. It is a beautiful, lively city in an incredible location. A once in a lifetime opportunity to see the world and meet people from all over! Great support from staff and enthusiastic professors.

I had the best time in Prague exploring and meeting new people!! This has been an unforgettable experience that I will take with me forever. I have learned to purposefully get lost in the streets, try new things and talk to people I may not normally gravitate towards at home.

I honestly had the best 3 and a half months of my life while in Prague. The city is so beautiful it's so easy to fall in love with. The other students in the program are now some of my favorite people ever and I miss them dearly now that I'm home.

Studying abroad in Prague with AIFS was by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. First, the AIFS staff, Renata, Z, and Jenny were some of the kindest and most caring people I have ever met. Their passion for the program, the beautiful country of the Czech Republic, and all the students was honestly beautiful. Being able to learn from Z about absolutely anything you could possibly want to know was phenomenal. They always catered to the students in planning activities and always asked for input on what we would want to do which was so nice because it felt we were getting a personalized experience. The centralized location of Prague made it so easy to take excursions around the area via train or plane which allowed for even more immersion in the cultures of other countries as well. The classes were very fun and the professors were all so passionate about what they taught which made it even more enjoyable to learn from them. The best part overall though was the friendships I made. Living in Kolej created such a lovely community with everyone in AIFS but also with all the other programs that were learning at Charles University. Whether it was seeing everyone in the breakfast room, running into each other while doing laundry, or cooking a meal for 10 in the kitchen every little experience turned into a beautiful memory. I made some of the best friends ever and we still stay in touch daily. Since studying abroad we've traveled all around the US to meet up with each other and I am so grateful for this program for making that happen.

Oh, Prague. It was not a traditional choice for a first-time trip overseas, but I think this may be a part of what I learned about myself, and the people I met. Prague is a special place. It became clear to me, a week or so in, just how much the Soviet Occupation (which ended only forty years ago) impacts the behaviors of a society and its culture. Our program coordinator, a local, advised us not to smile at anyone, either on the street, or inside any shops or restaurants. I was a little put off by this at first, but I learned that it is not because Czech people are mean-spirited or unhappy; it is simply not how they live. Most explanations of cultural differences related back to their Soviet occupation, when people were so used to their every move being watched and reported. “Ah, no one usually talks on the trams or metros.” “Don’t wear anything too fancy; people generally don’t like any display of wealth.” “If you smile at a stranger, they’ll panic and think they’re supposed to know you.” Or, my favorite: “If you have a beer in your hand, it’s an open invitation for someone to approach you.” Czech people do not operate in any way that is wrong (except maybe their food), and even though some of their behaviors were significantly different than what I experience in the United States, as time I went by, I found myself adjusting — and even preferring — some of their practices. The biggest takeaway I received was a modification of my “us” versus “them” mentality. It is not that I became ignorantly unaware of our cultural differences, just much more adept at melding to the crowd, allowing myself to observe rather than participate and, importantly, be less hyper-aware of every different thing people were doing. I learned firsthand how people live in dissimilar, sometimes contrasting, ways, and how that changes the way people think. I would sometimes be shocked by the forwardness of some Czechs until I truly understood that I have no right to be offended or shocked — that’s just how they are, and it was my fault for not understanding that. I was a visitor, and that humbled me, allowing me to take a step outside of myself and my American bubble. Franz Kafka lived in Prague, and it makes sense that he was such an absurdist writer. Prague is romantic, but it is also eccentric and can be very odd (like the sculpture of two men peeing so elegantly entitled “Piss Sculpture”). This is to say: many odd situations taught me valuable lessons. Our program coordinator took our small group of twelve to a hidden, members-only bar, where her son-in-law was playing American folk music with a ragtag band that met every week. Despite their expectations, and even with most of us being from the Midwest or South, no one knew any of the songs, so we snuck a peak at our phones so we could sing the lyrics right. Sometimes you just have to play along to make others happy, especially when they’re doing something for you. And when we took a trip to Moravia and sang, with strict rehearsals from our program coordinator, a traditional Czech wine song to the family that hosted us for a wine tasting. The family bluntly told us that we butchered the Czech. I was slightly offended at first, but they were completely right, and there was no harm in admitting it. Czech humor is an acquired taste, and it mostly relies on crass, self-deprecating jokes. (And now, I see the appeal.) Or, when a friend and I ordered beer cheese at a divey restaurant only for it to come with pickled herring. Our waiter was so excited for us to try it we had no choice but to eat. It was awful, but Czechs are particular about wasting food, and he was so happy we had ordered it. Sometimes, you have to steel yourself and just do it. I did more than visit Prague. I saw Vienna, Budapest, Poprad, Smizany, Krakow, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Incisa, Pisa, Rome, and Illnau. I list all of these places because I learned something new in each of these cities. In Budapest, I learned how to respond to a crisis abroad. In Venice, I learned that traveling alone as a woman, while intimidating, is extremely freeing. Florence taught me physical adversity; how to persist despite the almost unbearable temperature of 112°F outside. Illnau showed me the kindness of strangers, and their willingness to talk for hours, exchanging life stories. I kept a daily journal of my travels, telling myself what I did that day so I won’t forget even the little details, which can sometimes hold the most vital lessons. The adaptability, humility, and confidence I learned through my travels will be invaluable to my daily life, allowing me to be a leader among peers and a confidant for friends. I plan to go to law school, and these skills will make it much easier for me to persist and remain optimistic despite the rigorous course load I will have to undertake. The courses I took in Prague while simultaneously trying to explore the city solidified an intense “work hard, play hard” mentality within me. And Prague, of course, will never leave my heart.

Prague is such a gorgeous city and going during the fall semester meant that I got to see it in summer, in fall, and in the snow! The AIFS staff in Prague were so enthusiastic and willing to plan any events that students wanted to do. (Plus the dorm provided breakfast :)

I never thought I would see the day where I would be seen as a local in Prague, but through this program, I really felt like one! There is still so much of the city I feel I have yet to explore, but this program provided a wonderful way to experience a unique culture with so much history and uniqueness that can't be seen anywhere else. Additionally, I felt like I learned so much both inside and outside of the classroom.

The AIFS staff really goes above and beyond to make this experience amazing; they care so much about the students and it really shows in their enthusiasum to book different social and cultural events and integrate the students into their surrounding enviorment and community. I will never forget my time in Prague and all the wonderful times I got to spend with AIFS.

Being apart of AIFS in Prague couldnt have been a better choice for myself, my needs and my wants. It was truly everything that I had expected/wanted and more. Upon arrival, I felt extremely welcomed by Renata and Jenny and amongst the other students in the dormitory. Orientation week was a blast and usually orientation weeks are long, tiring and boring. AIFS orientation was tiring, but very entertaining and exciting as we were able to learn about the city of Prague, but also about Czech Republic as a whole and go on amazing excursions. I stuck around with my fellow Americans for the first few weeks, but I really want to stress to fellow students to go out and explore alone sometimes. By doing this, you will make new friends from places you would have never thought or imagined, and you will feel much more fulfilled in the fact that you now have friends from around the globe, not just your own country. In terms of travelling, I did all of my travels solo and I believe this is the best way to go about this, unless one feels uncomfortable doing so and I can completely understand that. When going solo, youre obviously going to be alone most of the time unless you make good friends in the hostels which I was lucky enough to do so, but in terms of being alone in a new city, you must be your own best friend, feel comfortable in your own body no matter who you are, and through this you will have the ability to feel confident and entertain yourself when needed. Making long lasting relationships has definitely been the most important part of my experience as well as the most fun. I think everyone should give solo travel a try. In terms of schooling, courses were very easy and expectations were explained well by the professors. What made the courses most enjoyable were the professors themselves as they are all very kind people who care about our success, they made it easy to want to come to class.

AIFS's support before and throughout this program was invaluable! As someone who had not left the US before, their guidance upon arrival and in the transition to adjusting to foreign living really helped me get comfortable enough to settle in and make the experience my own. The program director in Prague, Renata, was absolutely amazing!!

I really enjoyed my time in Prague. The city is very easy to get around in thanks to the public transportation. The AIFs and ECES staff are very welcoming and supportive of students, and are very knowledgable of the city. I would recommend this program for someone interested in a quieter city experience.

Studying abroad in Prague was a dream come true. With the help of AIFS, I really got to get immersed in Czech culture, language, and history. The classes are incredibly interesting--and feature learning inside and outside of the classroom--but really, it is the cultural activities that make this program so good. Whether it's hiking up to Rip Hill or taking a guided tour, every offering of AIFS increases your appreciation of the city. I feel like I learned so much and had such a good time. Program staff offers a network of support, allowing you to customize your own experience with flexibility. Cannot recommend more!

My time in Prague has been one of the most transformative experiences of my college career, and it is safe to say of my my favorites. The people I met, the sights I saw, the food I ate, the experiences I had all cumulated into the the perfect time. I highly recommend this program to everyone who wants to get a unique study abroad time and learn about a more unique part of the world.

The AIFS staff are extremely well equipped and knowledgable. They were able to create an immersive and educational experience for myself and the rest of my cohort while giving us ample space to experience Prague on our own. We were able to express our interests and they adjusted our excursion and opportunities accordingly to ensure that we were able to make the most of our time in the Czech Republic. Support was provided every step of the way and often times the staff went above and beyond my expectations to cater to my individual needs. I can't imagine a better abroad experience than AIFS in Prague. The city is beautiful and has a unique culture unlike any other place in Europe. The region is very accessible to english speakers and has many different facets in regards to art, history, and European immersion. AIFS Prague was the best part of my college experience! Very grateful for the time I spent here.