CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic

My experience in Prague was amazing! I traveled a total of 8 other countries and learned so much about the world around me. I gained so much knowledge of how to travel and live on my own in a different country. As a STEM student, taking Calculus 3 and my humanities, I was able to handle both school and traveling on the weekends which was most important to me. CEA CAPA had amazing employees, that were very kind and helpful. At any point I needed aid or any type of recommendations, the staff was available. I created great relationships with my teachers and other students! Overall, I had an amazing experience thanks to CEA CAPA!

I absolutely loved my time on this program. Before going abroad CEA CAPA staff was super helpful with getting my visa, telling me how to pack, and preparing me with recommendations for the city. When I got abroad I had a great housing situation with lots of other students in my program also living in the same building. My apartment was well-furnished and in a great location. My classes at both the CEA CAPA study center and my Czech school were the perfect amount of challenging; I learned a lot but wasn't so inundated with work that I was unable to travel. CEA CAPA planned great events and excursions that brought me a lot closer to other students on my program, many of whom I am still close with even a year after my abroad program.

I'm so glad I chose to study in Prague – it truly became a second home. Despite its reputation for cloudy weather, Prague's natural beauty always shined through. The city's less touristy vibe allowed me to experience life like a local. As for the housing, I opted for a single bedroom and did not regret it; however, if you are sharing a room there is plenty of space. The flat I shared, situated in Prague 7, was filled with charming details like grand wooden doors, lofty ceilings, and the large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Having the tram station just outside the apartment was incredibly convenient, and the neighborhood felt exceptionally safe. Various shops and cafes (like my local favorite, Letka) were all within a 10 minute walk. The nearby parks quickly became my favorite places to visit with Letna's beer garden providing great views of Prague and Stromovka's peaceful ponds and large fields. A quick 10-minute tram ride, led to even more restaurants, bars, clubs, stores, and charming streets to explore. There is always something to do! The onsite staff was welcoming and offered an array of engaging activities like an overnight excursion to Český Krumlov, day trips, and smaller activities like attending the opera–we saw a modern performance where actors dressed as monkeys sang in Czech while performing acrobatics on trampolines, so don't underestimate the experience–indoor cycling, ice skating, jogging around the local park, and more! The staff's efforts truly enriched the overall experience. All of the classes I took were very interesting, had amazing professors, and a manageable work load. I recommend taking the Prague Art and Architecture class with Dr. Josef Záruba-Pfeffermann if you want to learn about the rich history of Prague by walking the city's streets and visiting various museums and monuments for free. Dr. Záruba's engaging teaching style involves telling historically significant stories that you wouldn't find in conventional textbooks, which always made the class interesting. Also, consider taking the elementary Czech language class with professor Šaršonová. She is helpful resource, a kind and encouraging person, and an amazing teacher. Learning the language from professor Šaršonová elevated my experience in Prague, enhancing my interactions and connections with the local culture. Finally, if you're looking to learn more about Central and Eastern Europe, take a class with Dr. Monika MacDonagh-Pajerová. Her firsthand experience as a student activist during the 1989 Velvet Revolution brings a unique perspective to her teaching. Once you visit Prague you will never want to leave! Being here was the most fun, important, and overall memorable period of my life.