European Study Abroad Center

Program Reviews

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Stephanie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Experience

The ESAC program allowed me to have the most incredible and life-changing experience. I met so many wonderful and beautiful people and would do it again in a heart beat! My eyes were opened to just how different each culture is and how they interact. We were able to travel to a different country each weekend and there was a lot of free time after classes to hang out and explore Prague!

What would you improve about this program?
The only downfall of the program was the housing. A few of us had an issue with the cleanliness and location of the dorms.
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Jordan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience, great trip!

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a study abroad experience. The city of Prague is a great place to stay and ESAC put on a fantastic trip for all students. The professors are very engaging and provide real life experience; no text book needed at all. I went last summer and it was a trip I will never forget.

What would you improve about this program?
I would have liked a list of attractions that were must sees and recommendations, but that also made the trip exciting. Exploring and finding our own attractions made for a great adventure.
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Nicholas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Prague was amazing! Read this

The City of Prague is not only filled with hundreds of years of history, but most of it is still intact. Mainly untouched by past wars, Prague is a cultural mecca filled with cobblestone lined streets, shopping, fine dining and a night life that rivals most major European cities. You will find that your day and night time experiences will make it hard to leave. The education that is delivered at the VSE is both exciting and insightful. The European learning style is interesting, challenging and refreshing. You will have plenty of time to explore, and will not be bombarded with out of class school work. There is a little, but not so much to where you are stuck in your room. The weekends will allow you to explore the city, or venture out to other cities and experience what Europe has to offer. The only regret that I have is that I left. True story!

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Nikki
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Time of your Life!!!

A place as unique as Prague, being there is such a blessing. But to actually get credits and work experience as well was a privilege. The company I worked for was Jama the Hollow, an Americanized restaurant with the best owner/boss anyone could ever ask for! If you are looking to live a life in the business or marketing world, this is definitely the opportunity for you.
The amazing thing about ESAC, is there are all different types of internships focusing on different interests people have. So check it out and sign up because it is something that will change your life. I know it did for me!
Along with the credits and experiences you are also paying for many other perks like activities and meals. It is something you will always be glad you did and thankful for the opportunity!
Traveling is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. Take that and run with it....or fly to Prague.

What would you improve about this program?
There is nothing too critical I can say about this program or the internship. Some people may have not liked the fact that you had to take two trams to get to work. However, I loved it! I could never get sick of the views out of the window or listening to the people sitting next to me. I could never understand a word they would say but they all seemed like interesting conversations.
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Nikki
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Experience

With an amazing group of people who run this program, the ESAC gave me day to day experiences that have molded me into a more educated and globalized person. I am so thankful for the memories!! Thank you!

What would you improve about this program?
If I could change one thing, it would be the food in the cafeteria. There wasn't many vegetarian options.
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HP2013Intern
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Prague: You can't put a price on the experience of a lifetime.

Upon my arrival in Prague I was welcomed into the ESAC program with open arms. As a full time marketing intern with Holmes Place Health Clubs, I was introduced to real world marketing with an international company. The experience was outstanding. I got to work closely with Holmes Place's Senior Marketing Coordinator and the graphic design team (which included interns from other countries like Malta and the UK) on many of their summer campaigns as well as working hard on newsletters used for enticing new members to join Holmes Place. I also was given some independent research to work on for Holmes Place with respect to the use of social media and the benefits social media can have for an up and coming company in today's technologically advanced world. I immediately felt like an integral part of their marketing team and it gave me both the real world and international experience that many others can not boast. While the days were long (I generally worked from 9-5) the experience was priceless. And after hours the beautiful and culturally rich city of Prague was waiting for me to explore! The interns and students were able to travel on the weekends as well, and Holmes Place was very flexible when it came to my travel; if I wished to take an extra day visiting another country they allowed me to work from home or on the go. Interning in Prague was the experience of a lifetime and I highly recommend the program to every student I know!

What would you improve about this program?
The only downside of the program were our living conditions. We lived in Praha 7 and the dorms weren't the best. However we spent such little time at the dorms that that was rather insignificant. Also, from my understanding, the program is moving the student housing to a nicer area more centrally located and closer to the university so this should not be a problem at all in the future.
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Barbara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Czech it out!

This trip was my very first time in another country, living on my own in a dorm like situation, and taking a summer course. I went into it fairly open minded and surprisingly enough was even more happy with my overall outcome of the trip. I honestly can't count the ways in which my experiences there have changed me for the better. Taking classes during summer was not my idea of a vacation in Europe, but honestly it very rarely got in the way of being able to thoroughly see Europe and my Professors were all great and understanding and enthusiastic about our experience there. Classes were in the morning and done before we knew it leaving plenty of time to go out and explore. Sadly it was only a month long and there is so much to do, but on the bright side you definitely won't go home feeling empty handed.

What would you improve about this program?
I'm a very adaptable person, I went into the living, school, and meal situation thinking it wouldn't be all that fancy or anything to rave about. The living standards were actually better than I had expected and there were always a sufficient amount of meal choices at breakfast and lunch that I never felt bored by the food. I really had nothing to complain about besides the typical complainers themselves!
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Phillip
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience

The time spent the city made me feel almost apart of it. all the instructors were very nice and understanding that you are there to tour as well as to learn. The only bad part of the trip was that it had to end!

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Sara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Truly unique opportunity to explore academics + culture

To this day, Prague remains one of my all-time favorite cities. This is, in large part, due to the hospitality and passion of the ESAC proprietors – Kristine and David.

They are dedicated teachers, observers, listeners, tour guides, and friends. They are well-connected into Czech culture and are dedicated to helping each student navigate an enriching experience.

The city – its standing in the world, its people, its development – is full of hesitancies, but also boldness. And thus, makes for a rich academic and cultural experience.

I attended this program the summer of 2005, so I anticipate there may be some improvements and changes since then. This review is based on my experience.

Each day started off with optional language and culture courses (should be mandatory and even a little longer). I enjoyed easing my way into the day with this course and it gave me the confidence I needed to navigate the city.

I was there on an independent study course for my master's degree in political science, so my experience was unique to the other students there working on undergrad degrees.

Kristine was supportive and attentive to my unique needs and challenges and served as a great mentor. I was able to attend classes, as my schedule allowed, but then was offered plenty of time for research and meetings with business and government officials.

The month-long program offered a great balance of academics and tourism, although I wish I had stayed an extra week to spend more time at some favorite spots away from the big group. For the most part, the program is setup to keep the group together for all activities. This is great for extroverts, but a little challenging for introverts who need some solo time to recharge.

The food is protein and carb heavy and a bit bland. As a vegetarian, I had to seek out produce and ended up buying groceries so I had healthier options. Finding time to eat a nutritious meal between all the scheduled activities was my biggest challenge.

The excursions were a lot of fun. It's helpful to have trusted mentors to help navigate your adventure. They know the best places to go, and when. And this makes sightseeing stress-free and absolutely delightful.

Overall, I'm still quite fond of my Prague academic adventure. I light up when someone mentions the city or asks about my experience. I can't imagine a more magical city to live in for one month and explore new academics and new culture.

What would you improve about this program?
Mandatory culture and language courses – and maybe even make them a bit longer.
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Katherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Overall a great program!

Overall ESAC was a great program. I interned and took one class. The internship was very helpful once applying for future internships and jobs. I interned with Deloitte in Prague and it definitely stood out on my resume. I got an internship back in the US with Deloitte and now have job offer. An international internship will make your resume stand out from others. The classes were also very well taught and interesting. The dorms were only about 5 minute ride to the city center. The directors were willing to help in anyway possible to make our stay better.

What would you improve about this program?
Dorms could be closer to city center.