AIFS Abroad: Study, Intern, or Study & Intern in Czech Republic

My summer in Prague (and a few other countries, as well) was so worth it! I was disappointed at first because I wanted to do an entire semester overseas, but this summer program fit perfectly with my busy schedule. I spent a lot of time looking at beautiful buildings, getting lost, and eating food. It sounds monotonous, I know, but every day really can be an adventure if you make it one. My classes gave me a wider worldview, I learned a lot from my peers, and trying to navigate a new culture alone increased my confidence in being independent. I often had "yes" days- yes to new meals, new study spots, new experiences- and I was glad to have done that. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and that's how you grow. Advice for students? Go on Z's walks. He is precious. Although everyone loves Czech beer and clubbing, I stress getting a night of good rest. Do travel outside of Prague. Do that frequently. I problem have a ton more little tid-bits, but it's a little overwhelming trying to write a review on an entire 4 weeks! I am going to miss this captivating city and my wonderful friends!

Having never been in Europe before, I was really nervous about studying in Prague, where the language isn't English. However, as soon as I arrived, the AIFS program staff was absolutely incredible and helped us with anything and everything we needed. Between figuring out how to send postcards, finding the best places to eat, going to the doctors, and riding the metro, the staff helped us with everything. I had an incredible semester and AIFS provided us with so much-including weekends trips, opera and ballet performances, cooking classes, and weekly walks around Prague. I couldn't have asked for better program directors. All my worries were put to ease the second I arrived in Prague.

AIFS was an amazing experience from the beginning. After leading us on an organized stop in London, we were welcomed at the airport by amazing staff and transportation making travel easier than ever. One of my few disappointments was the dorms we were living in. They were small and not very welcoming, but we came to find that it was more of a reflection of the culture itself rather than poor accommodation of the program. Throughout the entire semester the faculty was beyond accommodating and extremely supportive. AIFS not only provided staff to help us acclimate to a new culture, but they offer many opportunities to emerge deep into your host country's culture (and often for free) such as a night out at the ballet, an afternoon in the cafe, or a day out touring different parts of the city. Affordable excursions to other countries through AIFS were also well organized and extremely entertaining. One of my most memorable experiences was the trip to Moravia with the staff. We traveled through the Czech countryside seeing towns, churches, wine cellars, and even going touring a cave. Another great aspect AIFS offers is volunteering in schools, or at an animal shelter. Spending one day a week teaching elementary level students english was extremely rewarding, and made my bond with Prague even deeper. Prague is an amazing city, but AIFS made my experience beyond anything I ever expected.

Prague is one of the safest cities in Europe. It has so many things to do from museums, cafes on every corner, underground bars, good eats, and lots of places to visit (within the city). The public transportation is amazing and super easy. AIFS does an amazing job of helping you adjust to your new surroundings, getting you out and exploring, and being there for you any time you need them. The Staff are some of the nicest, fun, caring, and supportive people I have ever met. You will not be disappointed in AIFS and Prague!

When you come abroad, especially to Prague, it's so easy to travel all over the country! Traveling was something really important to me; I knew that I wanted to see as much of Europe as possible. I was able to visit 12 different countries and it was all because I was located so centrally in Europe in Prague that it was an easier time for me to get around. Traveling to new countries was exciting and a learning experience each weekend. You see a new place with new people and a whole different culture! You learn how to adapt to situations and become independent. The memories made in each new country are special for the big experience and every little detail that goes along with it. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and go on a new adventure!

Going into my semester in Prague, I wasn't sure what to expect from a city and a country I was unfamiliar with, but in the end, I couldn't be happier to have had this experience. The city looks like it was taken out of a fairy tale and there's so much to see and explore. The school I studied at, Charles University, is one of the oldest in Europe and has a great program and so much history. It's also located in the center of Prague, so you can spend time in a historical cafe or the castle gardens before or after class. The program with AIFS only helps to make your experience better. They do a wonderful job of introducing the city and the culture to students and offer so many great activities ranging from a walk in a historical district or trip to the ballet to weekend excursions in other cities and countries. With a great program and a lovely and unique city like Prague, what's not to love?

I wanted to study abroad in a country that not many people have heard of, and not many are familiar with the Czech Republic. I love learning about architecture and Prague is the perfect place to study it, and I always had something new to look at. I have spent 4 months here and still run into new neighborhoods with very unique architecture every weekend. This city has been an amazing temporary home for me, and I got to explore smaller cities in the Czech Republic and outside the country as well. The excursions were incredible, and I am so glad I went through AIFS. I went on a few trips with friends, and had a great time getting to know different cultures. Overall it's been such a wonderful semester, and it will be difficult returning home!

Prague is an incredible city that is centrally located in Europe. The staff and excursions were all excellent and willing to help out in any situation. The professors were all extremely accommodating to travel plans. The AIFS cultural activites each week were helpful in getting to learn more about the city. Volunteering at a local high school was also a great experience to lean more about Czech culture. It was a great semester, with even better people! jkhdjkfhj