Independence and Fun in a Growing City

I searched forever to find the right program for me, Studying abroad has been my dream for years so I was careful. I knew I wanted a summer program but I didn't like the idea of only going for a few weeks. And then I came across CEA and Prague. I could enroll for eight weeks and could earn up to nine credits. All in all my experience was unreal, Prague is an up and coming place, there's tons of nightlife and history and always something to do. CEA set me up with an apartment close to the center of the city, a ten minute ride and twenty minute walk from our school. The apartment was clean and simple, not luxury by any means but good for students. I shared the apartment with five other girls, each of us sharing room. We also had a kitchen/living room, two bathrooms, and a washing machine (don't expect a dryer, they're not around much in Europe.) We also shared the building with two apartments of guys in CEA.

In terms of classes I had a two week intensive course and then two six week courses. The two week one can be a bit much, four days a week, but none of my classes were too difficult. I took International Journalism, Digital Photography, and Holocaust and the Jewish Cultural Destruction. You are enrolled in the Anglo American University just like any other student, most of my classmates were in CEA as well but we did have some scattered international students. The teachers were flexible about missing classes, they all knew why we were there.

For free time I managed to take four trips during my eight weeks, to Vienna, Krakow, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Prague is really centrally located so its easy to accomplish some trips. Vienna and Berlin were each less than a four hour bus ride away. I also had friends who took trips to Budapest, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, even Dublin. Those ones are a bit more ambitious but are still doable. But there's plenty to do in Prague itself. If you like going out this is a great choice, we went to clubs and bars at least three or four times a week. The beers are cheap as can be and the clubs are usually amazing. The public transport at night also makes it was to get back to your place. During the day you can check out the Prague Castle, Old Town Square, the Funicular, the fortress, Charles Bridge, the lock bridge, the John Lennon Wall, the many musuems, honestly you don't get bored in Prague. CEA also facilities excursions in the city and out. They take you on trips to a monastery up an enormous hill that is also a brewery. They also offer trips to several of the smaller towns in the Czech Republic which are stunning and a weekend trip to Berlin.

Drawbacks and words or warning? Not many honestly. I truly enjoyed my time. Let's see if you come for the summer pack some warm stuff anyways. We had so much rain those first few weeks and we were all freezing. The food is good but simple and hearty so if you're looking for a food based trip you might want to look around more. Czech is a really hard language so don't elect to pick it up easily, it's not really a problem since everyone speaks English but take note of that.

I high recommend this trip and program. I only did the summer but I'm sure a semester would be equally amazing. Prague is a lively, safe, and vibrant city full of things to do and learn. CEA takes good care of its students so you can enjoy your independence but still have a safety net if you're nervous. I wish every day I could go back and I'm sure you will too!