First Hand Advice

Oct 17, 2009 -   Chico State's Study Abroad office offers Peer Advisors as an incredible asset to students looking to learn more about traveling in their choice country by someone who has actually experienced it.  April is the advisor for the Czech Republic and Russia programs offered, and studied abroad in Prague during spring 2009. I had prepared a list of specific questions and general inquiries to ask April when I went to meet with her on Monday.  After showing me a video that she had put together of her stay, I proceeded to bombard her with my list.  Here's what information I gathered on my most recent reconaiscence mission.   The Housing Situation:

• They will be furnished flats/apartments shared with either 1 or 2 other people
• Of the 2 bedrooms, 2 students in 1 room and 1 has their own room.
• There is usually one bathroom and each flat has a washer
• There is a kitchen with dishes and food storage
• Sheets and towels are provided

Technology:

• April recommended bringing a laptop because the lab and library are on campus, not in the "dorms", but said that it wasn't required to bring one
• Bring multiple memory cards and back them up on your laptop or online often
• Must bring own adapters and transformers
• She brought her unlocked Blackberry abroad and just bought a Czech prepaid SIM card to insert into it

Travel:

• She brought along a backpacker's backpack for traveling on weekends or holidays
• She left her stuff that she didn't bring traveling in her flat

Insurance:

• She seemed to think that the insurance covered just about everything, similar to traveler's insurance
• While she never had to use it, her friend did and her doctor's visits were covered
• She thinks that you pay up front at the visit and then keep your receipts to be reimbursed by the insurance

    It was sort of an information overload, but made me so much more excited about my decision!  I find now that more people are learning that I will be traveling to Prague, I meet more friends or family or friend-of-a-friend who have been before.  Katie, a family friend, traveled abroad in Prague a few years back and Kellan, a former co-worker and friend-of-a-friend, studied abroad through Chico State three years ago.  Sounds like I'm going to be meeting up with or contacting these lovely ladies more often as my departure date closes in! - 0 Comments