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Western Washington University

USA 2023/2024 ISEP Exchange

Personal data
Mobility type:
study

Faculty at MU:
Faculty of Education

Field of study:
Social pedagogy / Social pedagogy

Level of study during period of placement:
Bachelor

Language used:
English

Summer/winter school?:
no

Period of studies:
autumn 2023
spring 2024

Period of placement (from-to):
2023-09-24 - 2024-06-14

Number of months:
9

Activities before my departure abroad
Where can information be found about courses taught at the foreign school?:
All the necessary information can be found at the WWU Website (https://registrar.wwu.edu/browse-classes) - just scroll a little bit down the page. There is Course Lookup Bar/Tool that will show you what classes are offered in which terms.

Which documents were needed for acceptance at the foreign university?:
Letter of Recommendation, Motivation Letter, IELTS/TOEFL Certificate in English

How far ahead did you have to organise your acceptance?:
I am not sure but the general rule is to communicate everything in advance, respond to emails in a timely manner. I think that the applications deadline is in March/April/May for the upcoming Fall Term and October/November for the upcoming Winter + Spring Term (Spring Semester at MUNI is Winter AND Spring Quarter at WWU).

Did you need a visa?:
yes

Documents and materials needed for a visa:
1) ISEP Letter of Certification (issued by ISEP to confirm/prove the acceptance of a foreign student)
2) Passport (mailed to the US Embassy in the Czech Republic along with other documents)
3) Interview Waiver (in case you don't have to go for an interview)
4) 5x5 cm Personal Photo (more information can be found at the US Embassy website: https://cz.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/)
5) DS-160 Visa Application Confirmation (application can be submitted here: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/)
6) DS-2019 (issued by ISEP)
7) J-1 No Objection Letter (issued by ISEP)
8) SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
9) MRV Fee Payment Receipt
10) Proof of Health Insurance (provided via ISEP as "Health and Safety Program Enrollment")
11) Proof of Funding (such as bank statement)
12) Acceptance Letter from the Host University (may differ based on the embassy/consulate)

Length of wait for visa:
After mailing all the documents/materials needed for visa to the Embassy, I think it took around 1-2 weeks before they sent me my passport with a visa. Overall, the process of gathering all the necessary documents is the most lengthy part (which takes around 2 weeks). I would not underestimate the waiting time as that can take much longer (especially if you need to go to the Embassy for an interview, which I did not because I had already been to the US before).

Fee for the visa:
MRV Fee: 3 520 CZK / 153 USD (Exchange Rate: 23 CZK / USD)
SEVIS Fee: 5 060 CZK / 220 USD (Exchange Rate: 23 CZK / USD)
Courier (to the Embassy and back): I don't know ... like 10 USD (230 CZK) for each I guess :D

Studies
Did you have a Learning Agreement signed before your departure?:
- choose option -

If not, why not?:
I think I did not know exactly which courses I would end up taking and which not (course capacity). But you don't have to worry about that - it's always better to have more courses and then drop some of them than taking wrong courses and/or missing credit requirements (both at the host and the home university).

Before your departure did you know how your courses would be recognised by your home faculty?:
Yes, I always made sure about the amount of credits of all courses and the form of recognition. I then made changes/alterations after I was sure about which courses I want to take.

During your stay did you change your Learning Agreement?:
Yes. I was supposed to stay at the Western Washington University for the Fall Quarter only but extended my Studies until Spring (in other words, for the whole academic year). I found out that the Learning Agreement is a document that MUNI requires, not the host university. In the process of course selection, therefore, it is essential to distinguish between the two entities (pay special attention to choosing classes through the university registration tool/website; LA can be finalised later on).

When and how did course registration take place? Are there any restrictions? Possibilities of making changes?:
The registration took place via the WWU - myWestern Registration Website/Tool. Most of the courses will require you to request an override from professors/instructors teaching the class (e.g. you need a prerequisite or to be a certain school year/major). Do not hesitate to shoot them an email - they are usually very helpful in the process! Don't forget to include your name, mention that you are an international student, the course name and code ("CRN"), and what is the reason why you want to take the class (academically/professionally speaking).

Did you take any examinations at the foreign school?:
I never took oral examinations, just written ones. This is usually the case at WWU - either a written test, an essay, a project or a presentation would be among the most used forms of evaluation/assessment. Often, it is a combination of the forementioned.

Does the school use the ECTS system?:
- choose option -

If not then explain how the credits there were recalculated into ECTS:
I agreed on the ratio with my Home University Faculty/Program Coordinator. The recalculation almost exclusively followed a ratio of 1.5 (e.g. for 4 credit course at WWU I would get 6 ETCS credits).

Describe the teaching methods (theory, practical and projects) and assessment of students:
I would say that the biggest difference is that most of the courses are very practical and connected to the job market in the States (the university hosts a lot of career/internship fairs throughout the year). As far as the teaching methods go, my experience is that the professors/instructors are very knowledgeable of their field and pass down the knowledge in a form of group discussions, presentations, group projects or lectures (sometimes a combination of lectures and then follow-up practical sessions would take place). Integration of theory is very well handled (unless you study history, I heard that is just full of one-sided lectures :D). Also, make sure that the course description is linked to practical implications before enrollment, and check on the difficulty of such courses.

Quality of teaching in comparison with home school:
The quality of teaching is - I would say - a bit better. The instructors really seem passionate about the topics they are teaching, and you can always tell there is a great history behind what they are teaching you (e.g. having a practical experience within the field).

How did you receive study materials?:
All study materials are available through an application from the university called "Canvas". Some instructors give you the materials in a printed form too (especially if working with it in a class). Books needed for the classes can be bought or lent out from the university Bookstore (I am, however, not sure how that works because I just got all the materials online at https://library.lol/).

Can you recommend an interesting course/subject/teacher?:
Oh - definitely! Several:

1) Management Consulting Skills with Lori Daniels (very practical course with a project element; you will be working in groups with a client to deliver a solution to their needs; the teacher is also great and has abundant experience in the field)
2) Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior with Sabrina Freeman (a very inspiring instructor with deep understanding of management and a very friendly and supportive spirit)
3) Conflict Management and Negotiations with Mary Sass (again, awesome instructor; the class is demanding but rewarding and gives you a lot of understanding of conflict perception)
4) Introduction to International Business (in case you would like to devote more time and energy to it in the future, this is a great starting point)
5) Cross-cultural Management with Skylar Powell (enthusiastic, empathetic and curious human being and an inspiring instructor; the course will give you a lot of support to process and reflect upon your Study Abroad experience - at least that is what it gave me! :D)

How well is the school library equipped?:
The school library is a sort of a central hub for students who want to study, print, work on school computers, ... The equipment I used is: school printers (B and W or Color), laminating station, computers with access to your email and Canvas (and internet, of course), Research and Writing Studio (with advice from students who work there for free), ... aaand ... there are more things (books, of course, among other resources) to use

Availability of computers, internet access, level of software needed, requirements on notebook:
Having a laptop is certainly a good idea (I couldn't imagine not having it), although there are computers on campus (and you can always find one ready for use). it is also very useful to bring it into classes. Internet is reliable and available almost everywhere on campus and in dorms (although I highly recommend getting a SIM card).

Options from printing and copying:
As I already mentioned, printing is available. Copying should be too (there is a whole "Student technology Center" with a variety of resources that you can use) but I never needed it/used it). Regarding the printers, you get 2 dollars per quarter for free to print out things (5 or 10 cents for black and white, 25 cents for color printing), and you can always refill your print account (with a US Card only!).

Does the foreign school/student organisation arrange special events for exchange students?:
yes

If yes then what?:
There are multiple gatherings for international students throughout the year for special occassions (Halloween, Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, ...) and "just like that" - usually one Thursday in a month. These gatherings/meetings take place in front of the international office.

How would you assess your integration with the local students (evaluation like in school from 1 to 5 with 1 as highest):
2

or describe in your own words:
Now, this is a really great question. I would say that I reached a very good level of integration with local students, based on how many people I have met here and how many I partied with. I must say, however, that there always seemed to be a barrier in communication of the cultural differences. These differences started to fade away with time and at the end of the academic year I felt like I belonged kind of naturally, with certain "deviations" (overall, I would say 80-85 %).

Practical questions on your placement
Where did you live?:
I lived in university dorms called Birnam Wood. It is a place on campus, approximately 15 minutes walk to the first buildings in which the courses take place (25 mins to Viking Union and Library on the other side of the campus).

Cost of accommodation - monthly:
0 USD

Additional comments to the price of accommodation (as to what the price includes):
My Study Abroad provider (ISEP) covered the tuition, meals and accommodation, therefore I didn't have to pay anything.

Describe the equipment. Tips for future students – what should they bring with them?:
So - this might be a little complicated for international students (not many people can afford to bring pots and pan onboard :D) but generally, there are three ways how to make sure you get everything set up in the dorms:

1) Contact your (future) room/flat-mates via the Housing Portal and agree on what others can and are willing to bring. They can surely find pots, pans, untesils, plates and bowls, glasses, mugs/cups, ... a microwave (not in the dorms which is a bit of a disappointment), a kettle (and/or other small appliances)!

2) Donation Program from Western (I am not sure about the exact name) - I haven't persoanlly used it but basically the university offers students kitchenware, appliances and other stuff to equip the dorms with

3) Thrift Stores - a cheap source of all sorts of things (you can literally find your new kitchen there, I am not kidding) so before you go into Fred Meyer (a grocery store), check out Value Village (the biggest one, fair prices, you can collect points and get discounts, it doesn't have fitting rooms so don't buy pants there), Trash to Treasure (small and cheaper than other), Goodwill (a big one too, fitting rooms available) or Worn Again (smaller, mainly clothes)! What you can get at Fred Meyer (or other store) for 25 dollars, you will likely get for like 5 or 10 dollars in thrift stores (my avorite is Value Village).

Additionally, the following is provided in the dorms: kitchen counter, shelves, a stove with oven, cupboards, a fridge and a freezer, drawers, a sink ... lamps, a few pieces of furniture (a coffee table, a chair and a sofa, a wooden table, 4 plastic chairs). The apartment includes a balcony.

How and how far ahead should accommodation be organised?:
The accommodation is organised through a Housing Portal (https://wwu.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortal/B24B529B/1/1/Home-Home) and I think it needs to be paid for (a deposit of 200 dollars) around 2-3 months ahead. The Program and the Host Coordinators should notify you of these things well in advance.

What are the catering options?:
Western Washington University offers various Meal Plans to the students. Generally, the dining halls are neatly organised, with different sorts of food (so, it's not that much of a "stereotype" of fried, sweet and unhealthy food). The main advantage of having a meal plan is that you don't have to worry about time and buying groceries/cooking. But it also means that you have to go with what the dining halls offer and that you need to go to the dining halls to eat. I found a meal plan unnecessary and instead cooked for myself (because I enjoy cooking and I like to do my own stuff). It is also slightly less expensive.

What are the rough costs of groceries (compare with Czech prices):
Well, the groceries are expensive... for a month, you will likely have to pay around 200 - 350 USD (4 600 - 8 050 CZK) (depending on how much you eat, what you buy, where you are buying the groceries, if you cook, how much you share and so on). Generally, try to avoid buying in Haggen (the closest but also the most expensive grocery store) - one of my roommates constantly bought a steak for like 13 dollars and I made fun of him that for the steaks I could buy a ticket to fly home. Get a bonus (membership) card in Fred Meyer (sometimes they have good deals), buy things in Grocery Outlet (cheaper, groceries close to the due date), avoid buying fast food/drinks/eat out too much. Just keep it simple (unless of course you want to be spoiled as f-ck xD). Alright ... if you know anyone who goes to CostCo (has a membership), ask if you could go with them (buying in bulk is extremely cheap compared to buying small products). Otherwise, WinCo foods is also good. Cheap pasta (and a lot) can be found in CHEF'S STORE (10 pounds = around 5kg). Another place I recommend is Trader Joe's (niche products of good quality and fair price).

Transport to location of placement:
There is a bus that goes from Seattle (from Vancouver too), then there is a bus system in Bellingham (reliable, relatively cheap - although you can only pay with 1dollar bills! - and for free for students). There is also a train option/alternative (for traveling to and from Vancouver/Seattle).

Rough prices for transportation:
1 dollar for one ride with the WTA (Whatcom Transportation Authority) in Bellingham (again, only if you do not have your student card; again, only 1dollar bills accepted!)

15 - 30 dollars per bus to/from Vancouver/Seattle

30 - 50 dollars per train to/from Vancouver/Seattle

Tips for purchasing cheap tickets and other recommendations:
Do it in advance (general rule), look for all the opportunities (train, bus, a friend with a car :DD). Do not spend money on car rental... Flight tickets are often expensive, compared to other means of transport.

What are the local transport options (public transport, cycling, on foot, rough prices):
You can rent a bike in the university Outdoor Center (for like 2 dollars per day), public transport is for free for students. Bellingham is, luckily, a walkable city (meaning that from Birnam Wood it takes around 20 minutes to reach the campus, 35 minutes to reach the Downtown, 30 minutes to Fred Meyer, 40 minutes to Grocery Outlet). I usually walked downtown and then came back by bus (if possible), or vice versa. During night, you can also use the Starlight Shuttle (for free for students, there is even an app for it). Having a friend who takes you places is a big advantage. America = cars. But you already know that :DD

What kind of formalities have to be arranged before arrival, for example residence permit?:
Accommodation (paying a housing deposit), visa (don't underestimate the time needed to get one), course registration (good to have), flights (buy the tickets as soon as you know you are accepted), insurance (through ISEP). Also, make sure you have Measles Immunization (WWU requires it).

What health insurance did you use? (rough price, advantages, disadvantages, is it necessary to arrange insurance at the university other than your home (Czech) insurance?):
ISEP provides insurance via their system/website. It is more expensive than if you arranged it yourself but it covers everything you will need. The price is 28 dollars/week for a comprehensive plan. I think it is also a requirement from the Program.

Did you have any experience with medical treatment abroad?:
Luckily, no. Take enough medication that you normally use because it will be difficult/complicated to get it abroad.

Did you work during your studies?:
I had an (unpaid) internship. Generally, if you really want to work/have an internship, you should ask your professors and attend internship/career fairs because that will get you somewhere. So - try it out! And don't be disappointed if you don't succeed, I am sure the experience itself will be more than great :)

What are the conditions for working for MU students?:
Well, depending on your sponsor/Program provider, this will differ. But generally you can apply for something called "Academic Training" if you are looking for an internship. If you would like to work, the only place where you CAN work is the university campus (you are not allowed to work off-campus as a J1 student). If you ahve questions about employment/AT/..., ask your providers (e.g. ISEP)!

Tips for free-time activities:
Lots. Bars/Pubs/Clubs (The Orion, The Bellingham Bar and Grill, Cap Hansen's, Red Rum, The Royal, Rumors, ...), theater, cinema, bowling places, shopping, ... Visit Vancouver (at least once and if you can), Seattle (at least once). It is memorable! :) Hiking (but make sure you have someone who will take you out) and walking (that you cando on your own, e.g. in Bellingham/Fairhaven). Find the best people and stick with them! <3

Financial support and expenses
Total grant from Centre for International Cooperation:
2574 USD

Monthly grant in CZK:
20000 CZK

Number of supported months:
3

Total number of months:
9

What other sources did you make use of to finance your placement?:
Most of my finances abroad came from my parents and from the ISEP Program (Meal Stipend of 2 000 USD per Quarter).

If you received another grant, state which and how much in CZK:
ISEP Meal Stipend 2 000 USD (approximately 46 000 CZK with Exchange rate of 23) per Quarter. For 3 Quarters, it comes to a total of 6 000 USD or 138 000 CZK.

 
Total fees associated with enrolment at the university:
0 CZK

a/ amount of enrolment fee:
0 CZK

b/ amount of tuition fees:
0 CZK

c/ amount of other fees (which):
160000 CZK

 
What was your average monthly expenditure?:
62100 CZK

a/ of which for accommodation:
0 CZK

b/ of which for catering:
0 CZK

c/ travel and recreation:
5200 CZK

Any comments to the average monthly expenditure:
The average monthly expenditure includes every transaction made that was related to my Study Abroad Program. This also means that the "Travel and Recreation" average per month includes my flights to and from the US. Furthermore, the monthly average is kind of misleading because some of the months I only spent around 500 USD, and the highest amount paid was in the beginning of my stay (5 000 USD).

I created an Excel Spreadsheet with all the transactions that I made. Overall, the Program accounted for 19 351 USD (445 073 CZK; Exchange Rate 23) - 9 668 USD (222 364 CZK; Exchange Rate 23; Meal Checks, Grants and other Sources of Income) = 9 683 USD (222 709 CZK; Exchange Rate 23).

Recognition of foreign studies at the home faculty
How many credits did you gain during your studies (in the system of the foreign school)?:
41

How many ECTS credits were recognised at MU?:
60

Did you know in advance which of your courses would be recognised by your home faculty?:
Yes. At the time of completion of this report, I still (technically) didn't know which of the courses would be, in the end, recognised but I am confident that all of them will be recognised either as "elective" or as a replacement of one of my mandatory courses at MUNI ("Selective Practice"). Regardless of your situation, always make sure that the home university knows about your (host university) courses and the intentions you have (it took a significant amount of effort/time/back and forth communication to agree on recognition of one of the courses I was taking at the host university).

What problems did you have with recognition?:
So far, I haven't had any significant problems with recognition of the courses I took. There is one course (connected to an internship I had) that I want to be accepted in replacement of home university course called "Selective Practice". However, the respective courses were/are taught in different semesters. This is why I had to make sure of the form of recognition (basically, my faculty international coordinator issued a document stating that the two courses will be recognised according to what we agreed upon, regardless of the semester they were/are taught in).

Overall assessment
Assessment of personal benefit (1 = excellent):
1

Assessment of academic benefit (1 = excellent):
1

Evaluate the information and support provided by the foreign school (1 = excellent):
1

Did you encounter any serious problems during your stay:
Not during my stay but after it had ended I ran into legal troubles. Let's just say the best advice I can give you is not to get drunk around people you don't know. It's really not like Europe.

What would you recommend to take with you:
An adapter (US socket with EU adaptation) will certainly come in handy, along with a laptop that you can bring to classes, library etc. (light/easily portable). Medication is important (always remembr that it will be a lot more complicated to get your pills/whatever abroad!). (The following for men mainly): nail clippers, shaving kit/razor, a white shirt (classy). Cash in case some places don't accept your card (it is also a good idea to open an account with a local bank - e.g. the Bank of America). Get a local SIM Card (at the international office or at T-Mobile). And finally - a simple sewing kit can help a lot :) The rest depends on you and your needs (suggested: sheet protectors, file folders, toothbrush, toothpaste and personal hygiene, personal towel, an umbrella or a raincoat, charging station/powerbank).

What most surprised you at the partner university in a positive way:
I think the biggest surprise - paradoxically - was the instructors' enthusiasm and sincere interest in students (which should be normal but not at all guaranteed). If you ask, they will really go great lengths to meet your needs! ;) I was also pleased by the amount of resources available (e.g. Student Technology Center, Food Pantries, ...) and by the beautiful campus.

What most surprised you at the partner university in a negative way:
I don't think there were many negative things that the university could directly (or easily) influence. Like ... the vacuums were trash and I would not trade the apartments for any other dorms but there were a lot of repairments throughout the year, pointing to systemic issues and to a need for replacements/renovations. I am also a bit disappointed that the university did not provide any emotional/social skills learning for students because it was an absolute hassle to be dealing with some of the immaturity that the local students sometimes exerted. I don't know if that counts but it would definitely help to have some kind of support in that field. And I think it was not just me who noticed this.

Further comments:
The experience itself was one of the best of my whole life. I realized many many important things about myself, people around me, friends, family, interests and priorities etc. It was also a huge challenge and it put a lot of pressure on me (especially to deal with things like schoolwork, loneliness and feeling homesick, culture shock, finances - expect high prices :D, ...) but I am confident to say that it made me stronger (and pretty much dedicated to live in Europe haha). I hope that if you decide to go, you will kow that it is not gonna be easy but also realize it's not because it would be easy that you are going for it. :) Have a good one!