I am going to be studying abroad next fall. My choices are between Aix-en-Provence, France and Prague, Czech Republic. I was wondering if anyone could give me some insight on these two, very different, places. Being an American, how will i be accepted? How are the women in these places? How expensive is it to go to clubs, bars, and restaurants? I would appreciate any information I could be provided with. Thanks.

Have heard from several reliable sources that the Czech woman are some of the most beautiful women in the world. The recent Sports Illustrated covergirl is a Czech. It is also cheaper to party in Prague if my degenerate nephew is acurate. He spent almost three months traveling in Europe after college graduation last year and reported Prague was his favorite place- by far (Barcelona came in second).

Or the degenerate Uncle Sam!<BR><BR>Take Prague!!!

uncle sam, you say prague all the way?? I am definitely weighing my options. I will have a good experience wherever i go, but i want to optimize.<BR>thanks

You're really talking apples and oranges here. Aix will expose you to the incredible Roman and other influences on the south of France. Prague is the coolest spot in Eastern Europe. Do you want to be in &quot;Old Europe&quot; or &quot;New Europe&quot;? You'll probably get more bang for your buck in Prague and meet more interesting people - just a thought. Of course, the allure of France never fails. As I said, apples and oranges,....up to you to decide.

I don't consider these cities very similar at all. Aix is much smaller and there is less to do, so I'd much rather spend extended time in Prague myself. However, that would depend mainly on what I was studying. There must be some difference in the educational programs and some tie-in to the location, isn't there? If they are really completely independent of the city (eg, you are studying photography), I'd also consider my other interests and if I wanted to travel on weekends and to where. I would choose a place I wanted to learn the language and perhaps see the surrounding areas more. On that score, I'd choose Aix, but you problably wouldn't or I suspect you'd mention these things, such as if you knew French or wanted to improve it. <BR><BR>Bottom line is that Prague is definitely cheaper than Aix for restaurants etc, and I think there is more of an American expat community there. I think Americans are very accepted in Prague. I have no idea how women will find you, can't speak to that. I'd rather spend a long time in Prague than Aix.

if you want to chat up a bird (to borrow the english phrase) do you want to do it over a great beer or a great wine? that is the question and the beer will be cheaper. Prague is a major city with much more nightlife. I suppose your field of study should have some bearing on the choice--Prague is full of history and architecture-a street photographer's paradise.

benzo asks<BR>&gt;How are the women in these places? &lt;<BR> From my limited experience, they seem to be just like all other women.

I went to Prague in August and absolutley loved it. It is a beautiful city with so much culture. The bars/clubs/restraunts are EXTREMELY inexpensive (like 50 cents for a pint of beer.) However, there is a LARGE language barrier and violence is pretty common at night. Someone mentioned the women are beautiful, they are, but most of them won't understand a word you are saying. <BR>One last thing - watch the police in Prague - they are pretty shady!!!<BR>I know it sounds like a half good-half bad answer, but all in all Pragua was an amazing experience - whichever you choose at least be sure to visit Prague some where along the way!!!! <BR>