Once in a Lifetime: An American Student’s Reflection of Prague
When I was asked to write an article about my experiences thus far, I was more than happy to do so; however what I thought would be a relatively easy task proved to be slightly more difficult. More than anything, I wanted to convey the sense of excitement I have felt from studying abroad and living in such a completely different culture. As of now, I have been living in Prague for almost four months, and everyday keeps getting better. Even before our semester began, I knew this was going to be a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” although I did not know to what extent; yet I can honestly say that my experiences here in the Czech Republic have far exceeded anything I ever could have imagined.
Since arriving, I have not only met some amazing people, but have also done and seen more than I had ever had thought possible. Our program (CIEE, Charles University) has organized weekend trips to Berlin, Vienna and Bratislava, as well as hiking and skiing trips, and other various excursions all around the Czech Republic, from Brno and Český Krumlov in Southern Moravia, to Plzen and Karlovy Vary in Northern Bohemia. Recently, I was able to go hiking in Český Raj, as well as travel to Budapest on a weekend trip with some friends. I cannot even begin to describe how amazing everything was, especially for me as this is my first time in central Europe. Every week there seems to be something different planned – meeting Czech families, attending world soccer and hockey games, prominent guest lectures, international movie and music festivals, various concerts, museums, operas, and so much more; there is truly something for everybody. And then of course, there is Prague itself, which is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. Every time I walk through the Old Town Square and stare up at the Týn Church, or walk across Charles Bridge, I am constantly in awe of my surroundings. Prague is so completely unique from anything I have ever seen, both in the United States and abroad. The phase, “once in a lifetime opportunity,” gets thrown around a lot, but I cannot think of any other situation which is more aptly deserving of such a label.
One thing that has really interested me is the opportunity for volunteer work, and I feel very lucky to be working with Dětské Televize, the Czech Republic’s children’s television station. Everyone involved with the organization does such an amazing job, and works so hard to help give children the chance to work firsthand with various types of media, helping them explore their creative potential. This is a program that I wish I had been a part of when I was younger, and even though I have only recently started working with the organization, I am already being presented with opportunities to edit and write articles. Just recently, we were taken on a tour of the Czech News Agency, which I found fascinating. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t understand everything that was being said, because the sense of hard work and excitement transcended all language barriers, and the trip only helped to reinforce my aspirations of working in the journalism field. Volunteering for Dětské Televize is something which I find highly enjoyable, and the fact that I am able to work with such great people, has truly made this one of my most rewarding experiences.
Another experience which has turned out to be equally rewarding, yet also most challenging, is my attempt at learning the language. Before coming to Prague, I thought learning Czech would be next to impossible, as it has a reputation for being a very difficult language to learn. However, after a few months of lessons, I find myself increasingly able to speak Czech in everyday situations such as ordering food, or even something as simple as getting my haircut. To be able to communicate effectively with a language of which I had no prior knowledge, and to actually be understood, is an incredible feeling of accomplishment. This is precisely why I wanted to come to Prague – to experience something completely new and different, while at the same time challenging myself – after all, that is in essence what “studying abroad” should be all about.
It is hard for me to realize that in one month our program will officially end. As I reflect back on the semester, I realize just exactly how much I have been able to see and do over the past few months. The friendships I have made, along with the memories of my time here, will forever stay with me. Prague has become my new home, and even though I will be returning to New York shortly, I feel incredibly proud that I had the opportunity to study here and not just be a tourist. I am excited to tell my friends and family about all of my experiences, but most of all, I am comforted in the knowledge that I will be back someday. I personally cannot imagine having been anywhere else but Praha this semester, and my decision to study abroad has easily been one of the best I have ever made.
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