What made you decide to travel and study abroad?
I was drawn to studying abroad because I wanted to experience a completely different culture and see more of Europe beyond Spain. I’ve always been fascinated by Central Europe, especially Prague, with its mix of history, culture, and vibrant student life. Studying at the University of New York in Prague also sounded like an incredible opportunity to meet people from all over the world and study English, which is so important these days. Plus, I knew it would be a challenge that would help me grow and become more independent.
Why did you choose the University of New York in Prague to study for a semester?
I chose the program at the University of New York in Prague because of its international community and English-taught courses, which are great for improving my language skills. They also offer a diverse range of classes that fit well with my degree in international business. Plus, they really support exchange students in adjusting to life in Prague and understanding Czech culture, which made me feel like I’d have a good support network. The city itself also played a huge role in my choice—it’s affordable for students, has amazing architecture, and has a rich history that I’ve always wanted to experience up close!
Eva Maria enjoying the view from a balcony in Brno, Czech Republic.
What was your favorite part about Prague?
My favorite part about Prague is definitely the atmosphere—it's like stepping into a fairy tale with all the cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and colorful baroque buildings. Every time I walk through Old Town Square or across the Charles Bridge, it feels magical! The vibe is so unique, blending history with this modern, lively student culture. There’s always something happening, from street performances to festivals and so many cozy cafes and parks where students hang out. I also love how easy it is to travel around Europe from Prague; it’s super central, so weekend trips are really accessible!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience in Prague truly extraordinary was the combination of the people I met and the sense of independence I gained. The international community at the university was incredible—everyone came from such different backgrounds, and I loved hearing everyone’s stories and learning about their cultures. We’d go on trips together, explore new parts of the city, and even have international dinners where we’d share food from our home countries. Living in a city like Prague also pushed me out of my comfort zone. Learning to navigate a new culture, a different language, and a new way of life taught me so much about myself. It was more than just studying; it was a full-on life experience that made me feel more confident and open-minded.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff at the University of New York in Prague were so helpful throughout the entire experience. They organized an orientation week just for exchange students, where they introduced us to Czech culture, helped us set up essentials like our student metro passes, and even took us on a guided tour of the city to help us get familiar with Prague. They were also great about answering questions and were available anytime we needed advice—whether it was about academics, navigating the city, or just tips for living in Prague. Plus, they organized social events and trips outside the city, which really helped us feel connected to both the university and the local culture. It made the transition so much smoother knowing I had that support system right from the start!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently is to take advantage of the language classes offered by the university. I picked up some basic Czech phrases along the way, but I think diving deeper into the language would have enhanced my experience even more. It would have helped me connect with locals on a different level, discover hidden gems in the city, and truly immerse myself in the culture. Plus, learning a few more phrases would have made navigating everyday situations, like ordering food or asking for directions, much easier. Overall, I think it would have added another layer of depth to my time in Prague!
Eva Maria walking along the Vltava River in Prague.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I'd head to campus for morning classes, which could include subjects like international marketing or cultural studies. The classes were interactive, with a mix of lectures and group discussions, often filled with perspectives from students around the world. After classes, I’d grab lunch with friends at a local spot, trying different Czech dishes like goulash or sví?ková. In the afternoons, I'd either attend more classes or hit the library to study and work on group projects. Sometimes, I’d explore the city or visit a museum if I had a break. Evenings were often spent socializing with friends, whether it was at a local bar, joining a study group, or attending university events. It was a perfect blend of academics and making the most of life in Prague!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
On weekends, I’d join other exchange students for day trips to nearby towns like Kutná Hora or even take short train trips to nearby countries like Austria or Germany. Prague's central location made it easy to travel, so I got to see so much of Europe. It was the perfect balance between city exploration, cultural immersion, and travel!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a shared student apartment arranged through the university. It was a cozy setup with three other international students, and we each had our own room but shared the kitchen and living areas. What I liked best was the sense of community it created—we’d cook dinners together, help each other with Czech phrases, and even plan weekend trips as a group. The apartment was located in a lively neighborhood with lots of cafes, parks, and easy access to the tram, so it was super convenient for getting to campus and exploring the city. It felt like a little family away from home!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know about studying at the University of New York in Prague is that embracing the city’s cultural differences will make your experience much more richer. Czech culture might feel reserved at first, and you’ll probably face a language barrier, but locals are very friendly once you engage with them, and learning even a few Czech phrases goes a long way! Be open to trying traditional foods, exploring beyond tourist spots, and connecting with both local and international students. This will help you feel more at home and make the most out of living in such a unique and beautiful city.
Old Town Square (Starom?stské nám?stí) in Prague.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Yes, I’d absolutely recommend my program at the University of New York in Prague to others! The university offers a great mix of international perspectives, quality courses taught in English, and a supportive environment for exchange students. They do a fantastic job with orientation and provide lots of resources to help you adjust, both academically and socially. Plus, Prague is an amazing city for students—it’s affordable, beautiful, and full of history and culture. The location makes it easy to travel, and the international community makes it feel welcoming and exciting. It’s an experience that really broadens your perspective and allows you to grow in so many ways!
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the personal growth it brings. Stepping into a new culture pushes you out of your comfort zone, making you more adaptable, open-minded, and independent. You learn to navigate new challenges, whether it’s communicating in a different language or adjusting to a different way of life. It also gives you a new perspective on your own culture and habits, helping you see the world in a much broader way. Plus, the connections you make with people from all over the world are invaluable—it’s like building a global network of friends and memories that stay with you forever.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I’m more independent and confident, especially in unfamiliar situations, and I feel more open to new experiences and people. My perspective on culture has expanded; I now find myself noticing and appreciating small cultural differences that I probably wouldn’t have before. I’ve also become more motivated to keep learning languages—I still practice a little Czech and want to keep improving my English. Academically and professionally, it gave me a huge boost, too; I feel more prepared to work in international environments and more connected to global issues. And, of course, I made friends from all over, so I now have this amazing network of people to visit in different countries, which keeps the travel bug alive!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, meaningful travel is all about immersing yourself in a place and truly connecting with its culture, people, and everyday life. It means going beyond the typical tourist experience—learning about local customs, trying traditional foods, and communicating with locals, even if it’s just a few words in their language. It’s about respecting and embracing the differences you encounter and being open to seeing things from new perspectives. Meaningful travel leaves you with a deeper understanding of the world, a sense of personal growth, and memories that go beyond photos and souvenirs. It’s an experience that changes you in ways that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
