What inspired you to go abroad?
Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to experience other cultures deeply inspires me. Going abroad allows me to build genuine connections with people from around the world, learning from their perspectives while also sharing my own experiences and knowledge. Immersing myself in different environments broadens my understanding of social, political, and economic realities, offering insights that go far beyond what can be learned in a classroom.
Traveling opens one's mind, challenges assumptions, and ultimately provides a more nuanced and global perspective on the world.
Why did you choose European Centre for Career Education?
ECCEDU offers a well-structured program that integrates interdisciplinary learning, bridging the business perspective with the more technical and meticulous aspects of engineering.
The program provides direct exposure to the professional world through field trips and the opportunity to work as an intern within one of the many partner enterprises.
This structure fosters not only practical experience but also a strong interdisciplinary and international community, creating valuable networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of how engineering operates in real-world contexts.
What was your favorite part about your host country/city?
Prague’s architecture
Prague quickly became one of my favorite cities in Europe. It offers a deep immersion into Czech culture through its remarkable architecture, art, music, and the warmth of its people. The city is full of excellent restaurants and scenic areas perfect for walking and exploring.
One of the aspects I appreciated most is how calm and safe Prague feels, which makes daily life there very enjoyable. At the same time, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone and creating a unique balance between tranquility and energy.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad truly extraordinary was the opportunity to return and build even deeper connections. In both experiences, the most remarkable aspect was the friendships I formed throughout the program.
Meeting people from cultural backgrounds different from my own, sharing experiences, and learning from one another created meaningful and lasting bonds. These connections extended far beyond the classroom. I formed friendships that continue to this day, with people I speak to regularly and even visit in their home countries. Those relationships are what made the experience genuinely unforgettable.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff provided exceptional support throughout the entire program, beginning with my arrival and continuing through the final day. The buddy program was an especially valuable resource, offering guidance at every step and always being available to answer questions or provide assistance.
When I encountered a situation that required a hospital visit, the staff was incredibly helpful and supportive, ensuring I felt accompanied and cared for throughout the entire process until my recovery. Their constant availability and genuine concern made a significant difference in my overall experience.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently is pushing myself to step outside my comfort zone more often. I can be somewhat introverted, and at times, that limited me from asking more questions, participating more actively in lectures, and making even more connections with classmates and coworkers.
Looking back, I would have embraced more opportunities to overcome that shyness, engaging more openly, exploring the city more freely, and fully immersing myself in every aspect of the experience.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day abroad started with waking up in the morning, planning my outfit, and heading to a café for breakfast. I then took the tram to the university for my first set of lectures.
Karlovy Lazne Nightclub
During the break, I had lunch with friends before returning for the second period. After classes, I went back home to rest and freshen up, and later in the evening, I would meet friends for dinner or a night out.
This same rhythm carried over to my workdays as well, creating a balanced routine between academics, professional life, and social experiences.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
Being in Prague, at the heart of Europe, gave me the opportunity to travel to different countries on the weekends, which allowed me to expand my cultural experiences and check off several bucket-list destinations.
When staying in the city, I loved walking through the historic center, discovering local hot spots, and simply taking in the atmosphere. I was also deeply inspired by the local and European fashion scene, which added another creative layer to my experience abroad.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a private suite at a student residence. What I appreciated most was having my own personal space while still being surrounded by friends living nearby. The residence was conveniently located close to a local Lidl and several public transportation stations, which made daily life very easy.
Overall, it was a comfortable and well-situated place to live, and compared to other housing experiences I've had in different parts of Europe, it stood out as particularly practical and enjoyable.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know is that this program offers far more than academics; it is what you make of it. Being open, proactive, and willing to step outside your comfort zone will greatly shape your experience.
The program provides strong academic support, professional opportunities, and an international community, but the most meaningful growth comes from engaging fully, building connections, and embracing both the challenges and opportunities of living abroad.
Would you recommend the Engineering Prague Program? Why?
Prague's city center
Yes, I would absolutely recommend this program and ECCEDU to others. The program is well organized and offers a strong balance between academics, professional experience, and cultural immersion. It provides meaningful exposure to the workforce, a supportive local staff, and an international environment that encourages both personal and professional growth.
Beyond the structured components, the community and connections formed make the experience especially valuable. Overall, it is a well-rounded program for students seeking a global perspective, real-world experience, and lasting connections.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity for growth, not only academically but also on a personal level.
Living in a different country pushes you to expand your mindset, adapt to new environments, and see the world from multiple perspectives. It encourages independence, confidence, and self-awareness. Additionally, being immersed in different cultures has influenced the way I express myself, even in areas like personal style and the way I present myself.
Overall, traveling abroad fosters a more open, curious, and well-rounded outlook on life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I'm home, my time abroad has had a lasting impact on how I see myself and the world. It made me more culturally aware, confident, and curious, with a stronger appreciation for different perspectives and ways of life.
I returned with a broader worldview, greater independence, and a clearer sense of personal expression, all of which continue to influence how I approach my studies, relationships, and everyday life.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, is about connection and growth rather than simply visiting new places.
It means immersing yourself in a different culture, building genuine relationships, and learning from perspectives that challenge your own. It's about engaging with a place beyond the surface, understanding how people live, think, and express themselves, and allowing those experiences to shape you.
Meaningful travel leaves a lasting impact, influencing how you see the world and how you move through it long after you return home.
