Alumni Interview with Matt Mamounis

What inspired you to go abroad?

I visited Europe two years ago with a couple of friends, and since then I have been waiting for an opportunity to go back.

Why did you choose CISabroad?

I chose my program because I am a business student, so it only made sense for me to enroll in a business and economics program.

What was your favorite part about Prague?

My favorite part about Prague is that it is centrally located in Europe which made it easier to travel around the continent.

What made your experience abroad unique?

My abroad experience was unique because I was able to grasp the Czech language slightly quicker than some of the other students which gave me an upper hand in communicating with the locals.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

My onsite director made us aware that she would help us in anyway she was able to, having her help us made the experience a whole lot smoother.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

One thing I wish I would have done differently is go to Europe before my program started for more time to travel around and explore.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

A day in the life of my program consists of one or two classes a day, taking the tram to class through the city, being in school with economic students who appear to be very serious about their studies. After class would most likely prompt a return to the dorms with the other international/exchange students and then the night will lead into a walk on the Charles Bridge or a stroll through Old-Town Square to see the beauty of Prague.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time I enjoyed traveling, exploring, and going out to meet people and become closer with the other students in the city!

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

I lived in a dorm building, and it was actually really fun. It reminded me of freshman year of college living so close with the other students who are all just looking to make friends and have a good experience. The flats in the building had separate bathrooms, so I only had to share with three people rather than an entire floor which was a relief. The building offered laundry accommodation as well as an in-house gym and other extra activities available for rent.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Every participant should know some history of the Czech Republic before participating in my program just to understand the culture of the Czech people.

What was the hardest part about studying abroad?

The hardest part about studying in Prague was definitely the language barrier. I feel that this added an entire other layer to my experience that I would not have experienced if I studied in an English-speaking country. I did manage to pick up a little of the Czech language but often found myself too embarrassed or nervous to test it out with the locals. I am led to believe that Czechs have the mentality of keeping to themselves as they go about their day; it seemed like most people in Prague are very focused on their task and are not concerned with others around them. Many of the locals appeared to be very reserved in public, for the most part, conversations in public are quiet. If the status quo is interrupted by loud American students on the tram they are sure to receive some dirty looks. Communicating with locals was easier in club or bar settings.

What surprised you most about Prague?

Public transportation is extremely user friendly in Prague; this is what surprised me the most. Trams, buses, and three metro lines can get you almost anywhere you need to be, or at least in walking distance away. Transportation passes are valid for a certain amount of time and can be used on all three modes. The honor system is used to regulate the transportation, so as long as one has a valid pass when the transportation officials come around to check there is no need to fret.

What is one thing you wish you would have known before studying abroad in the Czech Republic?

One thing I wish I would have known before studying in the Czech Republic is more current Czech customs and cultures. Before coming to Prague, I took it upon myself to study some Czech history, and I even did a presentation in my Human Geography class on the history of the Czech lands. However, learning how Czechs behave in today's society might have also been beneficial.

If you could study abroad again, where would you go?

If I could study abroad again, I would love to study in Australia or New Zealand. I have not visited either destination, but one of my good friends I made in Prague was a student from Melbourne. My friendship with him has definitely increased my desire to travel to Australia!

What do you feel the biggest benefit of studying abroad is?

Becoming more globally and culturally aware is the biggest benefit of studying abroad, for as I explore more and more places it causes me to crave even more exploration. I have learned so much about myself and the world I live in from studying abroad.

Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Prague?

The best packing advice I can give to individuals headed to Prague is to pack at least a little for all four seasons with extra clothes that are warm for colder temperatures.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

My time abroad has impacted my life by making me a more worldly individual as well as thinking of my future in a different, more courageous way than before. I feel as if my abroad experience has made me more inclined to take a leap of faith or a risk when it comes to any type of uncharted territory. Studying abroad has instilled more confidence in me, and I am thankful for that everyday.

Would you recommend CISabroad to others? Why?

I would totally recommend CISabroad to others simply because of all of the fun I had! Living in Prague and studying with other exchange students made for such a great time, and it was one of the best decisions I have made as a college student. I think that everyone should take advantage of all this program has to offer.