My Tips for Making the Most of Your Study Abroad Experience

By: Rhea Banerjee

Studying abroad in Prague has been a whirlwind experience. From cultural immersion through class and trips, to meeting new friends from around the world, these three months have flown by. And it has been quite chaotic to manage. Here are some of my tips to make the most of this time.

Branch out to other schools

Sometimes it can be easy to stay in your bubble, with those from your home school. And while definitely comfortable, I have found that it is much more rewarding to meet new people from different schools, be it American or in the country you now call home. The people I have met here have completely changed my experience; I have learned much from their own backgrounds, learned much about myself, through our conversations at beer gardens or at museums or on walks.

Travel to new places

The wonderful thing about the EU is the Schengen area! Take advantage of the cheap travel opportunities and explore the places you might have never gone before. Being in Prague, I have used my central location to go to Budapest, across Austria, to Krakow, and all around! Friends of mine have visited Dubrovnik, Croatia, or Bled, Slovenia. Now is the perfect time to visit all the places and different cultures you don’t have easy access to.

Be involved—volunteer!

A rewarding experience in my time here has been volunteering at a local Czech elementary school; interacting with third grade students and tutoring them in English has been a great way to immerse myself in Prague—you can learn so much by interacting with the locals!

Learn the language

Taking Czech language classes here is a requirement by my home university, but one that I am truly grateful for. Learning the language not only makes your day-to-day life easier, but it also is a fun new skill to pick up! Being able to communicate with the barista, understand what you’re picking up at the grocery store, and know how to use public transportation are essential skills that are only made easier through taking language classes.

Try new foods and drink

I had never tried Czech food prior to coming to Prague—it is hearty, homey, and filling. I am grateful for the opportunity to try new foods, especially as a self-proclaimed foodie. It is so fulfilling to learn about other cultures through food and drink, as they are what connects as humans. While you may find stuff you don’t like, you will also find things you do. You can only expand your horizons.

List out all of the tourist attractions, and do them!

Living in a country for three months is vastly different from a weekend trip. You can get caught up in the daily ministrations of life—going to class, picking up groceries, doing homework. Yet, making time throughout the semester to truly explore the city you are in is an essential part of your study abroad experience. I try to do at least one “touristy” activity a week so I can confidently claim I know Prague by the time I leave in December.

Hopefully these tips make your own study abroad experience more enjoyable and fulfilling!

EXPLORE PRAGUE