What It’s Like to Study Abroad in Prague with CIEE

By: Veronica Kaplan

I would be lying if I said I was not nervous to go abroad, even more so due to the fact I had never been to Prague. The whole summer leading up to this semester I was filled with excitement and had a million questions. What will my classes be like? What is the culture like? Is it expensive to travel around? On my flight over I was too excited and a little anxious to sleep. Upon my arrival, I met so many people and was greeted by the CIEE team. I no longer felt anxious, I felt I was where I was supposed to be. 

Throughout my time in Prague I have learned not only how to commute around the city and where the best chai latte is (version coffee makes an incredible apple chai), but I have become more independent while navigating a new city, in a new country, well, in a new continent. I think my semester abroad has been the greatest opportunity to experience. As a junior in college, it feels like the perfect time to travel and grow. I am still constantly learning both in the classroom and beyond. CIEE makes it clear how to navigate Prague, travel and safety tips, and a variety of other things. Due to their help and my new friends abroad I was able to travel to many places I had not been to such as Italy, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Hungary, and more. I had not really traveled around Europe before or done a true solo trip. I think if I had not gone abroad I not only would have missed out on new cultures and cities I dreamed of traveling to, but I would not have matured and be more confident in myself. 

If it were not for my home university, Tulane, I do not know if Prague would have been on my radar. The city felt so different from other places a lot of students tend to study abroad. It feels like stepping into a fairytale book and every building is breathtaking. Even the mini marts in 200 year old buildings. There are dozens of museums and historical sites I had the chance to explore and wish I had more time to see them all. I also may be biased when I say I think Prague Christmas markets are the best in Europe, but every one I have seen across Europe is incredible. The friends I have made both from Tulane and other universities across the U.S I hope to have for a lifetime. It was intimidating to feel as though I was starting over to make connections as I had my freshman year, but my fears quickly diminished during student orientation. People were very open to going out and exploring the city together and I hold those memories very close to my heart. 

My time abroad will be deeply cherished and if I could go back and tell myself the incredible adventure I was about to experience, I would have zero doubts about my choice. I am so grateful for CIEE offering me the chance to study in Prague.

EXPLORE PRAGUE