CEA Faculty - Behind the Scenes

While Summertime blossoms across the northern hemisphere, bringing with it sunny days and relaxing vibes (in most cases, at least!), CEA too is doing its share of blossoming - with outstanding faculty members that is.

An engaging and interactive faculty member, CEA Prague's Chris Montoni exerts a personality and teaching style in and out of the classroom that has his colleagues raving about him. An American professor specializing in medieval studies, monasticism, Prague history, culture and art, Chris not only teaches CEA students during their programs abroad but also is a licensed tour guide, providing walking tours of Czech Republics capital.

We recently conducted a short, 10 question interview with Chris to get to know him a little bit better behind his professorial identity. Check it out!

 



1. What was the most unique country you’ve ever visited? 
Kosovo, because nobody is quite sure if it’s a country yet. Also the West Bank, same reason.

2. Where in the world would you most like to live?
I would like to live for a time in Iran, particularly in the city of Isfahan. I’ve always been fascinated by Persian culture, and I find it very unfortunate that people in the West misunderstand so fundamentally one of the world’s great civilizations. The same is true for the people, who are known to be some of the most welcoming and generous people in the world.

3. What is your favorite food?
Steak tartar and pistachio pudding

4.What is your least favorite food?
Anything made from liver, and anything served in McDonalds.

5. Which person from history would you most like to meet?
The guy that wrote the Bible, and Christopher Hitchens. Probably together. 

6. What class outside of your discipline would you most like to teach?
Meteorology, it was one of my favorite classes outside of history. 

7. What is one of the most interesting things you have learned from a student?
How to teach.

8. Why do you like teaching study abroad students?
Did I say I did? :) Actually, they can be quite maddening when they don’t come to class and don’t do their work! But when they are interested, and actively engaged in exploring the culture they are visiting, there is real sense that it’s opening doors in their life and worldview. It’s great when you feel you can be a small part of that. 

9. What is your life motto? 
Chew more (literally and figuratively)

10. If you could give one piece of advice to study abroad students what would it be?
Go for two semesters…at least.


Learn more about Chris and our other Prague faculty on our website!

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