Slowing Down and Looking Up During a Semester in Prague
Studying abroad in Europe has become one of the most transformative experiences of my academic career. Not just because I was immersed in a new culture, but because walking down each street in Prague changed the way I understood creativity and daily life. One of the biggest differences that stood out to me was the architecture.
Prague National Theater's rooftop with Prague Castle in the background. We went here for a CEA CAPA excursion to watch ballet at the theatre.
Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, Germany, seen on a trip with my roommates from Prague and a roommate visiting from the US.
In the US, especially in the larger cities like New York and Chicago, buildings focus much more on modern design and optimizing space. But within Prague, and throughout much of Europe, so many of the buildings I passed on my way to class held centuries of stories and history.
The Žižkov Television Tower in Prague, a landmark from the Communist era, is famous for the ten faceless "Babies" sculptures climbing the tower. It's located in the heart of Prague!
Narrow alleyways, colorful town squares, Gothic facades, and tiny religious details were everywhere. No matter where I turned, the architecture felt intentional, and connected to something older than the present.
Learning about these buildings through my Art and Architecture class pushed me to slow down and truly appreciate the effort put into every structure in the city. From Baroque Architecture within the St. Nicholas Church to the Gothic elements in Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, I loved being able to turn my head to reveal a new era of architecture.
St. Vitus Cathedral, located within Prague Castle. We went here for one of our class field trips learning about the history and symbolism of stained glass.
St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) in Prague. Located in Lesser Town below Prague Castle, the church is noted for the ceiling frescoes and intricate sculptures around the interior.
My learning wasn’t just sitting around in the classroom, it was actively standing inside these places, walking through history rather than just reading about it. This truly allowed me to appreciate how design can evoke emotion, how older cities have a sense of calm, and how architecture can influence a person's perspective on the world.
The vehicle evolution collection at the National Technical Museum in Prague, featuring transport ranging from unicycles to locomotives. This was a class field trip taken after our final exams!
Sunset Cinema Prague, a rooftop movie theatre where we watched one of the Pirates of the Caribbean films while enjoying the sunset and snacks.
Being surrounded by this long-standing beauty reminded me that growth can’t happen overnight, but it can come slowly and quietly, the same way cities around Europe have evolved over generations.
At the Roman Forum during a weekend trip to celebrate my birthday, seeing all the amazing archaeological ruins that have survived centuries.
My time abroad has allowed me to adapt, navigate unfamiliar situations, and truly appreciate everything around me. It has also taught me the value of differences, and the beauty in change while not forgetting the past.
The Austrian Parliament Building located in Vienna, captured right after a thunderstorm. This was a weekend trip I took with my roommates as well!
The Colosseum in Rome, viewed from the restored arena floor, overlooking the historical site of gladiator contests - another weekend trip with my roommates!
Now that I am back home, I find myself noticing the little things. Every architectural detail catches my eye, reminding me of the centuries of growth and stories that are tied to each building in the world.
This post was written by T.A., an Alumni Ambassador at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor who studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic.
