WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS WHILE ABROAD, AND WHY?
My favorite class abroad was definitely Czech Food & Brewing Traditions with CEA CAPA. We didn’t just get to try Czech dishes—we actually had to cook and bake them ourselves, which made me realize just how much effort goes into each recipe. It also showed me how different food in Europe feels compared to what I’m used to in the U.S. One of my favorite parts was learning about holiday traditions, like decorating eggs for Easter or baking a cake shaped like a lamb. Those little details made me feel more connected to Czech culture in a really fun and memorable way.

HOW DID YOU ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WHILE ABROAD?
I engaged with the local community in several ways during my time in Prague. Through my Subcultures class, I attended the Witch Festival in April and connected with local musicians at their gigs, where we were able to talk with them about their lives and perspectives. In my Czech Food & Brewing Traditions class, I explored the culture through food by cooking traditional dishes like goulash and smažený sýr, and by learning the history and preparation methods behind them. Beyond the classroom, I joined my partner university’s Travel Club, which allowed me to visit smaller Czech towns—hidden gems just a bus ride away—and experience everyday life outside the capital. These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of Czech traditions, values, and community life.