Discovering cultural parallels in Prague, Czech Republic

Written by Jenna Richmond, Simons Foundation International Travel Grant recipient Fall 2019

In Fall 2018, I participated in a four month academic exchange at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. I found this opportunity significantly benefited my studies as an International Studies Major focused on comparative world politics, culture, and society.

Enrolled in the East and Central European Studies (ECES) Program, my classes included Comparative Politics: Transformation of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, Czech Culture and Civilization Course: A Field Trip into the Czech Psyche, From Thoreau To Havel: Chapters in Czech and American Struggle for Social Justice, Jewish History in Central and Eastern Europe, and Czech Language.

Study abroad allowed me to visit an abundance of historical sites relevant to my courses such as touring the Prague Jewish quarter with my Jewish History class, visiting the Czech Parliament and Vojna Communist Labor Camp Memorial with my Comparative Politics class, and seeing the ‘Prohibited Library,’ a collection of samizdat and exile literature from the communist era, with my Czech Culture class. Studying historical events in the region where they occurred provided a unique learning experience that textbooks alone could not have provided. Additionally, I was able to learn about these events through the lens of local culture and politics with the help of my Czech professors.

As I am interested in pursuing a career in the Foreign Service, this international academic exchange allowed me to experience living abroad for the first time. I also learned how to travel independently as I visited multiple countries including Poland, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia, Norway, and Austria. While I did encounter culture shock and language barriers during my four months abroad, these challenges allowed me to develop and improve my interpersonal and intercultural skills which was a personal goal of mine during exchange.

For this reason, I also participated in the Charles University Buddy program where I was matched with a local Charles University student. My buddy was very kind and friendly as she led myself and two other exchange students from the Netherlands and Australia around Prague to interesting cafés, festivals, and invited us to a family dinner at her home.

While there were vast differences in language, cultural practices, and politics, overall, I think my experience abroad taught me about the similarities people share. Whether it was learning about concern over the rise of right wing parties in the Czech Republic and the issue of discrimination against Roma minorities or experiencing the 100 year celebration of the founding of Czechoslovakia, study abroad highlighted how these examples have parallels in my own life experience, allowing me to share connection and understanding with Czech experiences. From exploring Prague and learning about Czech culture to developing Czech language skills and travelling to neighboring countries, studying in the ECES Program at Charles University allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, pursue my passion of travelling, and enrich my studies at Simon Fraser University.