School in Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is so incredibly rich in culture, history, community, life, and opportunity. The thing I loved most about going abroad was the fact that at any random time in the day, I could look up random things to do in the city and find something absolutely amazing to do, and there was always a train to take me there. The public transit is so good and the city is absolutely filled with ancient roman ruins, epic cathedrals, and quintessential lush parks that no time in Prague is wasted. After class, I was able to take a 10 minute train ride to an entire different district of the city (Prague is split into neighborhoods by number, the lower the number = closer to the city center) and enter a nearly 2,000 year old church overlooking Prague. At night, there are jazz clubs and waterfront pizza places with live bands, it's just absolutely brimming with things to do, and there are always people about. It's the perfect city for friends to wander around and experience new things, as it's safe and absolutely beautiful. I think the main takeaway for studying abroad is to go in with an open mind and the will to do anything, the motivation to make something of your time there - because there is always something to do, you just need to go out and find it. The more you look, the more you will see, and it will be absolutely incredible. As for the classes, I highly highly highly recommend Art and Architecture in the Golden City, as it's just fieldtrips. Every class, they take you to a new historical site, like the National Museum, Roman ruins beneath a pub, a river tour cruise. It's a lot of fun and it introduced me to the city more than just walking around ever could. One thing I wish I did more was talk to locals. I didn't talk to many people that weren't in the program, so I learned a lot about Czech history and my peers, but not about Czech present. I wish I learned more about what Czech people care about nowadays and what their favorite restaurants are. Don't be afraid to look stupid or to not know the language. Czech people are very nice and most of them know English fluently. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy Prague! Na shledanou!