CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic

Studying abroad had a significant impact on my academic growth. It provided a chance to deepen my understanding and appreciation of politics and foreign affairs. I greatly admire Prague's political atmosphere, with its rich history and diverse viewpoints, and I learned so much. This experience gave me a unique opportunity to bring innovative ideas back to Marist. It is exciting to be in an environment where curiosity sparks ideas, innovation, and creativity. Because of this I engaged in meaningful intellectual exchanges with my peers in Prague, which will be a valuable learning experience for all of us. Additionally, I'm eager to gain a different academic perspective by interacting with professors from around the world, further broadening my concept of what it means to be a well-rounded student.

I can not emphasize enough what an incredible and transformative experience studying abroad is. The opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and independence is something I would not trade for the world. CEA CAPA heavily influenced by time abroad by facilitating awesome social events, providing support in a number of ways, and expanding my thinking in the classroom. The CEA team created a home away from home by fostering a sense of community and nurturing the growth of all students. The staff were always available and ready to do whatever was needed to improve my and my peers' experience. The activities they planned such as bowling night, a river cruise, an overnight trip to another Czech town, ice skating, and more allowed me to bond with other students in the program in a fun and natural environment. In addition, the professors were absolutely incredible. Their enthusiasm was contagious and the field trips gave me opportunities to see things I otherwise wouldn't have been able to access. Because of these things and many more, I am eternally grateful for CEA and the experience they provided me with.

Before departing for Prague in the Fall of 2024, my expectations were high. I had been an avid fan of famous Czech writer Franz Kafka for years, and I was desperately longing for a glimpse into the city which so greatly impacted his famous works of literature. Thanks to the help of the staff at CEA CAPA, my transition from an American university student to an temporary citizen of Prague was incredibly seamless. Not only did I become accustomed to being an international student rather quickly, but thanks to the resources presented by the CEA CAPA staff, I felt I was able to maximize my appreciation and exploration of not only the city, but the rest of the Czech-Republic and Europe as well.

Prague was the best home for four months. I decided to studying abroad somewhere where a lot of people at my home university and it was honestly the best decision. I met so many people from not only around the U.S but the world. There are so many things to do in Prague from going to Prague Castle to walking around Letna Park. Prague is such a central area that it's very easy to travel to other countries like Germany and Slovenia. Prague is a very safe city and I felt very comfortable walking alone, even at night. I would highly recommend studying abroad here!

Living in Prague was such an eye opener to cultures not so common found in the US. Getting around the city and traveling outside of Prague was so convenient and affordable. I often took day trips and still found time to get work done within a timely manner. The staff onsite are incredible; they really took the time to get to know everyone and helped with anything we might of needed. Although there were times I missed my family, Prague is an easy city to feel at home in. I learned to be more independent and live with new people for the first time. I also had the incredible opportunity to make friends from all over the world.

My four months abroad were truly remarkable and experiencing CEA CAPA made it even more meaningful. Through CEA CAPA, I took two unique courses - The Jewish Experience in Prague and Czech Culture, Food and Brewing Traditions -which offered incredible learning opportunities in and out of the classroom. I learned how to cook traditional Czech dishes and tried classic Czech candy. The field trips in these courses allowed me to explore places that I wouldn’t have otherwise, such as having a tour of Strahov Monastery Brewery and the Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I truly appreciated all the activities that CEA CAPA offered to help students adjust and explore other parts of the Czech Republic while meeting others in the program. My favorite of these excursions was the trip to Český Krumlov. It was an overnight excursion and we had all-included meals and a private tour of the town and castle. Here I was really able to meet others in my program who lived in a different part of Prague.

Additionally, living in local neighborhoods helped me fully immerse myself in the culture, making me feel less like a visitor and more like a local. With this set-up I felt that I had an easier time adjusting to life abroad and to the culture shock that followed.

If you ever want to feel like the main character of a historical drama while also living on a student budget, study abroad in Prague. This city is both a fairytale and a fever dream, where centuries-old castles and cobblestone streets coexist with underground techno clubs and beer that’s cheaper than water. And somehow, it all makes perfect sense.

I landed in Prague expecting a gorgeous, culturally rich experience (which, to be fair, I got), but what I didn’t expect was how absurdly convenient life here would be. The public transport system is god-tier. Trams and metros are fast, reliable, and run so frequently that if you miss one, another one magically appears like it sensed your disappointment. And unlike the overpriced, sweaty chaos that is American public transport, a three-month unlimited pass here costs less than what I once paid for a single Uber ride back home.

Academically speaking, studying abroad is one of those things that sounds rigorous on paper but, in reality, is more about studying vibes than actual studying. My classes are interesting enough (shoutout to my Media & Society professor for actually making me think), but let’s be real—most of my education is happening outside the classroom. Walking past the Astronomical Clock, navigating grocery stores where I can’t read half the labels, learning that “cheers” in Czech is na zdraví and that it’s apparently a crime to clink glasses without making intense eye contact.

Prague is also home to some of the best (and cheapest) food I’ve ever had. Czech cuisine? Heavy, meaty, and built to keep you alive through a medieval winter, even if you’re just surviving midterms. Goulash, svíčková, fried cheese—it’s all delicious and borderline dangerous. But my personal favorite discovery? The legendary lunch spots near my office. There’s The Wok (stir-fried noodles that haunt my dreams) and an Italian place with pasta so good it makes me question my life choices.

And then, there’s the nightlife. Prague’s bar scene is elite, but what makes it different from other cities is how weirdly cool everything is. One night you’re in an underground absinthe bar, the next you’re at a five-story club where each floor is a different genre of music, and then suddenly, you’re in a speakeasy hidden behind a random bookshelf. My personal favorite experience so far? Drinking beer in a centuries-old monastery while looking down at the entire city, like some sort of medieval academic who just finished transcribing an ancient manuscript.

Of course, it’s not all perfect. The customer service here is...an experience. Cashiers will deadpan-stare you into questioning your own existence. Smiling at strangers? Suspicious behavior. And don’t even get me started on the struggle of getting coins back as change and standing there like an idiot trying to count Czech koruna while an impatient line forms behind you. But honestly? It’s all part of the charm.

Studying abroad in Prague is one of those experiences that doesn’t feel real until you leave. It’s cheap, chaotic, beautiful, and occasionally confusing—but that’s what makes it so great. You come for the aesthetics, but you stay for the sheer unpredictability of it all. And if you’re lucky, you’ll leave with a slightly stronger liver, a newfound appreciation for public transport, and at least one story that sounds too ridiculous to be true.

Would I do it again? Without question. Would I advise you to come with an open mind, a decent winter coat, and a tolerance for dumplings? Absolutely.

Choosing to study abroad in Prague, Czechia was the best decision I made in my entire undergraduate career. I decided to go to a less common destination for my university, which was nerve wracking. However, this ended up being the best choice because I made so many friends from all over the world and immersed myself in a culture so different than my own. I adored my friends, living situation, and classes and gained a newfound sense of independence. Prague, you changed my life and I am so glad I picked you!