Kendra Leghart
Prague, Czech Republic

Ahoj!

My name is Kendra Leghart and I am a history major. I spent my summer abroad in Prague in the Czech Republic with a program called AIFS. I wanted to go to Prague because I was doing my senior thesis on the country’s history and knew that it had some of the richest architecture in Europe. The buildings in Prague have been virtually unscathed by the world wars and some buildings date back to the 15th century and earlier! 

I chose to go with AIFS because the courses were taught in English and they had organized weekend excursions for the entire group, there were about 40 of us from all over the US. In the six weeks I spent abroad I got to see London, Krakow, Brno (small town in Moravia, Czech Republic), Berlin and Vienna. In Brno we went wine tasting and visited a castle; in Krakow, I saw the salt mines and Auschwitz, and in Vienna, I swam in a pool that was docked on the canal. I have seen some of the best Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance style architecture, eaten pierogi in the square while watching a live concert and had the best gelato in the world, perhaps too much!

Going abroad helped me realize my independence and expand my views of other cultures. Things such as tipping and sampling ice cream are not the norm in Prague and instead I found that when I went shopping, I either had to bring my own bag or pay for one. Instances like these helped me realize that there are other ways of doing things and different societies have different ways of functioning. The language barrier was sometimes frustrating, but for the most part, it led to more adventure and meeting new people. The AIFS guides were all Czech but spoke fluent English and showed a great understanding of the history and culture of their country. Being there for six weeks really made me feel like a part of the culture. I knew my way around and began to feel at home.

I think one of the most exciting nights in Prague was the final game of the Eurocup. They had large TV screens set up in the old town square and it was jam packed with fans. When Spain beat Germany the whole city went nuts, singing songs and partying into the night. (The Czechs strongly dislike the Germans). It was invigorating to be a part of the excitement and shout Vive Espana!

The experience I had will help me be more appreciative of certain American luxuries and also give me more respect for different cultures. I think that time abroad would be an excellent experience for any student and am very satisfied with my time in Prague. I hope more students get the chance to go.

Na shledanou!

Kendra