I have officially been in Prague for a month. It’s amazing. Each day I learn so many new things about Czech history and culture, life in Europe and myself. My study abroad experience has gone above and beyond my academic expectations for this semester. My classes are exciting and challenge me to think in new ways. The readings are fascinating and allow me to understand more fully the Czech reaction to various events in the history of the world.
When I sat down to write this blog, it just occurred to me that I have not yet told you what exactly I’m studying here in Prague. I am learning about the impact of World War II, communism and the Soviet invasion on the arts, culture and lives of the Czech people. As a result, my classes focus on the history of Prague, the politics of Eastern Europe, contemporary Czech literature and alternative lifestyles in Eastern Europe. What I really enjoy about this combination of history, government, and literature courses is that the classes allow me to see the topics I study at William and Mary from a Czech and European perspective. Also, the discussions in my small classes with European students and European Professors have made me realize how American my ways of thinking are. Studying abroad has proven to me the need to think outside the box.
I love the fact that I can read Prague’s newspaper (the English version) and relate it to class discussion, reading or previous courses I have taken at WM. Everything is so interesting. I just can’t get enough. I feel so much more at home in Prague now that I am familiar with the language and have studied the history of the country. Maybe this means I am finally immersed in the culture. Prague feels like home and I love it.
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