As of March 25^th (8 weeks in Europe):

• Cities visited: 7
• Countries visited: 4
• Train rides (to and from Prague): 5
• Bus rides (to and from Prague): 4
• Plane rides (within Europe): 2

Recently, I have been reminded that I have traveled to Europe not just to travel, blog, and try new things; I often forget (or more honestly, ignore) the fact I came here to study. Although experiences rank higher than studying on my list of priorities here, the classes I am taking are interesting and related to my major. With several trips planned for the near future, I wanted to give a quick life update before I’m swept away by the next adventure.

School: I just completed my first round of exams and presentations. I did well on two presentations for my two Business Psychology classes (a solo presentation on the Law of Small Numbers and a group presentation on Belbin Team Roles). My midterm exam for my Intercultural Negotiations class was simpler than I expected, but I am a little nervous about the results of my Corporate Finance exam. I enjoy my Introduction to Czech class, and I wish it was faster-paced. When I wasn’t studying during this time, I was exploring Prague with my mom and preparing for trips post-midterms.

People: I am grateful for the people that I have met. I value friendships and relationships, and my heart ached when I left my closest friends and community. As a people person, I am energized by both getting to know new people and investing in relationships. (For those familiar with the Clifton Strengths, Relator, Individualization, and Woo are usually in my top five). I have made friends with fellow exchange students in my classes and with other English-speaking young adults at St. Thomas Catholic Church. I am excited to strengthen these friendships and continue to make new ones.

Worldview: As a freshman in college, I was exposed to a bigger world, filled with people of similar and different values, childhoods, and goals. I became comfortable in this world and moving abroad has stretched my perspective even more. The most drastic stretch I didn’t expect to experience came from meeting other practicing Catholics. The universality of the faith and one’s unique call to holiness shape one’s spirituality and relationship with Jesus. Where I expected to find people like me, I experienced new and different expressions of our shared faith. I realized that I held an incorrect notion of “one way” to be a “good” Catholic, and this notion is slowly dissolving. These discussions challenge me to explain my gut feelings and opinions I have always held. I’m grateful for these relationships and for these opportunities to strengthen my faith.

Ukraine: I am often asked how I am impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. My life has not drastically changed from the conflict, although I had to call off the possibility of vising St. Petersburg, Russia in June. There are many protests, collection drives, and opportunities to donate through various businesses. The Czech Republic has made it easy for refugees to come here, and my university has welcomed around 40 Ukrainian students into the Czech and English programs. Just this week, I helped a Ukrainian mother and daughter navigate the metro system. I am glad I could directly help in a small way and that I had a chance to practice my Russian. Also, inflation has strengthened the US dollar. At its peak, the US dollar was valued at 23.72 CZK (when I arrived in Prague, the US dollar was valued at 21.29 CZK). I am not sure what to expect and I am keeping up with the daily news.

Ways I have changed: I drink less water than I like and more beer than I expected. I wear nice clothes to class (compared to the t-shirts and leggings I wore in Texas). I don’t make eye contact and smile at people I pass on the sidewalk, and I walk a LOT more.

Things I miss from home: The things I miss the most from home are dancing Texas two-step with my friends and drinking freshly brewed drip coffee (here, I drink instant coffee or Americanos).

March has been all about midterms, people, and preparation. April will look different- with fewer school commitments, I have four trips planned outside of the Czech Republic and a friend visiting Prague. 😊