20 Years in Prague. A Global Wolfpack Tradition.

More than 3,500 students have called Prague home, carrying its influence back to campus and beyond. The Pack is global—and Prague is where that journey begins.

In 2005, NC State opened its first official international facility, the European Center in Prague. That spring, the first group of students set out to study abroad through the Center—beginning a legacy that has empowered and enhanced the Wolfpack experience for two decades.

Since then, more than 3,500 students from across all majors have studied at the European Center, engaging in high-impact programs that expand their academic, professional and personal horizons. The Center has also created new opportunities for faculty and strengthened NC State’s role as a hub for global partnerships and networks.

NC State European Center in Prague at a Glance

High-impact experiences year-round: semester and short programs for every major
Academic connections: partnerships with leading local universities
Real-world opportunities: internships with both local and international industry leaders
Courses that count: 30+ classes in our course catalog
A thriving community: 400+ students each year, supported by 20+ local instructors and visiting NC State faculty members
Dedicated support: 10 staff on-site in Prague, plus 2 in Raleigh
Safe, welcoming environment: designed for NC State students to thrive abroad

Think and Do in Prague

NC State European Center in Prague Timeline 20 Years

From the Pack to Prague: 20 Years of Global Learning.

From Student to Faculty!

“Studying abroad in Prague helped me know myself on a deeper level. Studying in Prague helped teach me confidence and independence, empathy and communication skills– all within an engineering framework. Not to mention navigation skills and a deep love of goulash! I am so thankful that over a decade later, I get to help show the next generation of engineering students how global engineering really is through visiting Czech manufacturing plants, historic water treatment facilities, and utilizing the amazing public transportation systems!”

Meet Tres Seippel, Prague 2008

For Tres Seippel, an alumnus of NC State College of Design in landscape architecture, the chance to study in Prague was not just an academic requirement but a transformative experience that reshaped his personal and professional outlook.

Meet Kalene Thomas, Prague 2013

From being a student to now an instructor, Kalene has gone full circle. Kalene Thomas came to Prague in the summer 2013 as a student and is now returning regularly to Prague as an instructor offering first-year engineering students a chance to experience the interconnected world of engineering together!

Meet Lauren Marlier, Prague 2022

Lauren interned in communications at BIOCEV during the summer of 2022, marking the first time The Prague Center ran a summer internship program in Prague.

Meet Lily Sunshine, Prague 2022

For Lily, studying abroad in Prague was more than an academic experience — it was a turning point.

Meet Jose Guerrero-Martinez, Prague 2025

For Jose, studying in Prague reshaped his view of engineering and his own ambitions.

Meet Meera Patel, Prague 2024

As an International Studies major focusing on Central and Eastern Europe, Meera’s academic journey was greatly enriched by each unique encounter she had while abroad in Prague.

21% of all NC State students studying abroad chose Prague!

Campus Fall Events

In the fall of 2025, we celebrated 20 years of the European Center in Prague and its impact on the Wolfpack community. From September through November, join us for a series of events that showcase the power of global learning and the connections that shape NC State’s future.

September 2025

Information Session

We invite you to join our upcoming information session, where you can learn about the exciting study abroad programs we offer throughout the year. You will have the unique opportunity to hear stories and experiences from students who have undertaken these transformative journeys. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about the programs, destinations, or the application process.

Immersive Showcase: Step Into the Story!

Step into the stories that have defined two decades of transformative experiences! Dive into our 360° exhibition that retraces 20 years of study abroad in Prague. As we delve into our photo archive, we’ll explore how this vibrant city has shaped the journeys of countless NC State students. Discover what has changed, what remains the same, and the lasting impact of studying in Prague.

New Culture

“Studying in Prague allowed me to explore a culture I wouldn’t have considered on my own. It exposed me to a part of European culture that is unique in its own right and distinct from the places I was accustomed to.”

October 2025

Global Film Series: Czech Movie “Waves” (Czech: Vlny)

Join us for a special presentation of Waves, a remarkable Czech film short-listed for the Oscars in 2025. This poignant movie transports viewers to the experiences of Czech students during the tumultuous Prague Spring and the harrowing invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Red Army in August 1968.

NC State faculty member Paul Isom will give a short presentation to gain insight into the historical context of the film and its characters.

The event is in collaboration with University Libraries and the Office of Global Engagement.

A Taste of Prague

Join us for a special celebration during Red & White week as the Clark Dining Hall team prepares a special Czech meal just for you! Whether you’re a proud Prague alumni or simply eager to savor a taste of Czech cuisine, this event is not to be missed. Please mark your calendars for October 28, a date that holds extra significance as it coincides with Czech Independence Day. Come and experience a little slice of Prague with us!

Life Impact

“My time in Prague had a profound impact on both my career and life choices. The experience directly pushed me to pursue my master’s degree in Europe, where I studied International Real Estate and Planning at University College London. More broadly, studying in Prague ignited a desire to live in a dense urban center, which led me to move to New York City almost 15 years ago.”

A semester in Prague isn’t just study abroad—it’s a Wolfpack tradition that sparks new perspectives, friendships, and opportunities.

November 2025

Lightning talks and Faculty Round Table

Join us for an engaging discussion where NC State faculty members affiliated with the European Center will share exciting opportunities available in Prague! Hear from those who have experienced sabbaticals, conducted research, or led faculty-led programs, and discover how you can enhance your academic journey.

Prague Alumni Perspectives: Empowering Success Stories

You’re invited to a stimulating panel discussion that promises to transform your understanding of studying abroad! Join us for an engaging conversation with former participants from the Prague program, who will share their firsthand experiences and insights on how immersing themselves in a different culture expanded their horizons. Discover the practical benefits of studying abroad, from personal growth to professional opportunities, and learn how you can leverage these experiences to enhance your academic journey. Connect with fellow students, ask questions, and gain inspiration that could shape your own global adventure.

Zain Khan

Textile Technology’10, ’16
Wilson College of Textiles
Prague Summer, 2009

Zain Khan is the Vice President of Commercial at Everra, where he drives growth and leads integration of acquisitions that enhance the company’s market position. With a background in product marketing and impressive sales achievements, he actively contributes to industry boards and community initiatives. Zain holds an MBA from Wake Forest University and degrees in textiles from NC State, and he enjoys spending time with his family and engaging in sports.

Linkedin profile

Kalene Thomas

Industrial Engineering’17, ’19
NC State College of Engineering
Prague Summer, 2013

Kalene Thomas is the assistant director and academic advisor for the MEM Program at NC State University, where she helps students plan their academic and career paths. An NC State alumna, she is passionate about engineering education and is preparing to pursue a Ph.D. Meanwhile, she also teaches first-year engineering courses on campus and in Prague and volunteers with Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina while fostering rescue kittens.

Linkedin profile

Laura-Nella Hurst

Political Science’10
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Prague Spring, 2009

Laura-Nelle Hurst is a consultant for a global leadership development consulting firm, specializing in the launch of new solutions. A third-generation NC State alumna, she graduated summa cum laude in 2010 with a degree in Political Science. She is a current graduate student at NC State, pursuing a Master of Education in Training and Development. She studied in Prague in 2009. She lives in Charlotte with her husband and daughter.

Linkedin profile

Katie-Gray Jackson

Industrial Design’18
College of Design
Prague Summer, 2016

Katie-Gray Jackson is the Chief of Staff for Lenovo’s global Design Innovation Team, where she drives innovation and collaboration among interdisciplinary teams. Prior to this role, she worked as a Creative Strategist at Red Hat, focusing on scaling design thinking practices. Committed to the design community, she serves on the IDSA board, has facilitated studio courses, and co-founded the Social Innovation Fellowship at NC State to support emerging designers.

Linkedin profile

Adaptability and Confidence

“Studying in Prague broadened my perspective by immersing me in a culture both rich in history and remarkably open-minded. Navigating life in a foreign language taught me adaptability and confidence, while the experience of building friendships across cultures challenged me to communicate with greater empathy and clarity. It was a time of personal growth that continues to shape how I approach the world.”

20 Years in Prague. A Global Wolfpack Tradition.

NC State European Center in Prague at a Glance

Think and Do in Prague

From the Pack to Prague: 20 Years of Global Learning.

From Student to Faculty!