Meet Jordi Stephenson
Introducing Jordi, an alumnus of Graphic and Experience Design who had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Prague during the Spring of 2023. During his time in Prague, Jordi took several Design classes, including Graphic Design Studio with the beloved Matej Chabera, European Design History with Vojtech, Photography with Stepanka, and Astronomy with Bruno. A fun fact about Jordi is that he has two passports, one of which is European, allowing him to skip airport immigration with ease during his independent travels.
Program/Term:
Spring Classic, 2023
Major/College:
Graphic Design, College of Design
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I chose to study abroad because of my international influence growing up. My mother is from Spain, and as a part of the culture (as you’ll know after studying abroad), traveling was seen as a very important and normal thing. Being exposed to other people, cultures, and experiences within Europe and around the globe was a priority for our family and of course, me. Study abroad is THE PERFECT way to experience the world as a student.
How did living abroad in Prague differ from living in Raleigh?
Prague is a relatively walkable city. This means you and most people around you will be commuting by tram, bike, or foot (the tram is the most popular). Unlike Raleigh, where you need a car to get around or to leave campus, Prague allows you to be anywhere in the city in less than 30 minutes. You will gain an appreciation for European city design and the ability to go anywhere, anytime.
You live in the Zeitraum dorm in a neighborhood called Žižkov. Everyone in your classes and program will live there, doing amazing things around you. It is easy to get involved with and to create adventures with your program peers, given you are all in the same place, taking the same route to school every day.
However, the general culture is the biggest difference between living in Raleigh and Prague. You will quickly notice (and maybe adopt) the European mentality as you will be immersed in a great place with plenty of other young people wanting to have fun and enjoy life. Planning and going on trips on a whim will become commonplace, buying and cooking same-day groceries will be the norm, and tipping at restaurants won’t be a nightmare. Most importantly, the realization that life is more than just work and career; it is meant to be enjoyed and lived fully. This will show you more of life than anyone could otherwise realize in a US city like Raleigh.
It is easy to get involved with and to create adventures with your program peers, given you are all in the same place, taking the same route to school every day.
Tell us about one or more friendships you made during your Prague program.
I met two of my best friends while studying abroad, and one of them was in Prague. I was eager to find cool people to be with, as I only knew a few classmates when I arrived. Garret and I became friends through our sense of humor and our curiosity about philosophy. We would spend every day discussing the meaning and implications of certain things we were learning and experiencing. We took every chance to find a cool new coffee shop to do our design work. We bonded over our trips to Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland and grew closer through shared experiences. We also went to jazz bars where he played sax, but more on that later. I am grateful for the opportunity and situation that studying abroad put me in to make friends and memories like Garret.
Tell us about your class schedule. How did you balance your academics with traveling, visiting museums, exploring the city, etc.?
I took four classes in Prague: a 6-credit Graphic Design Studio and European Design History, Photography, and Astronomy courses. Fridays were off, but I did have class on Mondays. Design specifics: Professor Matĕj does an excellent job of allowing you time in the studio to work, with the expectation that all your work will be done in the studio. If you are in the College of Design, you understand how awesome that may feel. This allows you to explore and travel. Most classes also take field trips very often, so some traveling will be in the class. It’s a nice break from needing to stay in the studio. I recommend Photography with Štěpanka Stein and Europen History with Vojtěch Märc for field trip-heavy classes.
What advice do you have for students studying abroad in Prague?
Going in with an open mind and no expectations for how studying abroad will feel or affect you will help you make the most of the experience. As many stories and advice I can give you, nothing will prepare you more than just walking off the plane and doing it. A positive attitude, open mind, and an eagerness to learn and accept other cultures will prove exceptional in traveling and experiencing the world.
I recommend that you visit some of the jazz bars in Prague. Don’t be put off if the entrance looks strange – knock and have 100 Czech Crowns in cash ready to give to the doorman. One of the local bars is called Žižkov Žižka, while a nicer option is U Malého Glena in Malá Strana.
It is incredibly important to create and maintain connections with your Prague professors. They have extraordinary experiences to share and a whole other door of opportunities in Europe if you choose to live or work there after completing your studies abroad (hopefully you will).
My last advice is to use your Charles University student card to take advantage of the discounts available exclusively for students. It’s a great way to save money while you’re studying!
