This internship opened the door to her current career in science communication. Studying abroad pushed Lauren out of her comfort zone, allowing her to make new friends with some truly wonderful people. Although she previously loved traveling, her time abroad solidified her understanding of the importance of experiencing different cultures.

Program/Term

English – Rhetoric and Professional Writing, Summer Internship 2022

Was Prague the best fit for your degree?

Yes, Prague was the best fit for my degree and career aspirations. I was pursuing a BA in English (Rhetoric and Professional Writing) and made sure to leave some general education requirements for later years because I wanted to study abroad. However, then COVID happened, and my opportunity to study abroad started to dwindle. Because I studied abroad the summer before my senior year, I knew I wanted to find a program that would give me work experience or look good on a resume. The Summer Internship program was a perfect fit for applying my college classroom education in a global work environment.

“Working in a global environment made me aware that I needed to say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ or give clear verbal responses to reduce the risk of confusion.”

Did you encounter any cultural challenges while studying there? How did you navigate them?

While I had travelled to Europe before, I had never been to Czechia or experienced its culture, so I didn’t really know what to expect. The people were so welcoming, kind and understanding. One thing I noticed in the workplace was that there was not a drawn-out sense of decorum. If someone had a question, they would ask it right away and sometimes the questions would take me by surprise. I remember being asked about American politics and gun regulations/safety by a coworker. It was not a question that I would ever expect to be asked by an American in the workplace, but my coworker meant no harm and passed no judgment. They were simply curious. Also, it changed the way I interact with people when there is a language barrier. You don’t realize it at first, but so many times throughout the day, I will just nod along, mumble something, or say “yeah” in agreement. Working in a global environment made me aware that I needed to say “yes” or “no” or give clear verbal responses to reduce the risk of confusion.

Which course has impacted you most?

My summer internship! The accompanying academic class, SLC 450: Applied Leadership Skill-Building within an Internship Experience*, was a space where all the students could get together to share their experiences or ask any questions they had. The actual work experience was something so unique and invaluable. 

*Taught by instructors from the Shelton Leardership Center

What was your favorite memory from your time in Prague?

Really just being there. Being able to take public transportation everywhere or walk. Going out with friends after work and coming back to see the sunrise. Making all new friends. One of my favorite fun facts to say about myself is that I lived in Prague for a summer. The entire experience was really so impactful.

Do you maintain any connections with friends or colleagues you met during your time there?

Yes! I made sure to connect on LinkedIn with almost all the colleagues I interacted with daily at work. Upon return, the friends I made and I would continue to hang out and visit each other. A lot of us now live in different cities, so it’s a great excuse to travel and see them. I always keep in touch with my old boss, just in case something comes up and I have the opportunity to work abroad again.

Did you explore other parts of Europe while studying in Prague? Which destinations stood out to you?

Whether it was with my group of friends on a train to Budapest for the weekend or flying to London to see my mother during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it was relatively easy and inexpensive. I remember on my flight to London, I ended up changing my flight and getting on an earlier one. I had to then pay for a new seat and chose one up front for very little CZK. It turns out that I bought business class and got a meal and champagne!

“Having that prior experience in science communication was incredibly impactful on my job search and helped land the job I have now.”

How has your time in Prague impacted your career path or life choices since then?

I was a communications intern for BIOCEV, I now work as a public communication specialist for the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State. Having that prior experience in science communication was incredibly impactful on my job search and helped land the job I have now. Also, working in a global environment was great exposure and experience. Right now, I work with individuals from all over the world (including Czechia!).

“I came out with a strong group of 8-10 friends who I never would have met otherwise – even though we were all NC State students.”

What advice would you give to students considering studying abroad in Prague?

Just fill out the application! Studying abroad is one of those things you hear people go on and on about because it really is just that important and transformative, especially during that time of your life. I went into my program with 0 friends. I knew two other people (neither of which were in my program or staying in my residence). I came out with a strong group of 8-10 friends who I never would have met otherwise – even though we were all NC State students.