Having lived in Fayetteville, North Carolina for 16 years with little experience traveling internationally, Victoria journeyed to Prague eager to grow her independence and sense of adventure. When she arrives in Raleigh for the spring semester, she plans to pursue a degree in Biology utilizing NC State’s pre-Physician Assistant program. In the medical field, her study abroad experience will enhance her ability to empathize with patients who come from varied cultural backgrounds.

“Despite being in Prague for over a month now, I remain in constant awe of the city’s beauty, accessibility,
and excitement. “

First Impressions vs. Current Thoughts

Although I’ve been in Prague for over a month, I remain in constant awe of the city’s beauty, accessibility, and excitement. There is always something to do here: a festival to check out, a café or gelato shop to try, or even just a new part of town to explore. The Prague Connect program also provides a multitude of activities and excursions, such as historical tours, student mixers, and theatre showings, which have helped me dive straight into Czech culture.

Adjusting to Life Abroad

My transition from North Carolina to the Czech Republic has had its challenges, however, my enthusiasm for being here outweighs any discomfort. The language barrier is manageable thanks to our Czech lessons* and how widely English is spoken here. Though I miss my family back home, the amazing NC State Prague administration team and the lifelong friends I’ve met have made the adjustment seamless.

Overcoming Obstacles: Navigating the Czech Healthcare System

The biggest obstacle I faced in acclimating to Prague was not overcoming homesickness… it was overcoming actual sickness. While adjusting to the European air, I caught two viruses back-to-back in the first three weeks, one of which landed me in a local emergency room. Thankfully, the workload in my classes was especially calm during the first weeks, and my professors were

“The biggest obstacle I faced in acclimating to Prague was not overcoming homesickness… it was
overcoming actual sickness.”

very understanding. Many people catch viruses during their first exposure to traveling, and NC State Prague can help with insurance claims and hospital visits. —Huge shoutout to Martin for waiting with me in the ER until 5 a.m.! Ultimately, I had a smooth, positive experience with Czech healthcare.

“Prague never runs out of things to do. Or at least, I haven’t seen the end of it yet!”

Victoria’s Favorite Activities in the City

My favorite things to do in Prague include café-hopping with my friends, walking through the Old Town to class every morning, hunting for Asian food (if you didn’t know, Czechs love Asian cuisine!), sketching the scenery, and exploring the city bounds as much as possible (I have been as far as Prague 15!**). Again, Prague never runs out of things to do. Or at least, I haven’t seen the end of it yet!

Looking Ahead: Seasonal Festivities and Program Takeaways

As my semester of studying abroad draws to an end, I am looking forward to the fall foliage that will peak soon, the program’s Poland excursion in late October, and the Christmas markets that will open up in November and fill the Old Town squares.

This program has been an amazing opportunity to expand my cultural and regional horizons. When I return to North Carolina, I will bring back fond memories, friendships, and lessons that will forevermore shape my studies at NC State and my outlook on life.

*Our Czech teacher, Lenka Davisonová, is wonderful! All of the professors are!
**There are 10 municipal parts and 22 administrative districts of Prague.