Emma Gravgaard, Transfer Plus 3: Czech Republic Summer 2023
For any that are planning to study abroad on this program, some advice I would give is to just try new things and be open to the new experiences that being in a different country will give you. Going to new restaurants or museums can be very intimidating in a country where not everyone speaks your language and you aren’t always sure of the proper way to go about a situation. This is the time though to push past those fears and put yourself into uncomfortable situations. I was always nervous about trying something new, but I am so grateful that I put myself out there and the other people on the trip pushed me as well.
Additionally, would advise all those planning to study abroad on the program to come with an idea of what they want to focus on and dive deeper into throughout all of the experiential learning on this trip. We were tasked with, before the trip, to pick something we wanted to focus on. Whether that be history, architecture, public transport, or even something like human factors engineering, coming into this program with a solid idea for what you want to focus on will make the whole trip easier. Coming in with a solid idea will allow you to gather your thoughts and take notes on your idea throughout the entire trip, versus having to try and think back and remember all the little details after the trip is already done.
Finally, the biggest advice I can give to people is to take it all in and never be afraid to take pictures. Speaking from experience, it is feels embarrassing to take out your phone and snap a picture, as it just makes you feel like a tourist and in a foreign country that is not always how you want to feel. I urge anyone feeling that way to not be afraid and take all the pictures they want. Even months later I look back in the pictures from my trip and smile at all the fun I had and the memories that I made. I am so thankful I took in all the scenery and ambiance, but I also capture amazing times I had with other people on the trip, which made it even more special.
I think that everyone who has the opportunity to go on this trip should take it, I never would have experienced all that we did if I were to come here later in life, and I will treasure the memories of the trip forever.
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