AIFS Overseas Scholar Highlight: Molly’s Fall Semester in Prague

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Desperate to step into the footsteps of a school scholar who studied overseas within the Czech Republic? We just lately caught up with Molly from the College of Puget Sound, a faith, spirituality, & society (RSS) and gender queer research (GQS) double main, who did a research overseas program in Prague throughout the fall semester. 

Uncover how Molly’s research overseas expertise with AIFS Overseas helped her discover Central Europe and grow to be a extra assured, unbiased particular person! 

Selecting a Program Location & Time period 

When you determine you need to research overseas, the enjoyable half begins: selecting the place on the planet you need to go and when. AIFS Overseas enables you to browse tons of superior packages in thrilling worldwide locations across the globe, so you’ll find a program that’s finest for you. Right here’s why Molly selected to research overseas in Prague: 

“There have been so many causes I selected Prague. As somebody who research historical past, faith, and gender, I used to be entranced by Czech historical past and needed to discover its tradition. Furthermore, I felt that there was a major hole in my training, notably relating to Central and Jap Europe and former Communist international locations. I used to be drawn to Prague’s wealthy political and non secular previous, and the best way these histories proceed to form its current. I might advocate this program to future college students who’re open-minded and keen to have interaction with the distinctive tradition.” 

Whether or not you’re all for a full semester or a short-term program, AIFS Overseas lets you research or intern overseas when it’s handy for you. Right here’s how Molly described her choice to research overseas in Prague throughout the fall semester: 

“I selected to check overseas within the fall time period for a number of causes. At my house college, there have been vital courses I wanted to absorb the spring for my diploma, so the autumn match finest with my educational schedule. I used to be additionally excited to expertise Czech Independence Day and the Christmas markets, each of that are distinctive to the season.” 

Why AIFS Overseas? 

With trusted, extremely inclusive packages that supply hands-on studying experiences and unforgettable worldwide adventures, selecting AIFS Overseas is straightforward for a lot of faculty college students and latest graduates. Right here’s why Molly determined AIFS Overseas was proper for her: 

“I used to be motivated to decide on AIFS as a result of it was one of many few packages that supplied Prague as a location. Furthermore, I needed a research overseas expertise that was supportive and culturally partaking. What made AIFS stand out was this system’s holistic nature, from the excursions to volunteer and internship alternatives… Many former college students [said] that AIFS Overseas [programs] offered a sound construction whereas nonetheless permitting for unbiased exploration, which was very interesting to somebody touring overseas for the primary time. Understanding that I might have a dependable community, in addition to particular person freedom, made AIFS the appropriate selection for me.” 

College Expertise 

Learning overseas is a chance to immerse your self in a totally new studying surroundings. You’ll be able to take distinctive programs, apply your research to a neighborhood context, and be taught from professors with various views. 

Molly attended Charles College the place she liked all of her programs and located the hands-on studying experiences to be extraordinarily helpful: 

“I really feel extremely fortunate as a result of all of my courses had been wonderful, however one which particularly stood out was The Building of Czech Nationwide Identification and its Symbols. The category met as soon as every week for 3 hours, however solely the primary half was spent within the classroom. For the second half, our professor would take us out into town, utilizing Prague itself as our classroom. These excursions introduced the course materials to life and allowed us to attach historic and cultural ideas on to the areas and monuments round us.” 

Language Studying 

Don’t know a second language? No downside! Many AIFS Overseas packages don’t require you to have any prior international language expertise. However as Molly realized, taking a Czech language course in Prague was extraordinarily useful: 

“I didn’t want prior language expertise to be eligible for my program, however as soon as accepted, it was strongly advisable that we begin training. My Czech expertise improved considerably, thanks largely to a required two-week intensive course firstly, the place we realized important phrases and the right way to navigate on a regular basis conditions, like ordering meals… Talking a brand new language can really feel intimidating, however in my expertise, many Czech folks genuinely appreciated the hassle, even when your grammar or pronunciation wasn’t good.” 

Housing 

AIFS Overseas packages present protected and central housing so that you don’t have to fret about the place you’re going to remain throughout your time overseas. Hear Molly describe her expertise residing in a dorm in Prague: 

“I lived in a dorm with different AIFS and ECES (East and Central European Research) college students from the U.S. I had my very own room however shared a rest room and mini fridge with a roommate. Among the best elements of my housing was that every one of my AIFS associates had been in the identical constructing, which made it simple to attach and spend time collectively. We additionally had entry to a shared kitchen, which was extremely useful for making meals, and a chilly breakfast was offered on weekdays, a pleasant bonus and nice to have earlier than going off to class.” 

AIFS Overseas Actions & Excursions 

AIFS Overseas has on-site workers in every of our program locations. These trusted workers members are there to help you all through your program and might also lead programmatic journeys, excursions, and actions round your host metropolis and nation. As Molly explains, these included AIFS Overseas journeys and actions had been nice alternatives to journey and be taught extra in regards to the Czech Republic from the native workers: 

“I went on our journey to Brno/Moravia, which was actually memorable as a result of one in every of our on-site workers was from there and will share [her] native perspective. I additionally acquired to go to Karlovy Fluctuate, a spa city, the place I attempted the spring mineral water and hung out within the saunas, such a novel expertise! One in all my favourite elements of this system was our ‘Z walks,’ the place our workers member Z would take us across the metropolis or to museums to show us about Czech historical past, artwork, and tradition. These walks made Prague really feel a lot extra alive and acquainted.” 

Weekend Journeys 

Throughout your free time overseas, you’re greater than welcome to take journeys to different cities and international locations by yourself or with associates. As a Central European nation, the Czech Republic is a perfect launching level in your worldwide travels. Hear Molly record a number of the locations she visited throughout her research overseas program within the Czech Republic: 

“I went on a bunch of weekend journeys: Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest, Munich, and Barcelona. I attended Oktoberfest in Munich and celebrated Halloween in Barcelona, which was an incredible expertise. However actually, Salzburg was my favourite. We went climbing and acquired to see all The Sound of Music spots. It was lovely and felt actually particular.” 

AIFS Overseas Assist 

Regardless of the place you research overseas with AIFS Overseas, you may relaxation assured that you just’ll have trusted on-site workers there that can assist you get oriented and acclimated to your host metropolis. For Molly, the AIFS Overseas on-site workers had been a sport changer: 

“Everybody I met by way of AIFS was actually wonderful. My on-site workers, particularly, made such a distinction. They confirmed me locations I by no means would’ve found by myself and had been at all times there if I wanted help. I’ve celiac illness, they usually went out of their means to assist me discover protected meals choices and advocate for me, which made me really feel actually cared for. 

At any time when I bumped into any obstacles, my on-site workers had been wonderful and at all times helped me determine issues out. They made it simple to get entry to no matter I wanted.” 

The Influence of Research Overseas 

Learning overseas doesn’t simply form your current; it will possibly considerably affect your future, offering readability on what you need to do—academically, professionally, and personally. Molly’s time in her research overseas program formed her outlook and impressed her subsequent steps: 

“My time overseas has given me a lot confidence and independence. I’m at the moment making use of for a Fulbright, a Watson Fellowship, and grad colleges, and figuring out I’ve navigated residing and learning out of the country makes me really feel like I can tackle something.” 

Are you able to take the leap and research overseas like Molly did in Prague with AIFS Overseas? We’d love that can assist you begin your journey! 

Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to faculty college students research overseas. Our packages include many helpful inclusions (which actually take the stress out of planning!), reminiscent of housing, cultural and social actions, journeys and excursions, complete insurance coverage, 24/7 emergency help, on-site workers, and extra. Once you select AIFS Overseas, you’ll take consolation in figuring out you’ll have help all through your complete expertise.