Why Travel Teaches You More Than Any Textbook

Me on my first day of classes in Prague at Anglo American University (Sep. 2024).

When I decided to study abroad during the fall semester of my junior year at the University of San Diego, I had no idea what to expect. It was a scary decision, but I knew it was one I needed to make. After many discussions with friends and family, I decided on Prague, Czech Republic. Looking back, it was the most formative choice I have ever made. It reshaped the way I see my education, the world, and myself.

A major reason I chose Prague was its strong academic reputation, and it lived up to every expectation. The classes I took at Anglo-American University and CEA CAPA were challenging, engaging, and immersive. In Operations Management, my professor invited representatives from large European companies to speak with us. In my Jewish Experience in Prague course, my professor took us on tours of historic synagogues throughout the city. These classes were very different from anything I had taken at USD. My academic experience in Prague helped shape me into a stronger student and a more thoughtful professional, as it pushed me to think beyond the typical American way of learning and interpreting the world.

Of course, studying abroad is so much more than academics. My weekend trips and excursions were unforgettable. Whether it was touring a palace in Český Krumlov or riding every rollercoaster at Disneyland Paris with my best friends, each trip was just as meaningful as what I learned in the classroom. One of my favorite trips was visiting friends in Madrid. I explored beautiful churches and museums, and I had the chance to speak Spanish again, which I had missed so much from home. Still, nothing compared to simply living in Prague. I spent most of my free time wandering through the city, finding unique coffee shops and record stores, which made the city feel like my own.

Leaving Prague was bittersweet. I think about those few months constantly, but I returned home with a stronger sense of who I am. The confidence I gained from navigating the city and making new friends, along with the knowledge I gained from my professors about business in Europe, left a lasting mark on me. These experiences continue to guide me through my college journey and as I prepare for my career. If I had one piece of advice for anyone thinking of studying or taking a job abroad is to do it! It truly was the best choice I have ever made.