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 go abroad in the fall semester of my junior year at USD, I had no idea what to expect. It was a scary decision, but I knew that it was one I had to make. After long discussions with my friends and family, I finally landed on studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. Looking back, it was the most formative decision I have ever made. It truly reshaped the way I see my education, the world, and myself.

A big reason I chose Prague was for its strong academic reputation, and it really lived up to it. The classes I took at Anglo American University and CEA Capa were challenging but also very immersive. I experienced a great education, from my Operations Management professor bringing representatives from large European companies, to my Jewish Experience in Prague professor taking us on tours of synagogues. I was able to think beyond what was the typical American way of learning to understand academics in a more worldly view. My academic experience in Prague has shaped me into a better student and also a better professional.

Of course, studying abroad is more than academics. My weekend trips and excursions were picture-perfect. Whether it was touring a palace in Cesky Krumlov or going to Disneyland Paris with my best friends, my adventures became as meaningful as anything I learned in the classroom. Each trip taught me something new: how to navigate unfamiliar places and appreciate cultures different from my own.

Leaving Prague was bittersweet, and I think about those few months I spent there daily, but I carried home a stronger sense of who I am and what I am capable of. The experiences and lessons continue to guide me through my college journey and into 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.