Our time in Prague and the Czech Republic has come to an end. I write this as my Lufthansa flight taxis across the runway at Václav Havel to reach my connection in Frankfurt. While I am glad to return home and rest, and appreciative of the multitude experiences forged hence, a piece of me is sad that I didn’t elect for a post-program stay this endearing country.
It is difficult to summarize or address the breadth of our short stay here, and neither will I; for that, look to the thirteen or so of these made previous. Instead, I wish to take the space necessary to appreciate all that has come to pass.
I had first discovered this program in my time working as a peer advisor for the global experiences office in Swanson, and thought it offered an opportunity unique from the other short-term programs. Having previous experience through the university in the Netherlands, and already planning for a semester abroad in France, I wanted to step outside of the sphere of Western Europe, and I am glad that I did.
The Czech Republic wears those differences on its sleeve. From the living architecture of Prague and Kutná Hora and Český Krumlov to the Slavic heritage of the language and culture to the funny position at the dead center of Europe, the interaction of so many parallel developments has carved out a country I already want to return to. Existing in the day-to-day is so deeply fulfilling, and in every street corner or crowded tram car you can feel the very heart of the city.
But it’s not just the culture, either. Through this program we were given the opportunity to speak to so many professionals and see so many technological developments otherwise restricted to the general public. Never will I, of my own accord, visit another open pit mine or tour another automotive manufacturing plant, let alone in another country. The wealth of knowledge and perspectives was vast and remains at times difficult to reimagine. Through this program, I believe I’ve learned the greatest lessons in what it actually means to be an engineer to date.
Finally, this experience would not have been the same were it not for those alongside me. Between my peers, the Pitt faculty, and our ever knowledgeable guide Jana, I could not imagine a better group to have shared the past two weeks with. In many ways their support allowed me to push my boundaries and grow while still operating within a safe and constructive environment. Thank you all; I can’t wait to see you again soon.
On behalf of all of us, and to all of those that supported us during our stay,
Děkujeme Česká Republika
Swanson School of Engineering 