I’m currently writing this from my plane seat, somewhere high above the Atlantic, and honestly, I’m filled with so many emotions. It’s hard to believe that just two weeks ago, I arrived in Prague not fully knowing what to expect. Now, after spending 12 unforgettable days in a different continent and country with 19 of my peers, I’m heading home with a head full of memories, stories, and lessons I know I’ll carry with me for a long time.
Being in the Czech Republic has truly shifted the way I view engineering. I used to think engineering was just about solving technical problems. But this trip showed me that engineering is deeply tied to culture, history, and community. Whether it was learning about sustainable energy transitions at ČEZ, biomedical breakthroughs at IOCB, or the historical infrastructure-built centuries ago in Prague and Český Krumlov engineering is everywhere, and it shapes the way societies live and grow.
One thing I’d tell anyone traveling to Prague: wear comfortable shoes (the cobblestones are no joke), be open to slowing down, and take time to notice the small details. There’s a story behind every building, every tram ride, and every conversation with a local.
More than anything, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to travel, for the people I shared it with, and for the chance to grow personally and professionally. I’ve laughed, learned, explored, and challenged myself in ways I didn’t even expect. I’m heading home tired, yes but mostly full: of joy, perspective, and so many amazing experiences I can’t wait to share with my friends and family. This wasn’t just a trip. It was a turning point.
Swanson School of Engineering 