Cannot believe today was the last day of the program. This has been one of the best experiences in my life and I have learned so much regarding engineering along with a new appreciation for Czech culture and Europe as a whole. Although there has been times that cultural differences and language barriers have made simple exchanges like ordering food or asking questions a little difficult, I have realized we are all more alike than I originally thought. Everyone I have met here is extremely friendly and not as judgmental as I originally expected they would be towards tourists.
Experiencing Czech Republic has also made me realize there are many ideas that the US could adopt or improve. I think the main thing that the US needs to improve compared to Czechia is public transport. In Prague especially the public transport is so expansive and an efficient that a car is not a necessity. Even if you live far away from the city center the transport still reaches miles away which I thought was very convenient. Compared to the US where public transport is minimal unless you are in a large city and even then it is mainly only provided in city centers.
Overall this trip has been an awesome experience and I am so sad to be going home and not waking up with this special group of people and getting to see new places and companies everyday. I have made new friendships along with strengthening old ones and I am so lucky to have gotten this opportunity.
Swanson School of Engineering 