Hello everyone, let me re-introduce myself. My name is Kendall, and I am super excited to go on another Study Abroad trip with FIU! After my first study abroad program, Hospitality at Sea: South America, I yearned for another experience like the one I had on that trip. Going to another place, indulging in different foods, and embracing other people’s cultures is something I always look forward to. Before we start the study abroad, I am visiting my friends who are doing a teaching program in Malaga, Spain. This trip will be a world of firsts as this will be my first time in Spain as well as our study abroad destination in the Czech Republic, Prague! I can’t wait to see what is in store for us as we travel throughout the country.
Based on the pre-departure meeting, I can see that our itinerary is jam-packed with visits to notable historical tours like the communism museum and cultural landmarks like Prague Castle. I know balancing learning and exploring will be key to making the most out of this trip. I also learned that the Czech Republic uses its own currency, the Czech koruna (CZK), rather than the Euro. This detail was crucial for budgeting and planning ahead as I had previously assumed that countries in the European Union used the euro as the national currency. It’s a simple thing, but knowing to carry cash gives me a bit more confidence as I think about wandering through the streets of Prague. Another key point was how to approach the local culture. We were reminded that Czech people value politeness, modesty, and quietness in public spaces—something that might contrast with the more boisterous nature of some American cities. It’s important to me that I respect and adapt to those cultural norms while I’m there.
There are 3 things that I am most excited to see on this trip. One of them is getting to explore Prague Castle, one of the world’s largest and historic ancient castles. As a little bit of a history buff, I can’t wait to walk through its sprawling grounds, discover its mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, as well as admire the incredible views of the city below. Another activity that I’m excited about would be our Prague food tour. As I have said before, I love indulging in different foods and embracing other cultures. This allows me to learn about and taste different foods, drinks, and other specialties or country favorites. Lastly, as a few would know, I am excited to see Prague’s nightlife. Bars, clubs, shows, you name it. I haven’t gone out in this part of the world yet so I am definitely interested to see how the Czechs like to party.
Overall, I am extremely grateful that I have this opportunity to study abroad, learn other people’s cultures, and meet new people along the way. See you all soon!