I am thrilled and honored to get the privilege to fly back to Europe this winter. This will be my second time in Europe, the first was for a wedding in Amsterdam. Prague will be a lot of fun because it has a uniquely different culture to that of the west coast. Preparing for the trip has made me excited and pressured to work hard to afford the trip, as well as improve myself on a personal level, before getting to explore a foreign place with professional students that I have never met before.
One of my expectations is to be involved in Czech culture and to try to feel it from the inside. Prague, with its rich history, stunningly beautiful architecture, and very lively arts scene, feels like the perfect combination of old-world charm and modern vibes. I’m especially excited about landmarks that include the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Old Town Square—but I also want to explore the hidden gems and local spots that make the city special.
Another expectation I have during my time in Prague is getting to enjoy local Cuisines and recipes. Czech cuisine is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes, and I can’t wait to dive in. Whether it’s trying a classic bowl of goulash, indulging in a warm, sweet trdelník, I’m eager to explore all the traditional flavors. I’m also curious about the Czech beer culture, especially considering how famous the country is for its brews. I look forward to visiting local pubs and trying different types of beer to understand the country’s deep connection to this beverage.
I also would like to visit local markets and food stalls to get a sense of the ingredients and culinary traditions that shape Czech dishes. I’m excited to try dishes I’ve never heard of and find new favorites. Overall, I’m looking forward to not just eating but truly exploring Czech food.
One more expectation I have is personal growth. I am a somewhat shy individual, except my time in college has greatly improved my social skills. Over the past few years, I have been eager to push myself to relax my degrading thoughts and be able to control social interactions. During the trip I want to learn and work on getting rid of the stress that builds up when a connection isn’t working out or when I am fearful of taking the first initiative.
One of the things I’m most excited about when studying abroad is the chance to meet people from all over the world. I am looking forward to making connections with other study abroad students from Florida. I would like to also talk to the local people where i can ask them questions and listen to their stories to gain a new perspective of the world and discover what is important to the locals. The friendships and connections i make will not only make my time in Prague more meaningful, but they’ll also help me expand my perspective on the world. I can’t wait to build a global network and create lasting memories with people from all different backgrounds.
Even though there is so much to plan and consider in Prague, I am also prepared for the unplanned to take place. I know there will be surprises and challenges that I will need to work my way through, but I consider these things to be a part of this adventure in itself. Every experience—good or bad—remains an opportunity to learn and grow, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
Studying abroad in Prague is an incredible opportunity, and I’m determined to make the most of it. From immersing myself in Czech culture to meeting amazing people, to making connections that can’t be made anywhere else, to most importantly, pushing myself to grow intellectually with new goals and an enhanced outlook on the world around me. I’m ready to embrace everything this experience has to offer. I know I’ll come back with memories and stories that I’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Aaron Borglum