Being in Prague has been a transformative experience in many ways, including for my leadership. Before starting my internship at Move to Prague, I considered myself a leader, but this experience has made me much more of a collaborative leader. At Move To Prague there are five interns in total, all from different countries and backgrounds, so many of our days have been heavily focused on teamwork. Here we practice open communication, which fosters a supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Being able to collaborate with people all from different countries is something that many are unable to experience. I have learned about many different communication styles, as well as many different outlooks on marketing and trends. Having these experiences has changed my life and my outlook on my career, as well as my life as a whole.
Living in Prague and joining Move To Prague has presented several challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to rethink my leadership approach. Prior to this internship, I felt like I was able to do everything on my own, but here I have really learned to appreciate and now seek out teamwork. While working together, we have been able to create very effective content for Move To Prague’s social media accounts, while also having a lot of fun along the way. Working in a multicultural environment exposed me to different communication styles, work ethics, and perspectives. I quickly realized that what worked back home didn’t necessarily apply here. For instance, Czech colleagues tended to be more direct in their communication, which initially came across as abrupt to me. However, I learned that this directness was a cultural norm and a sign of efficiency. Also, working with interns from Spain, France, and Turkey has opened me up to more cultural norms and differing communication styles. Although English was widely spoken in the office, there were moments when language barriers led to misunderstandings. Leading a team in such an environment can require patience, adaptability, and the ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely. It also meant being open to feedback and ensuring that all team members felt included despite language differences.
These challenges significantly influenced my leadership style, making me more adaptable, confident, and culturally aware. I have learned to appreciate and leverage cultural diversity within the team. Understanding and respecting different cultural norms and communication styles has allowed me to build stronger relationships and foster a more inclusive environment. The necessity to navigate language barriers has strengthened my communication skills. I have become better at conveying ideas clearly and listening actively. This skill has not only improved team collaboration but also ensured that all members feel heard and valued, regardless of language barriers. This experience has boosted my confidence in my decision-making abilities and taught me the importance of being decisive, especially in high-pressure situations. I have learned to gather relevant information quickly, weigh the pros and cons, and trust my instincts. Overall, I have really learned how important balancing collaboration with authority is and it has enabled me to lead more effectively, ensuring that the team stays focused and productive while still valuing each member’s input.
My internship at Move To Prague has been a pivotal experience in shaping my leadership style. The challenges I face in a new cultural and professional environment forced me to adapt, grow, and refine my approach to leadership. I now feel more confident, culturally aware, and a decisive leader. As I continue my career, I am committed to applying these lessons and continuing to evolve as a leader.
Outside of my internship, I have really enjoyed exploring Prague and meeting new people. Being able to interact with Czech locals, as well as other tourists from around the world has been really interesting and a lot of fun. These experiences have also helped me develop many of the same skills that I have gained within my internship.
This weekend, I traveled to Barcelona, Spain. Despite our Uber breaking down on the way to the airport, and the plane’s five hour delay, it was a really nice trip. I was very happy to eat really good Spanish food and a ton of seafood. It was very relaxing sightseeing, hanging out on the beach, and shopping around in the local Spanish shops. The weekend trips I have been taking have opened up my world to so many different lifestyles and cultures, and is something I will forever be grateful for. I am excited to see what this week holds and to continue exploring Prague (and the world)!
Here are some pics from my trip to Barcelona.
