This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about how different cultures shape not just daily life, but also how people work and interact with each other. Living and working in Prague for the past few weeks has shown me just how important it is to be flexible and open-minded when adjusting to a new environment. I’ve definitely noticed cultural differences both in general and in the workplace.

One of the first cultural differences I’ve noticed is the style of humor here. It tends to be a bit more sarcastic and dry compared to what I’m used to in the U.S. A small moment that really highlighted this for me happened earlier this week when I was at a café with a friend before heading to a garden nearby. My friend ordered a coffee with oat milk and an extra espresso shot, and the waiter jokingly said, “You got a complicated order—just get a coffee.” It wasn’t meant to be rude, but the delivery was super serious, and at first we weren’t sure how to take it. Moments like these have made me realize that in Prague, sarcasm and teasing are more common and often said with a straight face. I’ve had to learn not to take things personally and instead see the humor in situations where someone might be poking fun or being ironic.

In the U.S., especially in customer service or new social settings, people often go out of their way to be overly polite or friendly, and jokes tend to be more obvious and lighthearted. Here, the humor can catch you off guard if you’re not used to it. It’s been an adjustment, but I’ve started to appreciate the wit behind it and even find myself responding in kind. It’s made conversations feel more real and less scripted, which I’ve come to enjoy.

At my internship at Carvago, the workplace culture has also been noticeably different, but in a really refreshing way. One of the biggest contrasts to U.S. work culture is how laid back the office environment is. There’s no formal dress code, and I’ve even seen some coworkers walking around the office without shoes on. People are still productive and focused, but there’s a strong emphasis on comfort and being yourself. Another thing I’ve really liked is that coworkers often go out to lunch together instead of eating alone or quickly at their desks. It creates a sense of community and makes the workday feel more balanced and enjoyable.

None of these things were difficult to get used to, but they did require a mental shift. In the U.S., there’s often a lot of emphasis on professionalism, appearance, and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life. At Carvago, the lines are more relaxed, and people are encouraged to bring their full selves to work. It’s helped me feel more at ease and even more motivated because the environment feels supportive and human. Still, I had to let go of some of my expectations about what “professionalism” looks like and learn to adjust my thinking to fit the culture here.

This week, I also had the chance to visit Krakow, Poland, which added another layer to my cultural learning experience. It was interesting to step outside of Prague and see how even within Central Europe, countries have their own distinct vibes. Krakow felt a bit more traditional and reserved than Prague, especially in terms of how people interact in public. Still, everyone was kind and welcoming, and it was great to explore a different city and compare the experience. Traveling during the internship has reminded me how important it is to stay flexible not just in work, but in life. Plans change, people communicate differently, and what works in one place might not work the same way in another.

Overall, I wouldn’t say I’ve had major difficulties adapting to Czech culture, but I’ve definitely had to stay open, observe more, and be willing to shift how I interact. Whether it’s understanding sarcastic jokes, adjusting to a more relaxed office culture, or exploring a new country on the weekend, each experience has helped me grow. I’ve learned that adaptability isn’t just about handling change, it’s about letting go of assumptions, being curious, and finding the value in doing things a different way.

This internship continues to show me how cultural awareness is just as important as technical skills. Working and living abroad has helped me become more comfortable with uncertainty and more open to new experiences, even when they’re unfamiliar at first. I’m excited to carry these lessons with me as I move forward in both my personal life and professional journey.