Week 4 was full of fun, new places, and amazing food. I didn’t stay in Prague this weekend. Instead, I went to Paris, which is one of the most famous cities in the world. What made it even better was that I got to go with friends. One of my friends flew in from New Jersey, and another friend from Ireland met us there. It was really special to explore a new city with people I already knew.
Work during the week went pretty well. I’m starting to get used to my 9-to-5 schedule, and it doesn’t feel as stressful as it did at the beginning. I’ve learned how to plan out my mornings so I’m not rushing in the afternoon. I don’t have to ask as many questions now, and I feel more confident making choices on my own. It’s a good feeling to know I’m learning and getting better at my job.
But the best part of the week was definitely the weekend trip to Paris.
We got there on Friday evening, and even though we were tired from traveling, the city felt so exciting right away. There were lights everywhere, people walking around, and the whole place felt full of energy. We stayed in a small hotel near the middle of the city, so it was easy to walk to lots of cool spots.
On Saturday morning, we found a little bakery near our hotel. The smell of fresh bread was amazing. I got a warm, buttery croissant, and it was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I also got a chocolate pastry that was super soft and sweet. We ended up going to more bakeries during the trip just to try different ones. Paris really knows how to do pastries right.
Later that morning, we went to see the Eiffel Tower. I’ve seen pictures of it before, but seeing it in real life was way better. It’s super tall and really cool up close. There’s a big park around it where people were sitting, walking, and taking pictures. We took a bunch of photos too and just enjoyed being there together.
The rest of the day, we just walked around. Paris has lots of cute streets, parks, and little cafés. We didn’t plan every minute—we just explored. That made it feel more relaxed. We found a quiet park with a big fountain and benches. We sat there for a while just watching people and talking. It was simple, but really nice.
On Sunday, we went to this awesome pancake place that my friend found online. The food was amazing. I got pancakes with fresh fruit and whipped cream, and they were so soft and fluffy. We all loved our food and left feeling really full and happy. It was the kind of meal that makes a trip even more memorable.
Spending time with my friends in Paris reminded me how nice it is to share experiences with people you care about. Even though I’m far from home, seeing my friends made everything feel a little easier. We laughed a lot—about little things, old memories, and even getting confused on the metro. It felt really good to be with people who know me.
By the time we got back to Prague on Sunday night, I was tired—but in a good way. It was the kind of tired you feel after doing something fun all day. The weekend had been so full, but in the best way possible.
Now that I’m back, I’m getting ready for Week 6. But I still feel happy thinking about the trip. Paris reminded me how lucky I am to be doing this—to work in a different country, to travel, and to spend time with great people. I’m excited to see what the next week brings.
Since being in this program, I’ve noticed that I’m getting a lot better at soft skills, especially things like communication, time management, and adaptability. At work, I’ve learned how to clearly explain my ideas, ask better questions, and work with people from different backgrounds. I’ve also gotten better at planning my day and staying organized. Working full-time and traveling on weekends has helped me learn how to balance my responsibilities and still have fun.
One of the biggest soft skills I’ve improved is problem-solving. Sometimes things don’t go as planned—whether it’s a project at work or trying to figure out a train schedule in another country. I’ve learned to stay calm, think through the situation, and find a solution without getting too stressed.
For technical or “hard” skills, my internship has taught me how to use new software tools and follow certain processes that help with the kind of work I’m doing. I’ve learned how to complete tasks more efficiently and how to work independently. I’m also getting better at giving updates and writing short reports or summaries, which has helped my writing and professional communication skills.
Living and working in a different country has also helped me build my global competencies. I’ve gotten better at understanding cultural differences and adjusting my behavior when needed. For example, I’ve noticed that workplace communication here can be a little more formal, so I’ve learned to match that tone. When traveling, I try to be respectful of local customs and learn a few words in the local language, which helps me connect better with people.
Overall, I think I’m becoming more confident in new situations. Being in a different country has pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way, and I can already tell that these skills will help me in the future—both in work and in life.