Now that my time abroad has ended, I can really see how much I’ve grown—personally, academically, and professionally. Living in Prague and traveling to so many different places has been one of the biggest adventures of my life, and it’s changed the way I see the world and myself.

I’ve become more independent than ever before. When I first arrived, even simple things like figuring out the tram system or ordering food in Czech felt a little scary. By the end, I was navigating public transportation with no problem and even helping new friends find their way around. I also learned how to handle challenges on my own. For example, when I got food poisoning early in the trip, I still had to figure out where to get medicine and how to take care of myself without my usual support system nearby. Traveling to other countries on the weekends—like Switzerland, Rome, Istanbul, and Paris—taught me how to deal with delays, language barriers, and different currencies. Now I feel like I can step into almost any new situation and find my way. International travel has a way of forcing you to respond to unexpected situations and circumstances, and this trip did just that.

This program brought everything I’ve learned in the classroom to life. At Pitt, I’ve read about cultural differences in communication and work styles, but in Prague I saw them firsthand. For example, at my internship, people were more reserved and straightforward than what I’m used to in the U.S. There weren’t as many casual “how’s your day?” conversations, but people were always professional and respectful. Seeing how history and culture shape the way workplaces function made me understand those concepts in a much deeper way. Visiting historical sites on my weekend trips—like the Colosseum in Rome, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, and the Grand Bazaar—helped me see how each city’s history is connected to the way people live today. It was amazing to fully integrate into a culture that was not my own, and it truly felt like my experience at Pitt had prepared me for it.

I’ve gained both soft and hard skills that I’ll use for the rest of my career. I’ve gotten better at time management by balancing my 9-to-5 work schedule with travel plans and social time. I’ve improved my communication skills, especially when working with people from different backgrounds. I learned to ask clear, direct questions and to make decisions confidently without always needing someone to double-check my work. One big lesson was adjusting to the Czech style of workplace communication, which is more focused on results than small talk. This helped me see that being “successful” at work can mean different things depending on the culture.

My biggest takeaways from this program are the importance of adaptability, the value of building relationships, and the understanding that there’s no single definition of success. Making connections with others is incredibly important, and this trip has truly demonstrated that to me. I learned adaptability when travel plans changed last minute—like when train schedules shifted or weather forced us to rethink a hike in Switzerland. I learned the value of relationships by meeting so many people, from friends who visited me (like my friend from New Jersey and my friend from Pitt) to locals who showed me great restaurants or hidden spots in the city. I learned about different definitions of success by seeing how my Czech coworkers measured good work compared to what I was used to in the U.S.

When I return to Pitt, I plan to bring these lessons into my classes and campus life. I’ll be more open-minded in group projects, more willing to listen before jumping in, and more confident in taking the lead when needed. I’ll also share my experiences with other students who are thinking about studying or interning abroad so they can see how life-changing it can be.

Looking ahead, I know this experience will help me in my career, especially if I work with international teams. Whether I’m collaborating with someone in another country or adapting to a new environment, I’ll have the skills to handle it. This program didn’t just show me new places—it showed me new sides of myself. I’m leaving with memories of exploring the Colosseum at sunset, having Turkish breakfast by the Bosphorus, hiking in the Swiss Alps, and laughing with friends at Irish pubs in Prague. But more importantly, I’m leaving with a new sense of confidence, curiosity, and excitement for whatever comes next.