Now that my time in Prague has come to an end, it is honestly hard to put into words how grateful I am for this experience. Going into the program, I knew I would learn a lot, but I don’t think I realized just how much I would grow both personally and professionally. Living and working in another country allowed me to experience a new culture in a way that I never could have from just visiting as a tourist. I met so many new people, explored places I had never been, and had experiences that I know I will remember for a long time.

Personally, I think one of the biggest ways I grew was becoming more independent and confident in myself. Being in a new country meant that I had to figure things out on my own, get comfortable with the unfamiliar, and be willing to step outside of my comfort zone. At first, some of those things were intimidating, but over time they became some of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Academically and professionally, my internship gave me the opportunity to take what I have learned at Pitt and see how it applies in a real work environment. I also learned that the way people communicate and define success can be very different depending on the culture. This made me more aware of how important it is to be adaptable and open-minded when working with people from different backgrounds.

The biggest thing I will take away from this program is the importance of being willing to try something new, even when it feels uncomfortable at first. Prague taught me that some of the best experiences come from putting yourself in unfamiliar situations and being open to whatever comes from them. When I return to Pitt, I want to continue carrying that mindset with me by meeting new people, trying new things, and taking advantage of opportunities that push me outside of my comfort zone. I also know that the independence, adaptability, and communication skills I gained will be important as I continue building my career. More than anything, this experience gave me a lot more confidence in myself and showed me that I am capable of adapting to new environments and making the most out of them. I’ve left Prague incredibly grateful for everything I experienced and excited to see where these lessons take me next.