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My decision to study in the Czech Republic - the craziest thing I’ve done in all my seventeen years

3.10.2011 8:35:57 Kategorie: Aktuality domácí a zahraniční
Autor: Juliette Lee

While some people call my decision to study abroad in the Czech Republic for one year a portrayal of my bravery, I call it evidence of my insanity. This is by far the craziest thing I’ve done in all my seventeen years of life. It was a last minute decision to leave my home, my family, and my friends in San Diego, California, and the entire process was rushed so I was unable to really think about what I was doing until after I had already boarded my plane. I am now approaching the five week mark since my arrival, and I haven’t had any regrets about coming here so far.

Surprisingly, it was quite easy the first two weeks. I was filled with too much excitement to feel fear, sadness, or regret. I expected all of that to change as soon as school started, because I would have no friends or know anyone that I could talk to. You could imagine my surprise (and happiness) when students came to talk to me—I had worried for nothing! The kids knew at least a little English to hold a simple conversation, but that was good enough for me. I was also very grateful at how the teachers and staff were very supportive, helping me with my schedule and trying to make me feel comfortable in their classes. For being “the new girl” in a foreign country, it wasn’t so bad, and the next thing I knew, I had survived a month of school.

Of course, some days were harder than others, and at times I asked myself, “What in the world were you thinking?! Why aren’t you at home, finishing high school with your friends in America, where you actually know the language?” Some days, I would sit by myself in classes or walk to the school canteen alone. Nevertheless, I know that this whole experience is only strengthening my backbone. I know my year here will fly by, and the next thing I know, I will be on a plane headed back home, which is why I want to enjoy every moment here in the Czech Republic.

So far, I’m enjoying the food and all the nature. I’m getting used to walking more and driving less, and I’m trying hard to learn Czech, which by the way, is an extremely difficult language. But while some people have the misconception that I am here in this country to focus on school and studying, I’m not. I’m here to learn, which is different from studying. I plan to learn about myself, about this country, and about other people, but while I may learn about some of those things at school, I think I can learn a whole lot more by going out, meeting new people, and visiting new places. I’m in a country with different customs and cultures that are completely new to me, so my plan is to experience as much of it as I can. 

So far, the Czech Republic has been good to me, and I hope that I will only grow to love it more and more throughout the next year.