University of Wisconsin–Madison

Czech Republic: Madison Weiner

Madison, as seen from the back, holds out her hands as she walks towards a building with two spires and a large dome in the center, made of a light white stone.
This is me on one of my first trips outside of Prague to Budapest, Hungary. I went with two friends, one from UW, and we had the best time! I am standing in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in one of the large squares. It was beautiful inside and out!

Program: CIEE Central European Studies in Prague, Fall

Madison’s Major: International Studies, Political Science

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

The world is both a lot bigger and a lot smaller than you think. I saw a new side of my resiliency, but I also learned how resilient people are as a whole. The Czechs have bore witness to a lot of tumultuous history and extending to greater Europe, so has the European continent. I knew this, but living and integrating into Europe, I came to appreciate it differently. One experience I think highlights this was from about midway through my program. I was on a tour of Prague’s Jewish Quarter and learned I was walking on a 700-year-old street. That was fascinating to me because we can see so few similar experiences in the U.S., at least architecturally speaking. This was commonplace in Prague especially and it was constantly amazed me.

Moving halfway around the world on your own when you knew nobody going into the experience was no small feat! I am most proud of the fact that I was able to thrive in a completely new place. I gained so much perspective, and increased my independence from doing so.

How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?

I would say the biggest identity that influenced my experience was being religious in a largely non-religious country. It was sometimes a struggle, but I found that I was able to use my resources and find an English-speaking church. It also gave me a different appreciation for the religious history in Prague and throughout Central Europe growing up in many of the same traditions. Don’t let that be a deterrent! It is really doable with some discipline.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

Take the leap of faith and go somewhere not as many UW students think to go! I fell in love with Prague and CIEE made it really easy to integrate into daily life. If you can, try to get more outside your American bubble when there; that is something I wish I would’ve done more of. Also, if you do decide to go to Prague, take the Czech language class! It makes the process of moving and living both easier and more enjoyable.