University of Wisconsin–Madison

Czech Republic: Rosalie Powell (Daily Life in Prague)

An intersection with a tall stone building with a dome on top of it. The intersection is lined with wires above, and a red and white tram is approaching in front of the building.
The Tram Stop Near my apartment
Three trays of food. The closest tray has a bowl of brown soup, a piece of bread, and a brown drink.
A Light Lunch at the Menza between Classes

Now that I have been in Prague for almost 4 weeks, I am a lot more settled in to the city, my apartment, and the University. It is different to the U.S. in many ways but nothing feels like a really drastic change (expect the language!). On the days I have classes, I wake up early to eat breakfast and get ready. My University (Czech University of Life Sciences), is a bit far from my apartment, but with the amazing public transit system, nothing in the city really feels far away.

A plate with a small, rectangular piece of cake. There is a bottom crust, a white filling, and a sprinkle of something brown on top.
One of the desserts from my favorite cafe (I’m working my way through the menu)

Each class period is 1.5 hrs which is much longer than I’m used to at UW! However, classes only meet once or twice a week so the longer time period is very manageable. On Mondays I have Wetland Conservation, and on Tuesdays I have Forest Ecology, GIS II and Conservation Biology. When I have longer days on campus, I eat in the Menza (dining hall). The food in the Menza is very affordable and there are many options.

A table with two small pink trays. Each tray contains a fork, a pink drink with art drawn with white foam, and a small piece of cake.
I tried to order a Chai Latte but it came out pink! I’m still not sure what I drank

I spend some of my days off studying in a café. There are a lot near my apartment and I absolutely love the pastries and cakes they offer. Some nights I spend with my roommates playing board games or making dinner. Other nights my university will organize a meet-up at one of the local pubs, I’ll go to a movie, or try a new restaurant.

Two people sit in a black car with headlights in a movie theatre, surrounded by normal seats.
If you arrive early to the movie theater, you can sit in the car!

One the weekends, we often take day trips to nearby cities. On the buses and trains, you can get almost anywhere in the Czech Republic for a $10 ticket.

A painting of several statues along the edge of a body of water, hung in a bronze frame.
A painting at the National Gallery near my apartment

It has been so interesting to learn about the rich history of the surrounding towns from the underground tunnels in Plzen to the concentration camp at Terezin and the castles in Brno. However, I really don’t need to go far to explore! Prague is full of museums, churches, castles, and history and just walking around is a treat.

 

Rosalie stands in front of a railing, behind with is a slightly blurred mountainous background.

 

Rosalie Powell

Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin

Major: Environmental Sciences & Life Sciences Communication

Program: Czech University of Life Sciences Exchange

One reason I chose my program is because CULS is a life sciences school. This focus allows me to take a ton of classes toward my major (environmental science). Many of the courses include field trips and field experience which I think will enrich my academic experience and understanding of ecology. I’m really excited to see environmental science from a different perspective and explore Prague!