Czech Republic: Jack Wherry (A Home Away from Home in Prague)
As of today, I have spent 86 days on my study abroad program in Prague, with just 29 more until I return home. My daily life, challenging and exciting at first, now feels routine—I’m often surprised by how quickly living in Prague became second nature. My schedule, food, friends, and apartment are totally different than in Madison, but Prague has begun feeling just like home, too.
Havlíčkovy sady, the park surrounding the building where I take classes, is nothing like I’d ever seen before. Strolling through an Italian Renaissance-style grotto, vineyards, pavilions, and an incredible city view on my way to class hasn’t gotten old yet. Sitting on the grass with new friends and ice cream after school feels cozy, and I know I’ll miss the casual beauty all around me in my daily life in Prague.
Getting around the city on Prague’s public transit—ranging from trams and the metro to buses and even ferries and a funicular—has formed a huge part of my daily routine. Whether it’s taking tram #22 to class or hopping on the metro C line for a walk through the beautiful Stromovka park, I’ve made transit my default way to get around. Never having lived in a place that prioritizes public transit like Prague before, this has been a fun new experience for me, one that I must remind myself not to take for granted.
This winter, before I left for my program, I wondered whether I’d be overwhelmed with the newness of daily life in Prague. Now I can confidently report that I was not overwhelmed for long. Even though I don’t speak much Czech and I’m still getting surprised by cultural differences I hadn’t considered, Prague feels like another home. I know I’ll remember it fondly.
Jack Wherry
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota
Major: Computer Sciences
Program: IFSA Tech Career Accelerator
This program’s unique focus on computer science made it a great academic fit for me, and Prague is very different from anywhere I’ve visited in the past. I’m excited to learn how the design and history of Prague makes its residents’ day to day lives different from what I’m used to in the U.S. For example, Americans on the whole like using cars to get around and our daily lives often revolve around a commute, so I wonder how a less car-centric city changes the way people spend their time.