University of Wisconsin–Madison

Czech Republic: Vincent Philavong (Places: Routine and Favorites)

Places: Routine and Favorites

A stone fountain outside of a historic building also made of stone. A statue stands in the center of the fountain
A grotto and fountain with a statue of Neptune in Grébovka ((Havlíčkovy sady)

During these first couple of weeks in Prague, Czech Republic, I have found many pleasant places to explore. These places have become commonplace in my daily life in the Czech Republic and have been monumental in enriching my educational experience with rich history and culture.

A place that has become part of my routine is Grébovka, a beautiful park near my accommodation. Since most of my classes are in a building in the park, I’ve made it a routine to walk around the park and enjoy its unique quirks. What I love most about it is how it blends nature and architecture. The vineyard on the hillside gives the park a rustic, southern European-like feel; meanwhile, the magnificent Gröbe Villa is a beautiful building serving as a testament to the park’s Renaissance inspirations. However, my favorite spot in the park has to be the artificial grotto, a peaceful cave with a water fountain. Sitting down, listening to music, and taking in the beauty of architecture and nature is always a pleasant experience.

Aside from Grébovka, Prague has many unique parks, each with a different story to tell. My favorite park has to be Vyšehrad. The park, which used to be a residential area for the first Czech king in the 11th century, is built on a high hill a little farther out from the Old Town. This makes the area a great spot for a panoramic view of Prague, where you can take in the scene of all the historic churches, Baroque buildings, and tramlines winding throughout the city. In the middle of the park, you can explore the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul with its striking Gothic/Neo-Gothic architecture. The park itself is tranquil, making it a great place to take in the atmosphere and really feel how all of Prague’s history and heritage have come together in one peaceful spot.

A church with two tall spires set against a grey sky and surrounded by green trees
The neo-gothic Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, in Vyšehrad fortress

The Czech Republic has a plethora of history to learn from, and I have really connected with Prague by exploring its many historical sites. Each day brings a discovery, giving me a profound sense of appreciation for Prague’s unique charm.

Headshot of student

Vincent Philavong

Major: Computer Sciences

Hometown: South Elgin, Illinois

Program: IFSA Tech Career Accelerator in Prague, Czech Republic

Being a recipient of the Global Gateway Fellowship means that I can fully experience studying abroad and share my learning with others within my community and beyond. I’m excited to navigate new cultural contexts and academic approaches, helping me become a more empathetic, globally-minded, and adaptable individual.

My goal is to develop genuine cultural competency by participating fully in the excursions and local activities in my study abroad program. From networking at tech meetups to exploring Czech outdoor traditions, I will be able to learn from local perspectives while also sharing my own experiences in genuine cultural exchange.

I look forward to exploring Prague’s rich architectural heritage. I’ve always appreciated how cities build and preserve their history through architecture, and Prague offers a unique blend of Gothic, Baroque, and modernist styles. Visiting these sites will affirm my appreciation of Prague’s cultural and historical context.