Czech Republic: Amelia Fernandes
Program: Czech University of Life Sciences Exchange, Spring
Major: Biology
Describe your internship, research, or fieldwork and how the experience helped advance your career or studies.
During my semester abroad, my studies included field-based learning opportunities that allowed me to engage directly with ecological and environmental topics in a hands-on way. Whether through coursework in silviculture or forest ecology, I was able to connect classroom concepts to real-world settings, deepening my understanding of how ecological principles are applied across different landscapes. These experiences strengthened my academic foundation in biology and global health while also developing skills—such as observation, analysis, and cross-cultural collaboration—that are directly relevant to my career goals in healthcare. By approaching science and problem-solving from a global perspective, I feel better prepared to carry these lessons into my future studies and ultimately into my work as a physician assistant.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
The most memorable experience from my semester abroad in the Czech Republic was from the first week I arrived in the Czech Republic. I did not know anyone in my program before getting there, but ended up making meaningful friendships with my fellow friends from UW-Madison, as well as several international students spending the semester in Prague. During my first week in Prague, I was extremely lucky to not only explore a new location but also to constantly be making new friends along the way. Every day that week I made new friends with students from France, Germany, Greece, and more. We did a tour of Prague and Prague Castle, played get-to-know-you games, and spent many hours getting to know everyone. I will never forget this week or the friendships I kept for the entire semester, and for years to come.
These experiences strengthened my academic foundation in biology and global health while also developing skills—such as observation, analysis, and cross-cultural collaboration—that are directly relevant to my career goals in healthcare.
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
My identities shaped my experience by influencing the way I connected with others and the perspectives I brought to new environments. Coming from a multicultural background, and half of my family being from India, I found myself naturally drawn to learning about and appreciating diverse cultures, traditions, and viewpoints. This not only deepened my sense of belonging in an international setting but also helped me build genuine relationships across cultural boundaries. For students with similar identities, my advice is to embrace the opportunity to share your background while remaining open to learning from others. Meet people who are not from the United States and have engaging conversations about culture, values, and interests.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
My semester abroad will benefit me well into the future by giving me the confidence to adapt to new environments, make decisions independently, and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. Academically, the courses and field experiences I completed expanded my understanding of ecology and global health, providing me with a broader perspective that will strengthen my studies in biology. Professionally, this experience reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career as a physician assistant with a focus on culturally competent care. By navigating new cultures, building international friendships, and engaging with global issues firsthand, I have developed skills in adaptability, empathy, and cross-cultural communication, all of which will shape the way I approach patient care and teamwork in my future career.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
My advice for someone considering this program is to go into it with an open mind and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel unfamiliar or a little intimidating. That might mean traveling to a new country, trying a different style of class, or connecting with people from cultures that are very different from your own. I also recommend staying organized with logistics because planning ahead makes it much easier to relax and enjoy the experience once you are there. Most importantly, take the time to build relationships with both local students and other international students. Those connections will become some of the most meaningful and lasting parts of your time abroad.