University of Wisconsin–Madison

Czech Republic: Ian Beilfuss

Program: Czech University of Life Sciences Exchange, Spring

Majors: Environmental Sciences; Cartography and Geographic Information Systems

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

My most memorable experience from my program was taking a one-week seminar class toward the end of the semester. For the class, I traveled with 25 other CULS students to the small, historic Czech town of Slavonice. We spent the week learning the history of Slavonice, exploring the surrounding countryside, and working in small groups on projects related to water quality, biocorridors, and tourism. I really enjoyed getting more hands-on experience with my studies, and it was a great opportunity to connect with other international students in a way that my normal CULS classes didn’t provide.

Eleven students with green scarves, face paint, and hairspray, posed outside of a sporting venue.
CULS typically doesn’t care much about campus sports, however, this all changed for the Battle of Prague. The Battle happens once per semester and is a hockey tournament between the four main universities in Prague. The CULS community showed up in droves to support our team. There was a pre-game parade and free hairspray and face paint. Although our team got beaten soundly, the energy in the stadium was as high as any Badger’s game I’ve been to. Go Farmers!

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

Studying abroad in Prague allowed me to become much more comfortable working with peers who aren’t native English speakers and have very different cultural backgrounds. As the world becomes more connected, being able to communicate with people from other countries will be invaluable. This program also solidified my desire to live outside of the United States at some point in my life. I loved the rich culture and history of Czechia and other European countries and want to become more fully immersed in it in the future.

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Definitely take advantage of the opportunities provided by CULS and the European Student Network (ESN), they’re a great way to make friends at the beginning of the semester.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

Prague is an amazing city and a great location to study abroad. Definitely take advantage of the opportunities provided by CULS and the European Student Network (ESN), they’re a great way to make friends at the beginning of the semester. For housing, I would recommend the dorms. The rooms themselves aren’t the greatest, but they are totally adequate. It’s worth it to be so close to campus, and it makes meeting people so much easier. Explore Prague as much as you’re able to. The weekly farmers’ markets are great, and the Battle for Prague hockey game is a must!

A classroom of students seated at rows of tables, looking at a projected presentation of a map with the text "Water Resources Threats."
The Czech University of Life Sciences offers many environmental courses, including Wetland Ecology, pictured here. During class this day, we learned about the water resource threats to wetlands in Mexico, and how to carry out informed and effective wetland management.