Czech Republic: Clare Stuczynski
Program: Czech University of Life Sciences Exchange, Fall
Major: Nutritional Sciences
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
Academics were very different from my experience at UW–Madison. As an exchange student and one of only five Americans in the program, I was much more immersed in the local academic environment. The class structure was more relaxed and less rigidly organized than what I’m used to at UW–Madison, which required me to adapt to a different learning style. One of the most impactful aspects of my coursework was learning about the history of the Czech Republic, especially hearing firsthand from professors who had lived and studied during the Soviet occupation. Their personal experiences gave me insight into a history I previously knew very little about. Hearing firsthand what they went through to receive an education during that time deepened my understanding of the barriers they faced. Learning about the hardships and poverty many of them endured made the material far more real and impactful than anything I could have learned from a textbook.
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
As a practicing Catholic, my faith shaped the way I experienced my time abroad. It was very eye-opening to see how history influenced religious practice and culture. While the cultural appreciation of religion in the Czech Republic has decreased in recent generations, it was encouraging to see how the faith has persisted. Visiting churches and learning about the country’s past gave me a deeper appreciation for how political and social forces can shape personal belief. For students with similar identities, I would encourage them to approach the experience with curiosity and openness. Studying abroad may challenge your assumptions or expose you to different expressions of faith, but that can ultimately strengthen your understanding of your own beliefs.
One of the most impactful aspects of my coursework was learning about the history of the Czech Republic, especially hearing firsthand from professors who had lived and studied during the Soviet occupation
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced while abroad was dealing with being alone in a new country. I had more free time than usual, but I wasn’t surrounded by the friends and family I normally spend most of my time with. That adjustment was difficult at first, but I chose to see it as an opportunity to attend events, start conversations, and spend time with other students in the program. By putting myself out there and building new friendships, I was able to turn those moments of loneliness into meaningful connections and personal growth.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience from the program was meeting people from different countries and having meaningful conversations with them. Learning about their cultures, perspectives, and traditions firsthand was incredibly eye-opening and made the experience truly unforgettable.