Czech Republic: Ignas Dauksys (A Home Away from Home in Prague)

Program: IFSA Tech Career Accelerator, Spring

Coming to Prague, I truly had no idea what was waiting for me. All I knew were my classes, my apartment address, and the program name. Everything else felt like a shock to the system. But the moment I really experienced the streets of Prague for the first time, I fell in love.

Public transit quickly became one of the most important parts of my daily life in Prague. Shortly after moving in, I was told to buy semester passes, and I soon realized how valuable they would be. Whether by tram, metro, or bus, I could explore the city with ease. As someone who loves adventure, having the freedom to go almost anywhere without depending on rideshares made my routine not only easier but much more exciting. While Madison has good public transit, it does not offer the same sense of independence.

Beyond transit, simply walking through my neighborhood became one of my favorite routines. Each week, I made a point to take a different route, discovering new cafés, monuments, and pieces of the city’s history. For example, just down the street from my apartment stood the villa of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia. Moments like that made every day walks feel meaningful.

I will especially miss the quiet study room of the National Library. The 249-year-old library gave me a space where I could focus deeply while preparing for exams. In contrast, the lively and talkative cafés nearby gave me a place to socialize, work alongside roommates, and spend time with new friends. Having both spaces made Prague feel balanced and welcoming.

Overall, the hidden corners of Prague will always have a place in my heart. Over time, I began to feel the same sense of comfort and belonging that I feel when I drive back into Madison. By the end of my stay, even arriving at Václav Havel Airport felt familiar. I never expected that hearing someone speak Czech would one day make me feel at home.