studying abroad in a pandemic

Expectations.

My semester abroad in Prague was nothing that I could have ever expected. It was weird. Challenging. New. Confusing. Fun. Frustrating. Exciting. Unexpected.

The semester taught me so much about myself and I say that not in the cliché way that most people do, generally speaking. Navigating through a pandemic in an unknown environment taught me the value of embracing the moment. To be resilient and adaptive. To be a good friend. To be hopeful and optimistic.

My friends and I were faced with so many “negatives” during the semester— stuck in a lockdown, curfews, travel bans, everything (I mean everything) closed. We were not able to go to a restaurant and sit inside. We could not travel to a new country each weekend. Funnily enough, we were not even able to see the most touristy spot in Prague, the castle complex. While these all may seem as negatives, these conditions taught me to be creative with the opportunity I was given.

So here I am, in a foreign country and everything is closed. I asked myself, how do I spend my time? How can I make the most out of it?

I lived like the locals do. I went on long daily walks. I picked up cappuccinos. I sat in parks for hours talking with my friends. I drank beer. Lots and lots of beer!

I found myself in this unique situation unlike the study abroad experience that I originally expected. I was given the chance to fully live and immerse myself in a new city for four months, forcibly by a lockdown, but regardless. I know Prague now, without all the crowds, without the tourists. I know how the urban city functioned as it once did before tourism.

Would I trade it for anything? Of course not. It was a very special time. I feel so lucky to have seen a city without all the noise of tourism and I don’t think that I would have been faced with the same, as meaningful challenges if I went before the pandemic.

So have I changed? I like beer now! While I do not feel I have personally changed, I feel more assure and confident in myself. I know that if I can navigate a situation as confusing and chaotic as this one, then I can take on anything.

In an attempt to relive the semester, I will be sharing my experiences here. From my favorite coffee shops to hidden gems and how a little risk taking is worth it.

-Hope