My name is DJ Helminiak. Today in Prague was eventful as usual. We began with walking to the University to be lectured on topics such as architecture and economics of Czech Republic. The professors compared the United States and Czech in both subjects. After classes we went to the local campus restaurant and ate their version of spaghetti.

When being lectured about Czech architecture, we were informed that it was a two part lecture in that the second part involved traveling the city to view the various building styles. After the tour of the buildings, we were taken to a restaurant in the city. The food has been amazing with most dishes consisting of chicken and potatoes.

After dinner, the tour guides took some students to a park in the city. The park was huge with locals skate boarding and playing roller hockey. Others were running and rollerblading. The park was high above the city so it was possible to view the entire city from the picture attached. Overall, a Wednesday in Prague was interesting and kept the students involved all day long. 

Hey everyone,

My name is Jenna Tolloti. Today was our first day of classes at the university. We learned about Czech government, history, and economics. This was all very interesting because we got to learn more about the country we are living in for the next month. We also learned about the differences between the Czech and American brewing industries. During this class period, we had the opportunity to taste test 6 different types of Czech beer. While we had a break in classes, we ate lunch at a restaurant on campus. We had soup as an appetizer and then had rice, chicken, vegetables, and cheese for our main dish. It was very delicious!

Later on in the evening, we had our welcome dinner with the university staff.  It was a very cool experience. We had a toast with a Czech drink, listened to the staff give speeches, and introduced ourselves to all the other students here. We had salads, chicken and potatoes, and cake with strawberry jell-o. Again, our meal was very good. It has only been a few days so far in the Czech Republic, but I think I can speak for all of us when I say I love this trip. The city is so beautiful, the people are so friendly, and the food is great. This truly will be the best summer of our lives!

Goodnight from Prague,

Jenna

Today was a fabulous day as we visited the historic town of Karlovy Vary. We first visited the Moser glass factory and saw first hand the multi-step process of making glass. We walked literally feet away from the workers as they were melting hot materials and carving them into fancy objects. I learned that the process requires a lot of teamwork and trust because each worker’s job must be done very well or else the whole process must start over again. The glass produced is so unique that it can only be made by experienced and creative people, not by machines. Some workers start their jobs when they are 15 years old and work until they are very old, allowing them to develop extraordinary skills and eventually be considered “masters” at their jobs.

We then visited a liquor store and museum called Becherovka Distillery. The tour guide was very passionate and proud of the liquor that they have produced since the 1800’s. She first gave us a talk about the store’s unique history and then we tasted 3 of their drinks. We then ate a delicious lunch there!

After visiting the liquor store we ventured into the beautiful town of Karlovy Vary. We tasted the water from the hot springs so maybe we will all wake up tomorrow and be young and beautiful! Walking around the town and taking in its beautiful architecture and scenery made me feel very grateful that I am participating in such a wonderful program. I have found the Czech Republic to be a beautiful country and will continue to enjoy it in the weeks ahead!

Cheers!

Dobry Den!

My name is Gina Hnytka and I serve as the Resident Director for the Czech Republic Education Abroad Program 2017.  I am happy to report that all of our students have arrived and are enjoying the welcoming atmosphere here at Czech University of Life Sciences – Prague.  Today, Daniel Dedina (International Programs Leader at CULS) and a few of the CULS students took us all to lunch at a nearby restaurant.  Afterward, despite a rainy start to the afternoon, the skies cleared and we were able to enjoy an incredible and informative tour of downtown (Old Town) Prague led by Dr. Vlastimil Cerny.

We traveled to Old Town Hall (and climbed quite a few stairs!) to an amazing view of downtown Prague below.  I am in the first picture from the left at the top of the tower in Old Town Hall and the picture below that one is our view from the top.  We walked the Charles Bridge and learned a bit of history about the Czech Republic, walked by the Old New Synagogue (the oldest active synagogue in Europe), and learned about many other famous landmarks on Old Town Square. We also stopped at St. Vitus Cathedral (second picture from the left in the first row) to check out the Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass, and of course, to take a group photo :).

The benefit of touring Prague with economists (both faculty and some students) is that we quickly learned where to find the best exchange rate for USD to Czech Korunas. After our walking tour, we exchanged some cash and headed to dinner together at Lokal, an eclectic restaurant in downtown Prague which served local ingredients and traditional Czech fare.

But, enough from me!  It is getting late here and classes begin tomorrow morning, followed by a welcome reception with the Dean and Faculty for all of the program participants.  Each day you will hear from our students via this blog and will learn about our experience here in the Czech Republic from their individual perspectives.

Na shledanou from Suchdol,

Gina

Students will be starting their adventure this week!  They will enjoy their time in Prague and have an action and information packed four weeks!  These photos are from some time ago, but they will give you a sense of the architecture and history that will surround the students.

Scene from a 16 mile hike traditionally done on the program.

The Group from 2011 at Karlovy Most Caves

Telc

Charles Bridge over the Vltava River

St. Vitus Church at Prague Castle

Old Town Square and Jan Hus memorial.

Old Town Square and the Church of the Tyn