Studying in Czechia has profoundly impacted individuals from around the world, building long-lasting connections and cultural bridges. During our mission to the US in 2024, we had the chance to interview people who have experienced studying in Czechia or carry the country in their hearts for other reasons. As we come back in May 2025 again to organize a mission of Czech universities to the USA and meet alumni at the Czech Reception in Los Angeles on May 22, it is time to recall some of the alumni's memories from last year's Czech receptions.
One of them is Andrew Feustel, a NASA astronaut with strong ties to Czechia through his wife, whose family is from Znojmo. Drew has carried Czech symbols like Krteček into space during his space visits. “Different ways of thinking and different ways of approaching and solving problems, acquired in international exchanges,” Feustel notes, “are of a key importance.” He advocates for supporting Czech technical universities, tries to enhance the country’s visibility, and claims that the power of alumni networking is essential.
As for alumni, Oktay Zeren, a former Turkish student of Environmental Engineering who spent a semester at UJEP University in Ústí nad Labem, warmly recalls his time in Czechia. “I definitely loved it; I had probably the best time of my life,” he says. Oktay Zeren values the engaging academic environment and the multicultural interactions he has experienced. “Studying in Czechia creates a connection among people,” he adds. He now works as a senior energy analyst in the US.
Similarly, Donte Ledbetter, who is now involved in marketing, is an alumnus of Charles University who describes his first exposure to Europe during his studies as transformative. “It was my first time in Europe, first time out of the United States,” he remembers. His immersive studies of art and photography, along with excursions around Prague during the summer school, left a lasting impact. “I always recommend going to Prague and Czechia,” he advises, cherishing the long-lasting friendships and connections that have endured for over 10 years.
Finally, an Ethiopian alumna, Biruk Alemayehu, who graduated from the Engineering in Agricultural Economics at the Mendel University in Brno in 1992 and also attended high school near Brno, now runs an Ethiopian restaurant in New Orleans. Her journey to Czechia, facilitated by a government program, allowed her to experience the country deeply, starting her Czech journey when she was only 14 years old. “I always have good memories from Czechia. When I came back in 2017, I felt I was back home,” she reflects. Her restaurant is a testament to her efforts to share Ethiopian culture and build connections through food. “Food is something that connects people; when people come to one table, they can talk about issues, come up with solutions and connect,” she explains.
These wonderful stories of Czech universities' alumni highlight the impact of educational and cultural exchanges. In the Czechia Alumni programme, we are happy to maintain and strengthen unique global connections that are helping to create a more compassionate world for all. Please register for the Czech reception Los Angeles 2025 via this link.
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