- Motto: Take the road less traveled.
- Country of origin: United States of America
- Higher education institution: University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice
- Field of study: Master's in Ecology
- Level of study: Master
What made you decide to study in Czechia?
I have been living here in Czechia for the last seven years, working as a teacher (specializing in math and science) in Prague. After a decade of teaching, I was ready for a career change. When I saw an announcement for an English-language Master's Program in Ecology in České Budějovice, I knew I had to apply.
Did your studies meet your expectations? How did you find the study programme, instructors, university facilities? Were there any differences from studying in your country?
The instructors at Jihočeská Univerzita are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and inspiring. The excursions I have participated in are engaging. The university facilities, like the cafe and library are comfortable, and conducive to getting good work done (shout-out to my favorite study spot on the third floor!). Studying in Czechia is affordable, which I cannot say is true for my country of origin.
What was the biggest surprise with regard to studying or living in Czechia?
I don't know if I can say what was the *biggest* surprise with regard to living and studying here, but I do remember I was surprised to learn that the Father of Genetics was born in what is today considered Czechia!
What was your most memorable experience or what did you enjoy most as a student in Czechia?
I am thoroughly enjoying my thesis project. Though I can envision myself (eventually) bushwhacking through unforgiving terrain in search for a rare stick insect, a decade of standing at the whiteboard has not exactly prepared me for this reality. At the moment, my thesis project has me walking the streets of České Budějovice, observing birds. Not only have I learned so much about the local avifauna, but I have also gotten to know the city of České Budějovice.
How do you think your time in Czechia has helped your studies and/or your career?
I have been learning to speak Czech since the day I arrived in Prague, seven years ago. I will be the first to tell you - it's a těžký jazyk! It has taken a lot of time, effort, patience, practice, and persistence to be able to hold a conversation (both on my part, and on the part of my amazing teachers). Learning Czech over these last few years has taught me what it takes to succeed in a Master's Program - a can do attitude, and a supportive community.
Do you have any advice for students thinking about studying in Czechia?
I would advise prospective students to get to know Czechia, outside the "walls" of their university. Board a train to Kutna Hora, bake some vánoční cukroví, hike the Stezka Českem, hunt for some houby, see a play at the národní divadlo, learn some hezky česky... There's a reason I was just granted permanent residency here!
