December 2, 2021: The sad day has finally come—the last post for the 2021 Prague Blog. It simultaneously feels like we just arrived in Prague yesterday and like we’ve lived here for years; the time has gone by so quickly, yet we were able to fit so many activities and experiences into these ten weeks.
Our experiences here are even more incredible when viewed in the context of the rapidly shifting global events of the past couple years. The start of the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the 2020 trip to this year, possible back-up plans were made for Denmark, and even up until the days leading up to the program it seemed possible that travel restrictions would prevent entry into the Czech Republic. The fact that we were able to study, travel, and enjoy our experience in Central Europe without lockdowns or major restrictions is a miracle. Our ability to visit clinics and interact with clinicians and patients, attend classes in person, travel to other countries, attend cultural and sporting events, and explore Prague made this program an unparalleled experience that (and I think I speak for everyone) I will remember for the rest of my life.
Our excursions, tours, and cultural immersion in Prague wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work, attention to detail, and dedication of Jiří, who kept us organized and informed while also entertaining us with his funny stories about Ken (and their glider crash) and Carleton students from past programs. He has told us that, out of all the programs that he directs, he has a soft spot for Carleton students. Hopefully he also knows that he has a special place in the hearts of all of us on the Prague OCS program.
Of course, our program also wouldn’t be possible without Ken. Not only did his unique experience working and living in the Czech Republic determine the location of the OCS program, but his connections to clinicians in the area and in-depth background in psychopathology created a rich learning environment for us. Outside of the classroom, he led movie nights, took us to soccer games, and worked hard to make sure we were all safe, happy, and engaged during our study abroad experience.
We also really enjoyed getting to know Ken’s sense of humor. This humor is especially present in the Hall of Shame, in which Carleton students are subject to communist-style trials for getting caught eating American fast food in Prague. Our program has the dubious distinction of having a record-breaking number of entries in the Hall of Shame throughout all of the years this program has existed, with a few major repeat offenders. In fact, speaking of the Hall of Shame, I have received a last-minute addition from an anonymous source that implicates Ken himself:
Since I don’t have the words to capture how incredible the last ten weeks have been, I decided to poll the group for their favorite trips and most memorable experiences in Prague:
Grace Blanchette (Class Year: 2023, Major: Psychology)
Favorite trip/excursion: “Hiking in Slovakia was my favorite trip that we did for the program. Highly recommend anyone in Slovakia to hike in the Tatra mountain range.”
Favorite memory: “One of my favorite memories from our time in Prague was our apartment dinner. It was such a fun night and a great way to get to know your living mates earlier on in the term. We even moved our dinner table to the outside patio!”
Diana De La Paz (Class Year: 2023, Major: Psychology)
Favorite trip/excursion: Slovakia (Tatras Mountains)
Favorite memory: “Watching the sunrise from Havlíčkovy sady while listening to Pink Floyd.”
Maddy LoRusso (Class Year: 2023, Major: Psychology)
Favorite trip/excursion: The Tatras in Slovakia
Favorite memory: “One of my favorite memories in Prague was spending a day at the Alphonse Mucha museum. I had never even heard of him before coming to Prague, but he has since become one of my favorite artists!”
Amber Lozoya (Class Year: 2023, Major: Sociology/Anthropology)
Favorite trip/excursion: Poland
Favorite memory: “My favorite memory was enjoying the night life and meeting new people from all over the world!”
Joe Tisdale (Class Year: 2023, Major: Psychology)
Favorite trip/excursion: Krakow
Favorite memory: “I loved when Ken unknowingly spilled all of his spa water on the street vendors hand when handing him money in Carlsbad 🤠.”
Suhani Thandi (Class Year: 2023, Major: Psychology)
Favorite trip/excursion: Jachymov/Karlovy Vary
Favorite memory: “Ken and Jiri’s fun dynamic”
Rachel Block (Class Year: 2022, Major: Psychology, Your Blog Writer)
Favorite trip/excursion: Slovakia (Spiš Castle and hiking!)
Favorite memory: “One of my favorite memories is when Joey and I convinced Jiří to teach us the polka, which we then danced in front of the entire restaurant with a live band in Český Krumlov while everyone clapped and cheered us on. I’ll also never forget wandering Prague with friends and taking Tram 22 (my ride-or-die).”
Rebecca Fox (Class Year: 2022, Major: Computer Science, Psychology)
Favorite trip/excursion: Český Krumlov
Favorite memory: “My favorite Prague memory is going to get desserts with friends at “Pastry O’Clock”, which is always right after history classes.”
Sara Liu (Class Year: 2022, Major: Secret Religions Major)
Favorite trip/excursion: Gardens in Český Krumlov
Favorite memory: “The stressful but incredibly beautiful scavenger hunt where we walked 8 miles through Prague, and literally every step took us to another gorgeous cityscape. I love the pastel buildings, cobblestone roads, winding riverbanks, ancient buildings, bells ringing in church steeples, quaint little cafes, and ornamental decorations everywhere. The stained glass windows in the St. Vitus cathedral are some of the best I’ve ever seen, the rich colors and soft, abstract shapes and made the sunlight light up the walls and dance a colorful dance. The hot chocolate was so good and I don’t even like chocolate-flavored things! Also, Prague dogs are gentlemen – they walk unleashed in the streets, peek their heads in establishments and march away respectfully.”
Joey “Yoey” Silknitter (Class Year: 2022, Major: American Studies)
Favorite trip/excursion: Český Krumlov
Favorite memory: “Though it’s hard to pick, my favorite memory in Prague was catching a football with Grace during the World Cup Qualifier match between the Czech Republic and Estonia!”
Minneh Song (Class Year: 2022, Major: Psychology)
Favorite trip/excursion: Slovakia!!!!
Favorite memory: “Sorry Ken, but late night KFCs in Prague will always have a place in my American heart. That, and Lime-ing through the cobblestone streets at night.”
Hisui Takeda (Class Year: 2022, Major: Psychology and Music)
Favorite trip/excursion: Český Krumlov (class excursion) & Budapest, Hungary (independent travel)
Favorite memory: “Being able to apply my knowledge from my Czech Art & Architecture class and History class when walking around on my own in Prague! I was also very enthused when I coincidentally ran into a plaque of my Chopin on the corner of the streets Na příkopě and Hybernská, even though his allure was not at all accurately portrayed.”
Ken Abrams (Class Year: Already graduated, Major: Psychology)
Favorite trip/excursion: “Like everyone else on the program, Sparta Stadium”
Favorite memory in Prague: “Escaping the opera after Act I without being caught by Hisui or Sara.”
Prague will always have a special place in my heart. After spending a term here, I completely understand the urge to leave the U.S. and live abroad in Europe (maybe someday). Thank you for everyone who made this trip possible, memorable, and incredible.
I loved writing the Prague Blog, but this is me signing off! –Rachel