研究ing Abroad in 布拉格 as an 工程 Student

A study abroad student standing in front of a building and smiling at the camera

Why 工程 Students Can and Should 宝博体育 

I’ve always loved traveling and the idea of 宝博体育, but I’ve also heard that engineers can’t study abroad. I was under the impression that engineering would be too hard or credits wouldn’t transfer, 但事实并非如此. 有很多 opportunities for engineering students 宝博体育, and I want to share my experiences and spread the word so other engineers can take advantage of these opportunities as well. 

A study abroad student standing in front of a building and smiling at the camera

My first day of classes at the 东航卡帕 研究 Center in the heart of 布拉格 

I have created this photoset to share my experiences with other engineers and show that it is possible (and a great idea!作为一名工程师宝博体育. If you are an engineering (or similar) major and think that it isn’t possible 宝博体育, 你有很多选择! Start talking to your school's study abroad office or 联系东航卡帕 (有很多 校友大使, including myself, who would love to help!)关于期权. I found it easiest 宝博体育 the summer after my freshman year and I was able to get all my credits to transfer.  

A blanket on a green field with a laptop and backpack laying on top of it

研究ing on the field at Riegrovy Sady, my favorite place to study on a nice day 

 

One thing I’d recommend for engineers if your engineering classes themselves won’t transfer from abroad: take elective courses or prerequisites for your major! I decided to take linear algebra and an art history class (Golden City of 布拉格) in 布拉格, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.  

A statute in a fountain outside a large building on a hill

Exploring new parks in my free time or on study breaks 

Most majors have requirements (like calculus or humanities classes), so I took these classes abroad so that I could still take my engineering classes at school. This even put me ahead in my schedule and gave me more room to take other classes at school! 

The outside of a large ornate Gothic building

One of our field visits to the 布拉格 Castle for my Golden City class 

Notebooks and textbooks spread on a cafe table with two coffees in the middle

My classmate and I loved studying at Rose Latte in Vinohrady 

The 东航卡帕 staff is also very accommodating and eager to help. Linear Algebra isn’t the easiest class, and I was initially nervous about taking it abroad. However, the teachers were very kind and helpful and want you to pass. 东航卡帕 provides many resources for you and the staff will always support you if you need help. 

A classroom with study abroad students sitting in rows looking toward the front

One of the classrooms in the 东航卡帕 布拉格 研究 Center 

Another tip I have for 宝博体育 as an engineer is to collaborate with other students! Meeting people in my classes and doing work together was a great way to 结交新朋友 同时完成我们的工作. I would often meet up with my friends and classmates to study at cafes, parks, or our apartment. I also recommend trying out new study spots in your host city as a way to explore the culture and city while being productive. I loved studying at a different cafe each week! 

A group of study abroad students smiling at the camera

My friends and study buddies - I met so many amazing people from 宝博体育 

最后, engineering is about balance: it is important to take breaks and enjoy your time in your host city. I would do this by hanging out with my roommates, 散步, 探索新的公园/咖啡馆, 周末旅行! A good way to multitask is doing your homework on trains/planes if you travel on weekends.  

I have found all these tips to be helpful during my eight weeks abroad, and my experience has definitely made a positive impact on me as an engineering student. 

A group of people sitting on patches of grass watching the sun set

Watching the sunset in Riegrovy Sady with locals - it’s important to take breaks and immerse yourself in the culture 

 


帕克彼得森 is the Summer 2023 校友大使 in 布拉格, 捷克共和国, and is currently studying at University of Michigan Ann Arbor.