Our founder Kenzie Negron was bit by the travel bug and is currently exploring Prague as well as other amazing sites throughout the world!Â
What are the major differences of classes between America and Prague?
“The biggest difference between the classes I have taken in America and the classes I’m currently taking in Prague would be the course load. In my opinion, the course load is much less rigorous abroad. For example, rather than multiple homework assignments and quizzes due every week, we have 10-15 page papers, and presentations due a few times throughout the semester. I’m a Secondary Education, and English major and am currently taking some English classes here in Prague. It’s very, very interesting to see the differences in literature here as opposed to back in America. Many famous short stories and poems have different meanings and interpretations here in Europe. This is something I really like about my classes, because I have been able to look at famous literary works through a whole new lens. Another big difference is that classes only take place from Monday to Thursday! I believe the program is set up this way so that the students have optimal time to travel to various places on the weekends, which is awesome!
What has been the most memorable moment so far?
“I’m actually here studying with my boyfriend of 5+ years. Buuuut he proposed to me last month in front of the Prague castle, so I think that definitely has been my most memorable moment, haha!!”
What places have you visited and which were your favorite?
“I have been to Berlin, Copenhagen, Switzerland, Ireland, London, and Liverpool so far. Each has had its own little factors that make it special, so I’ve honestly had favorite parts about all of them. I guess if I had to narrow it down to my favorite it would be a toss up between Switzerland, Dublin and London. Switzerland was so surreal. Everything there was beautiful. My friends and I decided to splurge a bit to kayak on Lake Brienz, this was probably one of the coolest things I have ever done, it was absolutely incredible. When my fiancĂ© and I (feels so fancy to say that) went to London, we spent some time in Liverpool as well. When we went to Liverpool we saw an Everton football game, which was a ton of fun! When we went to Dublin we went on a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. This was amazing, and probably one of the best things I’ve done so far on this trip (besides kayaking haha). Switzerland, London, and Dublin were all full of very genuine people. It was awesome to get to know some of the locals in these places.”
Have any friends or family from home visited you and what did you all do?
“I was fortunate enough to have two of my best friends visit me during their spring break at Oney! I had actually been counting down the days to their arrival since the day I got to Prague so this was something I had been looking forward to for a long time! It was a ton of fun to explore the city with my pals because I missed them a ton! My family is actually visiting me in Amsterdam in a few weeks and I am very excited for that – 4 months is a long time away from your fam, especially when you consider your parents your best friends.”
What is your favorite historic site you’ve gone to?
“I took a school field trip to a town called Lidice. Lidice was a town that the Nazis completely destroyed for no reason. The town is now just grass fields with memorials, and the cement foundations of some buildings. This was a really moving experience, and something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. We also got to speak with one of the 7 children who survived the destruction of Lidice, and it was amazing to hear her story.”
Do you miss most about Oneonta?
“Aside from mac dogs, I miss my best friends the most!! It’s tough to talk to my pals from Oneonta because of the obvious distance and 6 hour time difference, so I miss them a ton! I try to stay in the loop as much as possible, but it’s not as easy to keep in touch as it was when I was living in Oneonta.”
Where are some places people absolutely need to go to when visiting Prague?
“Hmmmm, the main spots are Old Town Square, the Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. I would also recommend checking out some of the very old churches, the Astronomical Clock, and the beer gardens!”
What have you learned so far while studying abroad?
“I think I have learned a lot about myself since studying abroad. The culture here is very different than that at home and it’s been a bit tough to try and adjust to. I’ve also learned how important it is to get off my phone, because the world has so much to offer and you can miss a ton of it if you’re constantly walking around with your head in your phone. Simply taking more time to “look up” when you go through your daily routines can show you a lot of things that you may have been missing for a while. When I was recently in Dublin I met someone at a pub that had been struck by lightning. He was actually in a comma for a week, and paralyzed, but miraculously woke up. He had such a positive outlook on life, and seemed to be living it to the absolute fullest. This seriously taught me that life is short and goes by quite quickly. Holding grudges, constantly wishing for what you don’t have, and being unhappy is no way to live.”
Where are some places you are excited to visit in the future?
“I am super excited to go to Paris! My fiancĂ© and I are actually going to check out the Paris Disneyland and I can’t wait. I might also be going to various spots in Italy for a week with my brother, so that is equally exciting!”
Thanks for taking the time to catch up with our HC Oneonta founder.
We miss you, Kenz!