Having gotten back from our trip across the Czech Republic, through Prague and Český Krumlov, and Poland, more specifically Krakow, I could not be more happy looking back on this trip. I found the class to be enjoyable in both content and structure, and I met so many people I hope to see back on campus and keep in close touch with.

This experience was truly unlike any other. Throughout the course, we’d often have morning lectures, take a quick break for lunch (shout-out to this amazing shawarma place in Prague), and then often go tour either the city, something relating to an industry there, or something relating to the topic of our lecture that day. The half of the trip in both Prague and then Krakow provided excellent amounts of time to explore and become acquainted with the city. Upon arrival in each, I felt like a touristy in a foreign land. Now, while that was also completely true of the end of the trip too, I at least learned how to get back to the hotel from the main city square in each of the cities! For real though, every part of this trip was either the most fun it could have been or educational on a level that I found to be truly interesting.

I saw myself grow into a person who chooses to dive head first into new experiences in new places and with new people. I think a few years back that would’ve scared me, but as I continually evolve as a person I think these experiences are actually where I find the most growth. Academically, I got to actually go to a different country and talk about how the concepts I’ve learned about in my economics course actually apply to the real world and outside of the US. Professionally, I got a look at how some international businesses are run and how customs of other countries must be respected while traveling abroad. Personally, I not only grew because I found another place or two that I truly enjoyed being and saw new sights while expanding my tastes, but also because I met so many people and formed valuable relationships that I hope to carry on into the future.

My takeaways are some things that I will take back to Pitt and some personal things for myself. First, many in-class discussions on the trip directly related to/correlated with research I have conducted in an economics class at Pitt. If I decide to publish this paper, I will most definitely use what I learned on the trip to enhance it. On a more personal level though, my main takeaway is to travel more, whenever I get the chance, for it is truly the best way to learn!