Dobrý den! Hello! My name is Devin. I’m a junior at Pitt majoring in secondary social studies education, studying in Prague, Czech Republic, in the Fall 2026 semester. I chose to study in Prague because I wanted an opportunity to experience a different culture while learning more about Central European history, politics, and education outside of the traditional classroom setting I am used to. I have always been interested in history, particularly how historical events continue to shape people’s identities, experiences, and opportunities today. Prague has a rich past, from World War II and the Communist era to the Velvet Revolution and transition to democracy, making it especially fascinating to me.

Before arriving, I expected Prague to be a beautiful, historic city with a very different lifestyle and cultural perspective from what I was used to in the United States. I was excited to explore Europe and travel to surrounding countries, but I also knew that I wanted this experience to go beyond sightseeing. Particularly, I was eager to better understand what life was like under communism, how the country transitioned to democracy, and how those historical experiences have lasting physical and social implications that can be seen throughout the country today. I was also curious about how the Czech education system compares to the American system, in terms of teaching approaches, classroom environments, and student experiences, especially when it comes to supporting students with different learning needs and backgrounds.

Personally, I hope to become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded by immersing myself in a culture different from my own. I want to challenge some of my assumptions, step outside of my comfort zone, and develop a better understanding of perspectives that differ from mine. Intellectually, I hope to deepen my understanding of European history and contemporary social issues by connecting what I learn in class to the people, places, and communities I encounter throughout my experience. Professionally, as someone who hopes to become a social studies teacher, I think studying abroad will help me become a more culturally aware educator. I want to bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences into my future classroom and help students recognize history as more than singular events, but rather an ongoing process that continues to influence the world around them. Overall, I hope to return back to the United States with not only new memories, friends, and experiences, but also a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the world around me.

Vítejte v Praze!