A New Perspective: Why Communication Majors Should Consider Prague

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One of the first things I noticed after arriving in Prague was how people communicate in everyday scenarios. 

Near the CIEE building, there are a few coffee shops I visit regularly. In the United States, I was used to having small talk before ordering. In Prague, interactions often have a similar rhythm: you order, wait silently, and move on to the next thing. This made me curious about the cultural expectations behind everyday communication. These differences weren’t personal. Instead, they reflected a different social norm.

As a communication major at Hope College, this experience has challenged me to look beyond how people share messages. It pushed me to learn the cultural context behind them. 

Communication Beyond Traditional Boundaries

My class on Contemporary Czech culture has helped me explore these differences. The topic of autonomous spaces sparked my interest. These are spaces where communities can develop outside traditional hierarchies. My professor often encouraged us to visit these locations, which led me to Bike Jesus, a grassroots community in Prague. 

Bike Jesus promotes club culture while also providing a safe space for personal growth. The community emphasizes communication and freedom from discrimination. 

When we visited this location, we saw groups working on art, others exercising in the green space, and cyclists passing through. People were also setting up for a concert later that evening. 

Despite the various activities taking place, the atmosphere was peaceful. People were just living life. 

Being at Bike Jesus helped me understand how communities create spaces for expression and connection. It showed me that communication does not always require direct interaction. Sometimes, simply sharing a space can create a sense of belonging. 

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

My international reporting class pushed me to apply these lessons in another way. I had to write an article about European and Czech politics, a subject I hardly knew anything about. 

Learning about Czech political parties and their perspectives was especially interesting. Even when I encountered topics and viewpoints I didn’t agree with, I had to dig deeper. I wanted to know and understand why people held those beliefs. 

I was reminded that communication requires curiosity. It means being willing to consider perspectives beyond my own. 

More Than an Interview

One of the most impactful experiences so far has been interviewing someone whose family survived the Holocaust. My interviewee, who is 75, had the most incredible energy and enthusiasm when sharing his story. 

We had planned a 30-minute interview, but that ended up being a 2-hour-long conversation. We sometimes veered off topic, and he became interested in learning about me. I appreciated allowing a conversation to unfold naturally. 

He spoke with such pride about his family’s history. Despite involving such a catastrophic event, his perspective and stories left a lasting impression on me. 

These experiences have deepened my understanding of communication. Whether I pursue journalism, public relations, or documentary, I have obtained a deeper understanding of the importance of listening and comprehending different perspectives. 

For communication majors considering studying abroad, I would highly encourage you to consider Prague. This city has pushed me to think of communication in ways I never expected. 

It has reminded me that becoming a better communicator means more than learning how to tell stories. It has reinforced learning how to listen, understand, and connect with the people you meet.

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