The Week After

I feel like most people go into a study abroad experience with certain expectations.  These expectations usually include the anticipation of learning about a different culture, or new language, or different government system.  I was no different; going into my semester in Prague, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Prague, but I certainly expected to learn a ton about a new place.  What I found, however, was that I learned as much about myself and being an American as I did about what Europe is actually like.

What makes Europe and America different?  Well, that is obviously a complicated question.  On the surface, both Europe and America are westernized (for the most part), with the key differences being that in America you get free water and ketchup at restaurants, people wear shorts, people are more obese, and you drive a lot more for a lot less money.  Of course, this is not really what I mean when I try to describe the differences.

There are certain expectations people have in America, both of themselves and each other.  People are expected to work more and harder in this country than many places throughout Europe.  Just look at Greece right now, and other countries such as Italy and Spain (where the unemployment rate is 20%...in the country!).  It is a different culture of work and government dependence.  In the UK, even the “conservative” party would be mostly democratic in the U.S., as they are pro-environment, in favor of national healthcare, etc.  Was this brought on by the competition that has developed in the U.S. over the years, as so many immigrants came and competed against each other for a good life?  I don’t know.  I have no idea.

However, I do know that part of the culture gap is due to differences in history, as America hasn’t suffered through two World Wars fought upon its continent (and thus has not had to really “recover” anytime the last 100 years; the stock market crash is one thing, but having 90% of some of your cities bombed out like Germany is another).  America is also a much larger country than any of the individual nations in Europe (duh).

Also, at this point, I have to remind myself that I really shouldn’t consider “Europe” one place anymore.  In America, just like Europe, you can drive across state lines without having your passport checked (in most of Europe you can do this now).  However, the difference between driving from the Czech Republic to Germany is not the same as the differences seen when driving from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where the license plates change, the Governor changes, and, well, that’s about it.  When you drive between countries in Europe, the moment you cross the border everything INSTANTLY changes:  history, language, way of life.  Ten miles into Germany, no one speaks Czech, no one can understand anything about the Czech Republic. 

It is amazing how this unguarded border still signifies such vast differences.  If you’ve ever driven between the U.S. and Canada, it doesn’t compare to driving between European nations.  The U.S. and Canada are still alike in many ways (although I’m not sure either would want to admit).  For one, the language is the same, and that automatically binds places together (such as Germany and Austria).

I don’t know, maybe I’m rambling a bit.

Prague was the most beautiful city I’ve ever been to.  I can’t really imagine how anything man-made can really be that much more spectacular.  Granted, I’ve never seen the Great Wall of China or the Egyptian Pyramids, but I put the city of Prague right on up there with the Old City of Jerusalem or Paris or anywhere.

Czechs are a pretty interesting bunch.  Yes, at first (and usually) they might come across as a little harsh, or even mean, especially older Czechs.  But they have a quiet intelligence through them (minus the cracked out homeless guys, but that is true anywhere).  They are a country smaller than many U.S. states, yet the government and infrastructure and culture is just as extensive as many larger nations.

Integrating to the rest of Europe will be an ongoing and fascinating process to watch, both in terms of the Czech Republic/Central and Eastern Europe and also in relation to the rest of the world.  With the U.S. a dominant power, and large countries such as India and China catching up, Europe will not be as important as it once was without being united.  This is just my opinion, of course, but I think the European Union is here to stay, and even the euro will be around for a while (unless the Germans and French get too frustrated because they have to keep funding bailouts for countries that don’t like to work).

Looking back over these fourish months, integration is just one topic I learned about.  Most of the things I learned I will not be able to put in words.  I know that sometimes, this fall/summer, my friends are going to look at me and go, “What?  Why did you do that?”  There will be parts of me changed from my European experience.

I can’t believe how much I did over four months.  It is true:  once you get to Europe, it is really easy to get around.  In the Czech Republic, I went to Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Litomerice, Kutna Hora, and Plzen.  Outside the CR, I went to (from East to West) Budapest, Krakow, Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Madrid.  Wow.  Learned a lot everywhere I went.  And it was a BLAST!

At the same time, I am more proud now than ever to be an American and to live in this country.   This adventure has reinforced all my goals of getting involved with American government some way or another.  I care about this place a lot, and maybe this is a bit too reflective, but I don’t want to sit back now that I have just a taste of what the world is like.  We can’t take this country for granted or else we will get lazy and fall back in world importance.  It is that simple.

I also realize I’m lucky to have experienced this, but would implore anyone I know to spend some time abroad, even if only for a vacation or a few weeks.  It is guaranteed to impact you, or at least make you realize what you like about your home.

I guess that is it for now.  The blog has been a success, I think.  If anything, I now have about 200 pages of notes and pictures for me to remember my semester in Prague 25 years from now when I tell my kids about it.  Looking forward to discussing every step of the journey with you next time I see you in person!

Good-bye! Adios! Cau! Na shladenou! Au Revior! Pozegnanie! Bucsu! Auf Wiedersehen!