University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Summer Series: Catherine McTiernan
07/09/2015 | Women's Lacrosse
This is the next in our Summer Spider Series detailing some of our Spiders' summer adventures. Follow these posts to learn more about a few Spiders and what they have been up to this summer!
Summer Spider Series: Rising senior Catherine McTiernan took some classes in Prague through UR this summer. She details their adventures in this next installment of the Spider Summer Series,
2015.
CM: For the past month, I have had the opportunity to study abroad in Prague, Czech Republic through a University of Richmond summer study abroad program. In the span of five weeks, I was lucky enough to explore all over Prague and embark on an amazing adventure. Although it was my first time abroad, it didn't take too much time to finally feel comfortable walking around the gorgeous city, understanding the currency exchange and eventually assimilating into the Czech culture. Every minute of my time abroad was so special and I couldn't have been happier with my experience overseas.
During my time abroad, I took two classes at Charles University, including an English class, “Literature and Social Change in Eastern Europe,” and an elective, “the idea of Central Europe.” Both classes were very interesting and gave a clear overview of Czech literature and the historical, social and political aspects regarding to Central and Eastern Europe. Along with taking two classes, I went 
exploring with my classmates everyday. In just one month, we were 
able to walk all over Prague, and venture outside Old Town Square to see some of the most beautiful buildings, landscapes, churches and castles.
From the Prague Castle to the John Lennon Wall, which I painted "RWL" on to represent my team overseas, or from the Lookout Tower, which had the most breathtaking view of Prague, to pedal boating under the Charles Bridge, I can honestly say my time abroad was a dream come true. Not only did I venture around Prague by foot, but I also learned how to navigate the city via their transportation system. This was probably one of the harder things to understand, along with the language barrier of course, but within a week or two I learned how to use the trams (buses), metro (subway) and train. Having that under my belt, made traveling to other cities and countries much easier. For instance, as a program we spent 4 out of the 5 weeks in Prague, but took an extended field trip to 
two cities in the Czech Republic, including Olomouc and Ostrava, and then we traveled to Slovakia and Budapest. Each city was more beautiful then the next and I just couldn't believe my eyes when I arrived in Budapest and witnessed the Parliament and Embassy Building lit up at night. From the churches in Olomouc to the coalmines in Ostrava, and then to the beautiful rustic landscape in Slovakia, each place we visited had its own beauty and interesting historical background.
In the first three weeks of studying abroad, I not only made long-lasting friendships with other Richmond students, but I was also lucky enough to spend time with fellow Richmond Spiders, Anna Jeszeck, Emily Boyce and Jess Miller. I was amazed at how popular Prague was and how many familiar faces I actually ran into! Every time I walked around Prague, I felt so comfortable and safe, which made my experience even more spectacular. My time in Prague helped me mature and learn to become even more independent. Every day spent abroad was filled with excitement, happiness and optimism, and I would 100% recommend this program to anyone looking to study overseas during the summer. I can definitely say that in just a short amount of time, I learned so much about myself, made so many new friends and overall had only positive things to say about this summer study abroad program.
