I was fortunate to have been matched with the Institute for Politics and Society during my brief time in the Czech Republic. I am a college student currently working towards my Bachelor's degree in History and Political Science at St. Lawrence University in New York. During the fall semester of my junior year, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Prague with CIEE, where I pursued its internship placement program. I was able to interview with IPPS in the summer and absolutely loved the organization. During my semester, I had the unique challenge and opportunity to take classes with Charles University professors while working part-time at the Institute.

While working for the Institute of Politics and Society, I attended two conferences. My favorite conference that I was able to participate in was the Prague Security Dialogue. It was my first time being part of an event of that magnitude, and I gained valuable experience and knowledge in event planning and organization. I aided in multiple research and grant efforts early on in my time at IPPS, which further developed my communication skills and Excel proficiency. My two proudest achievements while interning for IPPS were the two policy papers that I authored. I was very honored to be trusted to write two papers and thrilled by how much trust the staff placed in me throughout the process. What resulted was two papers that I am incredibly proud of and great opportunities to research the Czech and European policy systems compared to the United States.

This internship and the experience I gained through it will stay with me throughout my life and future career. I am immensely grateful for the time I was in Prague and for the Institute. The staff not only helped me further my educational and professional goals but also welcomed me with open arms and gave me a place to call home in what had begun as an unfamiliar country. I could not have imagined my semester abroad without the Institute and all of the supportive and welcoming people who work there.