Meet Amonte McNair

Program and Location:

Summer, NC State European Center in Prague; Prague, Czech Republic

Major/Minor:

Accounting

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself. This program started right after I graduated high school and I thought it would be the perfect time to do something that would change my perspective and force me to grow. I thought to myself there can’t be a better way of challenging myself by traveling to another continent at 18 years old without any family.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that I am able to adapt to the situation and environment that I am in. That surprised me because I have never traveled out of the country before this program, and I have only left North Carolina a handful of times. To build on this I also learned that I am able to get along with and connect with the people around me. At first, I thought my peers in the program would be reserved and keep to themselves, but we all bonded and formed good relationships that we still have to this day. Also, I was able to communicate and even connect with a few people in Prague which really surprised me, I thought that wouldn’t be possible because of the cultural differences. It was very fun talking to some citizens in Prague and talking to each other about our culture and what we like to do.

What was one of your favorite parts of your program?

One of my favorite parts of the FYI In Prague program were the various bonding activities the program set up for us. For example, we went rafting down a river into Cesky Krumlov and everyone that was in a boat had to coordinate and paddle together so the raft would move. This was very fun because we had to trust each other and work together as a team. Another example would be the group dinners or the tours of Prague and the castles. I loved spending time with all of my friends in the program and seeing how they responded to the new culture.

Were you surprised by anything during your time abroad?

I was surprised by how open the citizens of Prague were to talk to me. When you are walking around in Prague people keep to themselves and don’t make small talk. However, when you are in a restaurant or at a social event people are willing to talk to you. At first, I thought no one would want to talk to me but I talked to some people, and they asked me what it was like living in America and what I thought about Prague.

What advice do you have to future study abroad students?

My advice to future study abroad students is to spend time on Duolingo learning the greetings of the language of the location you are traveling to. Another piece of advice I have is to get to know the other people in your program and hang out with them outside of class this makes the study abroad experience more fun and memorable.

Would you do it again?

I would do it again because when I was in Prague it felt like I was born again. I had to learn and experience a completely new culture and I will have that same feeling if I study abroad in another country.