Meet Megan Mersch (she/her)

Program and Location:

Summer, N.C. State European Center in Prague; Prague, Czech Republic

Major/Minor:

Graphic and Experience Design Major, Media Arts Design and Technology Minor

Why did you choose to study abroad?

The study abroad program at N.C. State was simply an opportunity I could not pass up as a student, especially someone who had never been out of the United States. I’ve always wanted to travel somewhere outside of the country and these established programs are the best way to navigate world travel as a young person and a beginner traveler. I wanted to make friends, have new experiences, and get ahead on my credit hours to graduate.

What did you learn about yourself?

The biggest thing I learned that I am more confident and adaptable than I thought. While planning for this trip, I was honestly a large ball of nerves and anxiety. I kept asking myself “what if” questions and it was difficult for me to keep the fears I had out of my head. When I reached out to other students who had been to Prague for Study Abroad I felt more at ease and more excitement going into the program. I realized while abroad that the process of adapting to a new culture was fun and exciting rather than stressful and tiring.

What was one of your favorite parts of your program?

My favorite part of the program was the relationships I built with both Prague staff and the friends I made in the program. Irena Bujárková is a professor in Prague who teaches Drawing and Etching. She is the most insightful and thoughtful professor I’ve had at N.C. State. She opened her printmaking studio to us and made us feel right at home in Prague. I learned so many amazing printing techniques and got to utilize her studio supplies and printing press. This class fueled my excitement throughout the whole trip and I am so grateful that I was able to learn from Irena Bujárková and make new friends within this course.

What advice do you have to future study abroad students?

When I first started thinking about the trip as a whole, it was very daunting for me. I kept a notebook with things I needed to figure out about traveling and living in Prague. I found that instead of thinking about my list all at once, it was more helpful to cross off questions and “to-dos” one at a time. A few main categories I had on my list were meals, transportation, cost, housing, friends, and classes. For example, one day I researched transportation in Prague and got some great insights about the tram system from one of my friends that recently went there. Eventually, I crossed off my entire list of inquiries and felt very prepared going into Prague.

How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at NC State? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?

The Drawing and Etching Studio involved many opportunities only available through the N.C. State European Center in Prague. I got to visit the Prague Zoo for an entire school day and sketch animals in motion. My class also got to explore surrounding monuments and buildings in Prague to sketch those as well. The printmaking materials made available by my professor, Irena Bujárková, were unique to this course. We had access to a printing press, high-quality paper, inks, acids, and etching tools. These materials and field trips were exclusive to this course at the N.C. State European Center in Prague and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to take Drawing and Etching.

Would you do it again?

If given unlimited time and money, I would love to complete another study abroad program.