Meet Harrison Kaufmann (He/Him)

Program and Location:

Fall, NC State Prague; Prague, Czech Republic

Major/Minor:

Master of Architecture

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad again because it was financially feasible, aligned with my course of study, and was recommended to me by my peers. Graduate school is a chance for me to engage with my true passions and I have been taking advantage of every opportunity that I can during my graduate studies.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that I still love exploring, and my curiosity about the world is as strong as ever. I was able to bring this into alignment with my professional goals in a way that was incredibly exciting. I did not have this same intentionality as an undergraduate student, even while abroad. I feel that I found out more about myself and the path that I want to take moving forwards. I am also curious about working in architecture overseas, and I did gain some insight into some typical pathways for this transition. Leaving the country for a long period of time allowed me to connect with myself in different social settings, and honestly allowed me to be way more social and active than usual. It was nice to be so invigorated by the life of a really special city like Prague – not to mention all of the others that I visited.

What was one of your favorite parts of your program?

I loved the teaching style of my architecture studio professor. He was able to give us an excellent understanding of the way that Czech people think, the way they live, and the way that Prague has developed over time. I felt informed about arts and cultural events through his recommendations – Prague instantly felt accessible and digestible, and I feel that I truly connected with the city because of this strong and thoughtful introduction. I feel the same way about the trips and excursions that were organized by NC State Prague faculty – connecting us with cities throughout the Czech Republic. A deeper dive into the city was also provided in our Urbanism and Sustainability course, where we took walking tours of the city and learned about different utility functions and natural responses in the built environment – all across the urban area of Prague.

What advice do you have to future study abroad students?

Spend lots of time preparing – in a way that allows you to be spontaneous. I prepared myself by making sure my luggage was up to the job, and by planning my travels to incorporate as much sightseeing as I could on the way to Prague. I purchased a new backpack (REI Trail 40, which I highly recommend for its versatility as a carry-on, hiking, and daily use bag), and planned stops in the UK on my way to Prague. I knew I would be flexible with my return, so I waited to buy a return ticket until later. The cobblestone streets of Prague and other European cities are particularly brutal towards roller bags, so I carried all of my luggage on my back. I also ordered a multi-country banking debit card (Wise) which allowed me to exchange money with an excellent exchange rate and then withdraw it in any country I visited, without ATM fees from my bank.

Were you surprised by anything during your time abroad?

I was pleasantly surprised by the down to earth nature of Czech people, and their sense of community and pride in their country. Czech’s are known for their dry humor and sensible nature, but with a bit of a unique twist. I loved seeing people gather at community athletic centers, festivals, art shows, urban markets, and parties. It is common for people to get together after work to socialize, and this gives a vibrant sense of community to the neighborhoods. Overall I would say the sense of cohesion among the general public was really nice. Czech people can seem somewhat standoffish at first, but they open up easily and they love to share their culture with others.

In what ways did your identity have an impact on your experience abroad?

I felt so much more comfortable sharing my identity in European countries than in some places in the USA. LGBTQ+ programming is much more visible in these cities – it made exploring while abroad more fun because I could be myself.

Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?

Find resources for events that are going on in your city abroad – there are probably many more arts and cultural events than you are used to, even in cities like Raleigh.

Where did you find support to navigate any challenges you faced abroad?

The staff at the NC State Prague center was really helpful in giving advice and helping us understand the culture and what resources we could rely on. All of the staff was from the Czech Republic and I relied on their advice often!

Would you do it again?

Definitely – This was my second time studying abroad, and I was amazed at how different it felt. Traveling is one of the best ways to learn about yourself and your surroundings. By getting a perspective of other parts of the world, you gain a better understanding of the one you inhabit every day.