Two South Texas Law students studying abroad in Prague this summer are capturing their academic and travel adventures for us, in this special Postcards from Prague series.
May 21, 2025
We made it!
After three flights, two of them delayed, and nearly 24 hours of travel, we finally touched down in Prague. Exhausted and running on little to no sleep, the moment felt surreal. Just days ago, we were deep in the whirlwind of finals; now, here we were, stepping into a new chapter.
First meal in Prague…
With only a general idea of where we wanted to go and a strong craving for authentic Czech food, we let the streets of Prague guide us. We wandered through winding cobblestone alleys, crossed the iconic Charles Bridge, and eventually found ourselves in a cozy corner of a small restaurant. Chicken schnitzel! Goulash! As we savored every bite, we practiced a few Czech phrases to use with our waiter, doing our best to blend in, one word at a time. This meal wasn’t just delicious; it was a true introduction to Czech culture and hospitality. And yes, we’re still dreaming about it.
Old Town Square
Wandering through Old Town Square, we marveled at the astronomical clock, stood in awe before the Jan Hus monument, and admired the breathtaking Gothic and Baroque architecture surrounding us. The cobblestone streets, golden sunlight, and storybook buildings made it feel as though we had stepped onto a movie set.
The energy in Old Town was electric. Tourists from all over the world filled the square with laughter, curiosity, and excitement. There was a shared sense of wonder in the air and we were fully swept up in it. Prague, from the very beginning, has proven to be nothing short of magical.
May 23, 2025
Orientation at Charles University, Faculty of Law
The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation as we met our professors: Professor Galloway, Professor Lewinbuk, Professor Jankowski, and Professor Fincham, each of whom brought their own unique perspective and passion for the law. During orientation we heard welcoming remarks from the university’s faculty and enjoyed an especially memorable presentation from Professor Lewinbuk.
A tour and oh…the elevators!
Some Charles University law students led us on a tour of the campus. We saw bright, airy classrooms filled with natural light, a cozy coffee shop perfect for studying and a cafeteria offering authentic Czech dishes that we couldn’t wait to try.
And the highlight of the tour? The elevators! Unlike anything we’ve seen in the U.S. These elevators are on a continuous loop of open compartments that move slowly, giving you just enough time to hop on or off as they pass your floor. No buttons. No waiting. No stopping. If you miss your floor, you simply ride around and hop on the one going the other direction. At first glance, they seemed a little intimidating, but within moments we were pros and even a bit obsessed.
May 26, 2025
First day of Class
While first-day jitters were definitely in the air, the walk to school, lined with historic buildings and cobblestone streets, quickly put our nerves at ease. The charm of the city is impossible to ignore, especially in the morning light. We kicked off the day with our Cultural Heritage class taught by Professor Fincham and were welcomed with a lovely surprise: complimentary coffee and tea waiting for us as we entered the classroom.
It was a small gesture, but one that set the tone for what promises to be a thoughtful and engaging month of learning. Because the program is condensed into just four weeks, we attend both of our courses every day, Monday through Thursday. It seems intense, but surrounded by the history and beauty of Prague, it feels more like a privilege than a burden. Day one was a success, and we can’t wait for all that is still to come.
May 27, 2025
Class field trip to Karlstejn Castle and Lidice Memorial
A most powerful and memorable day…. Our first stop was the Lidice Memorial, a solemn tribute to the Czech village destroyed by the Nazis during World War II. The memorial stands on the grounds where the village once existed, complete with statues honoring the men, women, and especially the children who were lost. Walking through the grounds was sobering, my heart felt so heavy, but the experience was deeply moving. It was a profound way to learn about Czech history and to honor the resilience of a community that once stood there.
After that emotional morning, our next stop was the Karlštejn Castle, founded by King Charles IV. When we first arrived in the village, we couldn’t see the castle at all. It was hidden beyond the hills and trees. We were told we’d have to walk uphill to reach it, and when we were about halfway up, the castle finally came into view. Massive, majestic, and seemingly plucked from the pages of a fairytale. Inside, we toured the royal chambers, saw the throne room, the king’s bedroom and dining area, and admired centuries old artwork and furniture. Every room told a story, and every detail reflected the grandeur of a bygone era.
