There's one woman in the CEA Prague study abroad headquarters whose mission is to make sure you acknowledge the "study" part of "study abroad." Her name is Lenka Vystrcilova and she's a Stanford educated Czech woman who wants to watch you succeed at Anglo-American University. Learn more about her below!

Lenka, CEA Prague's Academic Director

Where are you from?

Michalovce, Slovak Republic

 

Where and what did you study?

BA at Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon (International Relations and German Studies)

MA at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California (Russian, East European, Eurasian Studies)

Ph.D. in Political Science at the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich, Germany

Research and teaching interest in European Union studies, EU Eastern accession, democratization

 

What's your favorite part about working for CEA?

Studying abroad has been an integral part of my life. As a native of then Czechoslovakia, I had an opportunity to study in the U.S. in high school and later as an undergraduate and graduate student. I know from personal experience how enriching and rewarding a study abroad experience can be. This is why I greatly enjoy seeing and helping our U.S. students have a life-changing experience in “my” part of the world as part of the CEA study abroad in Prague.

 

Why work in Prague?

I am sure our students will agree that one falls in love with Prague very easily and fast. It a stunning city known for its rich history and architectural splendor. The uniqueness of its appeal has to do with it being the very heart of Europe where centuries of history and traditions intertwine with the excitement and opportunities of “new Europe”. Of course there are also practical considerations such as an excellent transportation system and access to many parks (if you are a jogger like me) which are also important to everyday life.

 

What's your favorite place to eat in Prague?

If I am allowed to have my recommendation extend beyond Prague, go visit Café Fara in Kletnice. I am placing you somewhat off your usual map, but the café as well as the surrounding region are definitely worth the visit (accommodation also possible).

 

Are you married? Do you have any children or pets?

Yes. My husband, Zbynek, is a true Moravian stemming from a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage city of Trebic. We have a two-year old daughter Nela who is a guarantor of constantly good family mood. I highly recommend a trip to Moravian countryside and cities to our students who wish to experience Czech life outside of Prague.

 

One piece of advice for students considering studying abroad in Prague:

Prague is special and a bit more of a challenge in some ways. It may not always be an easy experience but you can look forward to learning a lot every day, thus growing immensely as a person while on the program. Be open minded, flexible, and ready for a challenge. Make it one of your goals to interact with and learn from local students and residents. If you are willing to embrace all that Prague, the Czech Republic, and the CEA Prague program have to offer, you will certainly have a truly transformational experience.

 

 Tansu Philip is the Fall 2014 CEA MOJO in Prague, Czech Republic. She is currently a junior at Chapman University.