Juggling 15 credits of internship and schooling is not for the weak. Luckily, my peers at One World’s International Film Festival helped me balance a hectic schedule while maximizing my study abroad experience. My position as the Guest Services Intern allowed me the flexibility to work remotely while traveling and attending classes—provided I maintained open and transparent communication with my internship supervisor. As I traveled throughout Europe, my laptop was always within reach, enabling me to handle academic assignments and work responsibilities whenever necessary. 

Queen Anne’s Summer Palace overlooking Prague Castle 

(A)void Cafe on Vltava River 

Exploring Prague's pace of life—including coffee shops, museums, the opera, paddle boating, and taking the train to who knows where—was an outlet from the demands of the rigorous courses at Anglo-American University and my six-credit internship. One tip I recommend: walking. Everywhere. Strolling and meandering through my home city allowed me to fully immerse myself in Czech people and culture as I discovered local shops, eateries, and hidden views. As previously mentioned, walking also helped in managing the stress and weight of my responsibilities. 

READ Kunsthalle Museum exhibit with AAU peers 

Inside of a bear’s mouth at Prague’s National Museum 

Peddle-boating on Vltava River 

The newly revamped One World Film Festival’s inauguration coincided with my spring break, giving me more time to dedicate to my role. There, I made sure to invest myself as much as possible: talking with filmmakers and producers, attending screenings related to my interests in politics, participating in open Q&As with special guests, and more. When the festival’s run in Prague was completed, I communicated with my supervisor and took a trip to Salzburg with my friend to make the most of the last days of my spring break. Going abroad and interning comes with an element of working hard to play hard—that was much of the sentiment during my experiences in Prague. 

BTS of Guest Services at One World Film Festival 

Live Q&A with filmmakers of Hollywoodgate 

Live Q&A with Josh Paul — former US State Department Official 

Many of the people in my photoset appear more than once because they were my constants throughout my time in Prague. My friends, who started as mere roommates, became a large part of why I could juggle priorities. They kept me accountable while reminding me why I studied abroad in the first place. All in all, the keys to managing too much on your plate are: 1. Walking, 2. Communicating, and 3. Having a support system nearby. 

Carmen Opera at the National Theatre