From Lessons to Landmarks: Our First Steps in Prague

In their first few days abroad, our HSSA Prague students stepped into the heart of the city, where cobblestone streets lead not just to famous landmarks, but to their first real experiences in a new culture.

As part of the first week, the students toured Prague’s Old Town: a maze of narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and storybook architecture. Guided by the hum of the city and their own curiosity, they moved through sunlit squares and under archways that seemed pulled from another century. At one point, the group paused in front of the Astronomical Clock, a masterpiece of medieval engineering nestled into the side of the Old Town Hall. Its gilded face shimmered in the afternoon light, drawing a quiet moment of awe from the students as they took in the intricate dials, tiny painted figures, and centuries of craftsmanship layered into a single, mesmerizing design. Though the square buzzed with tourists, the group stood still, fully immersed in the sense that they were witnessing something both ancient and alive.

Just around the corner, the towering spires of Our Lady before Týn stretched dramatically into the sky, a striking silhouette against the clouds. “It feels like a fairytale,” one student said, eyes fixed on the skyline.

The tour ended on a sweet note, quite literally, with a stop at Crème de la Creme, one of Prague’s most beloved ice cream spots. Flavors like pistachio, raspberry sorbet, and dark chocolate quickly disappeared as the group filled the street outside with quiet chatter and laughter. It was a small reward after a long walk—and a perfect ending to a day full of firsts.

There’s still so much to see, but even now it’s clear: Prague is not just a backdrop to this program. It’s becoming part of their story, one cobblestone at a time.

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