Meet Kalena Thomas, Prague 2013

Studying in Prague helped Kalene develop confidence and independence, empathy and communication skills—all within an engineering framework. Not to mention navigation skills and a deep love of goulash! Over a decade later, she is grateful to help the next generation of engineering students understand how global engineering truly is by visiting Czech manufacturing plants, historic water treatment facilities, and exploring the amazing public transportation systems. 

Kalene Thomas is set to inspire as a panelist at the Prague Alumni Perspectives: Empowering Success Stories event on November 20, 2025, at 6:00 pm in the Talley Student Union, celebrating the European Center in Prague’s 20 Years of Impact.

Program/Term

Industrial & Systems Engineering,Summer, 2013

What motivated you to study abroad in Prague?

I chose NC State because of the campus in Prague! I was determined to study abroad when selecting a university, and having a campus in the heart of Europe made it easy, safe, and fun! I was hooked by the website before even setting foot in the city.

How did your experience in Prague differ from studying on campus?

My classes were a lot smaller in Prague, and for one of them, we were always exploring! For Women and Gender Studies, we even went to a Frida Kahlo gallery opening! With the small classes, I really got to know my peers and my instructor–who happened to be a Czech rock star back in the day!

“I was determined to study abroad when selecting a university, and having a campus in the heart of Europe made it easy, safe, and fun!”

Which course has impacted you most?

I took a special topics class in Industrial Engineering—a global supply chain engineering class—and it was so interesting to see how truly global engineering is, from the components that go into a car to the research universities conduct!

What activities or events did you enjoy most in Prague?

I loved how we grouped to go exploring, both in the city and to new countries! One of my favorite memories was the excursion we took as a large group to the Berlin Wall Memorial with Prof. Bob Patterson —he wasn’t even my instructor. Still, he invited us all to attend, and it was highly impactful.

My engineering instructor truly changed my life (…). I even changed majors to industrial engineering because of her and the class I took in Prague.

Did you make lasting friendships or professional connections while in Prague? If so, how have they impacted your life or career?

My engineering instructor truly changed my life– I thought she was amazing and that the work she did was so engaging and impactful that she became my engineering idol! I even changed majors to industrial engineering because of her and the class I took in Prague.

What were some of your favorite places to visit in Prague, and why?

I love love love Cafe Lourve- the food is amazing, it’s a beautiful restaurant, and I love the amount of history there– Einstein used to visit weekly when he was residing in Prague!

Was Prague a key factor in major life changes, like switching majors? 

yes – see above!

What advice would you give to students considering studying abroad in Prague?

Practice reading a map– don’t rely on google maps the entire time!

This post was originally published in NC State European Center in Prague.