NC State European Center in Prague: A Year of Achievements and New Opportunities

December 20, 2023 Anaël Symůnková

Record-breaking Number of Students

This year, NC State European Center in Prague welcomed its largest number of students, reaching the highest number for the summer and Prague Connect programs. With a successful internship program and an increasing number of faculty-led programs hosted in Prague, NC State Prague is a go-to destination for both students and an opportunity for NC State faculty to offer well-tailored faculty-led programs.

NC State Prague is now helping faculty to design their short study abroad faculty-led programs, offering students the opportunity to study overseas with their favorite professors and courses in their field of study. Students can explore new academic interests while immersing themselves in a new culture.

More than ever, the unit is pursuing its exciting collaboration with the Shelton Leadership Center, joining forces to promote its unique minor, The Global Leadership minor, with this year a new destination for its program in France, Nice.

The internship program at NC State Prague has been a great success, providing students with valuable professional global experience while living and working in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Prague made it to the map this year!

Chancellor’s Visit in May: A Memorable Event

Chancellor Randy Woodson visited the NC State European Center. His last visit was at the opening of the new facilities in 2017. He toured the campus, welcomed all summer students, and met with faculty, academic partners, and local industry partners. The Chancellor’s visit was inspiring and encouraging towards students’ success and enthusiasm for thinking and doing abroad.

Group picture of over one hundred summer study abroad students and NC State Prague staff standing in the Prague Charles University largest lecture hall.

Hosting the reunion of College of Design Alumni in Prague

The College of Design celebrated its 75th anniversary in Prague, where alums, NC State University leadership, and study abroad students connected around DesignBlok, the most significant design and fashion expo in Central and Eastern Europe. Among the attendees were College of Design students who showcased their work at the exhibition.

Dean Mark Elison Hoversten also discussed the College’s growing research footprint and potential to lead a cross-college innovation center. Prague is the top study-abroad destination for NC State students, with over a quarter of study-abroad students from the College of Design. The week’s events allowed multiple generations of alumni and faculty members to have numerous meaningful interactions.

An Incredible Journey: NC State Prague’s Success at Designblok

NC State Prague’s success at Designblok was an incredible journey. The Center submitted a proposal and was selected to exhibit student work at the Designblok festival in October. The exhibition was a huge success, allowing students to network, interact with professionals, and gain valuable feedback. Overall, the success of NC State Prague at Designblok was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and the quality education provided by the NC State European Center in all design fields.

Faculty Member Matej Chabera Brings Valuable Expertise to Campus

Faculty travel and exchange programs have resumed after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for renewed collaboration and knowledge sharing. One recent visitor was Matej Chabera, a renowned designer in industrial and Graphic design. Chabera spent two weeks on our campus, giving lectures and providing one-on-one design consultations to students. During his lectures, Chabera shared insights into his design philosophy. He also discussed some of his recent projects.

Associate Teaching Professor Alice Lee’s Sabbatical Experience with the Czech University of Life Sciences

NC State Prague has strong connections with local academic institutions, including Charles University, the Czech Technical University, the Prague University of Economics and Business, and the Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU). These partnerships provide more opportunities for faculty, such as Associate Teaching Professor Alice Lee, who completed a sabbatical in association with CZU.

Group of Faculty member with NC State University chancellor

Lee’s project focused on improving teaching quality in higher education by leading seminars and workshops on student-centered teaching and learning and increasing opportunities for the internationalization of students and faculty. Lee enjoyed collaborating with CZU colleagues and gaining insight into a different educational model and context.

NC State Prague to Increase Study Space and Lecture Room Capacity

NC State Prague is increasing study space and lecture room capacity by taking over the entire building and expanding four lecture/seminar rooms. This move aims to meet the growing demand for study abroad opportunities and provide students with a comfortable and conducive study environment, which will take place in May 2024.

The NC State European Center had a successful year, with record-breaking student enrollment, significant events, and collaborations with local academic institutions and industry partners. The Center continues to inspire and encourage students to pursue their academic interests while immersing themselves in the Czech culture. NC State Prague is poised to continue its growth and success in the coming years.

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