International trip – Prague

From the 24th to the 28th of April, around 80 SHA students went on the international trip to Prague. The organizing committee had arranged a ton of different activities to ensure an educational but most of all fun week. The aim of this trip was to see another country, to experience and interact with another culture, to broaden the views of all participating students.

The trip started on Monday, early in the morning. As everyone gathered for the long journey to Czech Republic, the excitement for this week could be felt. A 12-hour bus ride did not spoil the fun. Students easily kept themselves entertained by talking and playing games. Once in Prague, the students had a nice dinner at the hostel and enjoyed some well-deserved sleep for the busy days ahead.

The next morning was spent at the Czech Technical University. This university is one of the biggest and oldest technical universities in Europe. It was founded on the initiative of Josef Christian Willenberg and currently has eight faculties (Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Science and Physical Engineering, Architecture, Transportation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Information Technology) and about 21,000 students. Students and staff of the CTU shared some examples of the projects and research they work on. The speakers were very excited to meet the students from Utrecht and vice versa. It was an interesting way to get to know the university and university life in Prague.

After the visit to the university, the students got free time to visit historical and cultural sites in the city centre. Just to name a few, they visited the Charles’ bridge, Charles Square, the Vyšehrad Castle and Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). After dinner, the group went to an impressive fountain show where music and water were joined together for a spectacular view.

On Wednesday afternoon, the students paid a visit to the botanical gardens. In these gardens there are various open air exhibitions, like for example a historical Vineyard and Japanese Garden, but there is also a tropical greenhouse called Fata Morgana. A guided tour through these gardens gave the students the opportunity to fully enjoy all the sights. During the night, students had the opportunity to join the evening activity: bowling. This fun activity was a great way for students to get to know each other better and have fun. There was also an option to have free time in the city and celebrate King’s night.

On Thursday, the last day of the trip, it was time for another university trip. This time, the students visited Charles University. This University was founded in 1348, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Yet it is also renowned as a modern, dynamic, cosmopolitan and prestigious institution of higher education. It is the largest and most renowned Czech university, and is also the best-rated Czech university according to international rankings. The group visited several faculties, a museum and botanical gardens that are part of the university. In the evening, it was already time to get ready for the journey back to Utrecht.

All together, the trip to Prague was a great success. A lot of different disciplines were treated which made it interesting for all students in this interdisciplinary group and it broadened everyone’s view regarding interdisciplinarity. The bond between the students was strengthened by spending this fun week together and new friendships were formed. The organizing committee did a great job arranging an interesting schedule and keeping the group together. A wonderful week to look back to!

Anniek Henselijn