Final Post

Hey Everyone!

So yes, it's mid-March and I am finally writing my conclusion paragraph to my blog.  Sorry!!!  I've had an unbelievably busy semester as I am back to a full upper-level aerospace engineering class load, president of my Fraternity, and involved in all sorts of things.  Definitely a little bit different than life in Brno, that's for sure.  And let me just say..... I miss it SO much!!!

There is literally nothing that I would advocate more to a college student than to participate in a study abroad program.  Studying (well, traveling and having fun) in Brno, Czech Republic is seriously the best four months of my life... I will never again have so much fun in my life, I can be pretty honest in saying that.  I met so many amazing people from so many different countries and cultures, most of which I will remain connected with throughout the rest of my life.  I definitely know I have connections if I return to Europe!!

If you are planning on studying abroad in Brno, here is a to-do list you absolutely must follow:

• Get very involved with the International Student Club (ISC)
• Go to every event/party they put on.. You won't be disappointed!
• Stay in Pod Palackeho.  It's the cheapest dorm option and where all the other exchange students stay
• Attend Survival Weekend!
• TRAVEL!!!!!  Here are a few places I went:

• Prague
• Brno
• Miscellaneous smaller towns across the Czech Republic
• Vienna, Austria
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Novi Sad and Belgrad, Serbia
• Budapest, Hungary
• Bratislava, Slovakia
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Amsterdam, the Netherlands
• Frankfurt, Germany

So I obviously traveled quite a bit, but not as much as I wanted to.  I never made it to Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, or anywhere in Scandinavia.  That just means I will have to go back! :)

No matter how much I talk about it, the experience will not be the same unless you live it.  As I said, there are SO many amazing people that you'll meet.  It was not at all easy for me to leave but it isn't goodbye, it's I will see you later :)  A HUGE shout-out for Dr. Kornecki and Dr. Rysavy for helping me so much with the process!!  You were both unbelievably instrumental in making this thing a reality.

Now, for a few pics of the good times I had in Brno :)

My buddy Tomas from Lithuania!  One of the best friends I made while in Brno... We had some dang good times.

Tram partyyy!!!  Literally a packed public tram with two bars and a DJ booth that was driven around the city for three hours and then dropped us off at a club.  Amazing.  I'm with a few of my female friends :)

My friend, Fraternity brother, and roommate here in the U.S., Mike!  He flew over to Prague for a couple days to visit... And we had a heck of a weekend.  Gotta love those flight benefits!

Looking up at Petrov in Brno.

Party in the Yacht Club!!!  This was the bar right next to our dorms in Brno and we were here probably two or three nights a week.  Those American flag tights were awesome :P

Pirate party!!  We rented out a city ferry on the lake, piled over 100 students on it, and made it a party boat.  Naturally, Joe (the other American) and I went as Somali pirates...



Well, those are just a few pictures of the good times we had.  Between all that, traveling, and just exploring a million different cultures and different ways of life were absolutely priceless.  If you are thinking about doing the exchange.... DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You will LOVE it!! :D

That's all I've got.  Thank you for the ride, it was absolutely amazing!  Good luck with your endeavors, you are always welcome to contact me.

Until next time!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Jake Malsam
jacob.malsam@yahoo.com