“For me, it was incredible. I loved every single minute.”
We caught up with fourth-year marketing student Amy McBride to hear all about her experience studying abroad in Prague. She tells us what inspired her to apply, how she adjusted to life in a new country, the academic and cultural differences she noticed, and why studying abroad was one of the best decisions she’s ever made.
Hi Amy! Tell us, what made you want to study abroad?
I’ve always liked to travel and explore. The first time I did a long-haul flight I was 19 – I went to Australia with some friends. It was just after the pandemic, and after being cooped up for so long and spending so much time online looking at travel videos and photos, I was determined to get out and see more of the world.
That was a big priority for me when I was applying to universities. Obviously, I wanted to pick somewhere that offered the right course, but I also really wanted the option to study abroad at some point during my degree.
Did you know where you wanted to go when you applied to the Study Abroad Programme?
Not exactly, but I was quite keen on Europe and applied to a few universities there. I also applied for some in America and Australia.
My first choice was the University of Economics and Business (VŠE) in Prague, and that’s where I ended up.
Do you remember how you felt when you found out you’d got your first choice?
Oh yeah, I was ecstatic! I’d just finished a shift at my part-time job when the email came through. They’d listed everyone’s names and where they were going. I remember manically scrolling and zooming in to find my name.
What made it even more exciting was that I’d been accepted to study in Prague for the whole year, which isn’t that common – most people go for like five months.
I immediately called my mum like, “I got Prague AND the whole year!” I was just so happy.
What was the support like from the Stirling Study Abroad Team?
They were super helpful. Anytime I emailed with a question, they got back really quickly. I struggled a bit with the visa process and they helped me sort all of that out.
When you got to Prague, what helped you settle in?
Making my room feel like home really helped.
I was the first to arrive out of my flatmates, and the place was completely empty. I brought a few photos from home and put them up on my desk, then went to a local shop to buy bits and bobs to fill the shelves – just to make the space feel more lived-in.
How did Prague’s university culture compare to the UK’s?
Socially, I didn’t notice a huge difference – nights out were pretty similar. But academically, it was definitely different.
In Prague, I had six modules per semester instead of three, and there was a lot more group work and presentations. So many presentations…
I even had to take part in a debate at one point, which was terrifying. Before Prague, I really struggled with public speaking – my hands would shake, and I’d lose my voice. But after doing it so many times, it started to feel natural, so it ended up being a good thing.
Did you pick up any other good habits from the experience?
Definitely. I got so much better at managing my workload. I learned how to make proper study plans and stick to a schedule. I came back to Stirling feeling far more prepared and confident heading into my next semester.
What was your most memorable experience?
The people. I made so many friends I still keep in touch with, and a few have become some of my closest friends. I also met my boyfriend in Prague. We’ve been together a year and a half now.
What would you say was your biggest takeaway from the experience?
Learning how to really integrate into different cultures. My flatmates were French, Belgian and Dutch, and I think we all had these pre-set notions of what to expect of each other, just based on these stereotypes that float around. But we all got on great and were open and accepting of each other’s ways and quirks and, honestly, we were all the better for it.
Also, I became more comfortable with the unknown. There were plenty of reasons not to study abroad – leaving home comforts and the routine I was used to – but I did it anyway, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve grown so much because of it.
What would you say to students thinking about studying abroad?
Take the chance and go for it! You’re only young once, and it’s harder to do things like this once you’ve graduated and settled down.
You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose. Worst case? You don’t like it and come home early.
For me, it was incredible. I loved every single minute.
Find out more about the University of Stirling’s Study Abroad Programme on our website.