Home Away From Home

By Jordyn Bain

Coming to Prague was incredibly nerve-racking. Originally, I was worried about standing out and being unwelcome as a tourist. I wasn’t sure if I would fit in or whether I would find a sense of belonging so far from home. However, those concerns faded as soon as I arrived, and so far I have only been met with kindness, openness, and a surprising sense of connection.

Walking through the streets of Prague, it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of the architecture, the rhythm of the trams, and the rich history layered into every corner of the city. The culture here is so incredibly vibrant, and I felt connected to it almost immediately. Everyone in this city has been extremely kind and understanding. From the cafe owners helping me with my order to my classmates admiring the city’s beauty, I have felt incredibly welcome. I am so grateful to take part in their culture. 

Initially, I viewed “community” as something that took years to form, but this experience has reshaped that definition for me. Community, I’ve come to realize, can form through shared curiosity, vulnerability, and the mutual desire to understand one another. Even when people don’t speak the same language or come from similar backgrounds, there can be an unspoken sense of connection through culture.

My fellow classmates have truly made Prague feel like a home away from home. We’ve supported each other in processing difficult historical lessons, celebrated moments of wonder, and created memories that I know will last beyond our time in Prague. Through these shared experiences, I’ve felt like I’ve joined a new kind of community, even if it’s only for a short time.

I also gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a part of a community after visiting the Jewish Quarters and learning about the centuries of discrimination, resiliency, and tradition. It is not only about who we are now, but also about how we carry on the traditions of our ancestors. Communities can be built on shared memories and struggles as well as on shared joy. 

I’ve learned from this trip that community doesn’t always mean permanence. It’s about presence sometimes. I feel like I’m a part of something greater because I’m here, I’m receptive to connections, and I respect the lives and spaces around me. Although I didn’t anticipate feeling this way, I’m thankful now and know I’ll carry this with me beyond this experience.