Written by CET Prague local roommate Tereza Vessela, this blog features an interview with Macy McPherson, a biology student at Georgetown University in Los Angeles. During the MES Fall 2025 semester in Prague, he explored Jewish studies, building on his previous experiences living abroad in France and Spain. Here, she reflects on the moments that made her time in Czechia especially meaningful.
Why did you choose Prague and Jewish studies in the first place?
I knew I wanted to move abroad, so I sacrificed some classes I would take over the summer to go somewhere new. As far as Jewish studies go, I wanted to make it meaningful to me. My family was connecting more with their Jewish roots and so I thought going to a good place to study Jewish would be my way of doing that.
Do you remember the moment you decided to apply for the CET in Prague?
At first, I was really afraid of the language barrier. The first thing that came to my mind was to go to the United Kingdom or Ireland, as it was a safe option. After talking to my mother, who herself was abroad, she made me realize that this was an experience I would never get again. So, I decided not to limit myself and choose a place I may never visit again. I also liked the class options here.
How was it meeting your family members for the first time?
It was great to see all the Czech roommates waiting for us outside the house. I had no idea what one looked like, and I was excited for whatever came my way. I remember being really tired and jet-lagged, but also happy. This was the beginning of a new chapter.
Was there a particular moment from your Jewish classes that stuck with you?
I was passing by a synagogue, and inside on the walls are the names of all the Czech Jewish families who were lost during the war. Our guide gave us statistics about how many Jewish people were here before and after the war. You can actually imagine it by looking at the walls. Visiting the Jewish cemetery had the same effect on me. It is hilly and crooked and the graves are built on top of each other. They wanted to honor their people but were struggling with space constraints.
Tell us about a moment when you understood something in Czech.
These were my first days in Prague, even before classes started. I wanted to have coffee, but I didn’t speak any Czech at that time. I remember going to Google Translate and searching how to say, Umite Anglicie? (Do you speak English?) and was practicing it before going in. But the woman in the coffeeshop didn’t speak English at all. It all worked out, because I ended up ordering a Cappuccino. I would feel guilty for not trying, I wanted to try.
I can imagine that your study abroad brought many moments of deep conversation with your new friends. Can you think of anyone who left a mark?
It was a fun night with a group of friends during the Traveling Seminar. A friend of mine had to go to the pharmacy and I also joined him. On the drive home we talked about our families and identities, what our friends thought of us, our fears, and much more. It was a very mundane kind of moment. I don’t think any deep conversation will require sitting down and crying for a few moments. This could be as simple as walking to the pharmacy.
Was there a moment when you realized you were part of a community, even if you were away from home?
I think it was again in Auschwitz, Poland, during our traveling seminar. No words were said, but we started crying and hugged each other. We knew we had to experience this together. And even though it was hard, I realized that I’ve made it this far, and I’ve found people who want to be there with me.
How did you handle moments of homesickness?
I keep reminding myself that this time in Prague is very special because I only get to do this once in a lifetime. I try to call friends and family often, but at the same time I feel extremely busy and not really grounded. My mom gave me great advice on this: “You’re in a new place and experiencing new things, traveling a lot, and trying to make new social connections. It’ll probably be hard to feel grounded, but that’s not a bad thing,” she told me.
Is there anything you wish you would have told yourself pre-Prague?
Always take advantage of friendship, different types of friendship, different levels of friendship and different types of friends. And focus on making memories.
How might all these Prague moments shape your next semester at home?
Prague made me realize that there is so much to see and do. Academically I really enjoyed my semester, because my Jewish classes were very different from the biology classes I took at home. I realized that I don’t need to be defined by my field of study. I never thought I was just a science kid because I like so many different aspects of life. And that’s something I took home with me.
