The Early Years of NC State in Prague
As we mark 20 years of impact for the NC State European Center in Prague, let’s take a look at the early years when the College of Design established year-round study abroad programs in this vibrant city.
u0022Because there is a long tradition of young designers traveling the world to enrich their education, the College of Design requires all undergraduate students to have a global experience.u0022
In 2005, the College of Design took a bold step that would forever expand NC State’s global footprint. Under the visionary leadership of Dean Marvin Malecha and Landscape Architecture Professor Art Rice, the College transformed a longstanding summer study abroad program into a year-round instructional site — establishing what was then known as the Prague Institute. This milestone reflected the College’s commitment to design education that transcends borders.
“Because there is a long tradition of young designers traveling the world to enrich their education, the College of Design requires all undergraduate students to have a global experience,” said Dean of NC State’s College of Design Mark Hoversten. “As part of that requirement, collaborating with the Czech Architect Martin Perlik and a College of Design alumnus, Dana Bartelt started taking College of Design students on short summer field trips to Prague in 1992. Within a few years these courses became so popular they extended over the summer for more credits and were co taught by other Czech design professionals and faculty from a number Czech universities.”
On June 24, 2005, Dean Malecha stood alongside international and university dignitaries, as well as representatives from the U.S. Embassy, to celebrate the grand opening of the Prague Institute, which was open to all design students. The ceremony marked not only a new chapter for the university, but also a testament to the College of Design’s leadership in integrating global perspectives into the creative process.
Guided by the College’s innovative spirit, the Institute offered semester-long programs taught or co taught by Czech instructors so that students had an immersive experience. These immersive experiences incorporated case studies, fieldwork, and excursions across Prague and Eastern Europe — embedding cultural and contextual understanding into the heart of the design curriculum.
u0022Studying in Prague made me appreciate living in a bigger city, in a more urban environment.u0022
For 2005 College of Design alumna Emily Schneider, going to Prague was her first time leaving the U.S. and getting to live in a city larger than Raleigh.
“We had a great cohort in Prague that semester,” she said. “I especially enjoyed Paul Tesar as a professor. Studying in Prague made me appreciate living in a bigger city, in a more urban environment. I now live and work as an architect in Washington, D.C.”
Under the stewardship of the College of Design, the Prague Institute became a vibrant hub of international learning and collaboration. The Institute attracted renowned European faculty and drew students from across NC State eager to engage with Prague’s rich cultural, artistic and architectural landscape.
“My favorite places were the winding streets and small courtyards in the city center,” Schneider said. “I spent a lot of time getting lost (this was before we had google maps and a phone) and I cut up my map on the first day for a graphic assignment.”
As the Institute evolved, its impact extended beyond design. What began as a design-led initiative became a model for interdisciplinary education abroad, inspiring participation from programs across the university. While design students remained at the heart of the experience, the College’s leadership opened doors for various academic disciplines — from accounting to engineering— to explore the world. The Jenkins Master of Accounting program, for instance, launched a graduate-level summer course in Prague that thrived for more than a decade.
When the College of Design celebrated its 75th anniversary, it hosted a reunion in Prague — a home away from home for generations of designers, faculty and alumni whose experiences there continue to shape the College’s legacy.
In 2017, after twelve years within the College of Design, the Prague Institute became the NC State European Center in Prague, following a trip to Prague by NC State Provost Warwick Arden, accompanied by Art Rice, who was then acting dean at the College of Design. Center management transitioned to NC State’s Office of Global Engagement, further expanding its programming to encompass additional disciplines and academic programs. Teaching and research opportunities for NC State faculty, as well as study abroad opportunities for students, continued to flourish.
“During the last academic year, a record 436 students studied at the NC State European Center in Prague, representing all of our colleges. This success would not have been possible without the strong foundation created by the College of Design” said Amy Conger, Vice Provost for Global Engagement.
Alumni from the early days of the Prague program shared of their time abroad and what expanding their global perspective meant to them:
Katie Gray Jackson (Altmann), Summer 2016, Industrial Design
“Studying design in Prague prepared me for my current position as Chief of Staff for Lenovo’s Global Design Innovation Team by opening my eyes to the global nuances of design, culture, and the importance of taking a wide lens to design initiatives.
As part of my transportation design course, we were invited to the final presentation of a masters’ program our professor was involved in. We got to see close-up what the automotive designers of the future were creating and learn from their professionalism and storytelling approach. The funny part of this story is that it was one of the first times my classmates and I needed to navigate the underground subway system in the city, which led to a few mishaps and funny memories before we arrived at the presentation at Aufeer Design.
I grew up spending a lot of time in the mountains of North Carolina, so our class trip to the region of Moravia was a highlight for me. It was peaceful, full of gorgeous rolling hills, history, wine, and adventure. It somehow simultaneously made the world feel very big and very small — because I could be halfway around the world and still feel ‘at home’ in the mountains while soaking in views that were completely unique.
My (now) husband studied abroad in Prague with me that summer, and we still to this day refer back to the class on Czech language and culture because it was so eye opening. Professor Davisonova helped us develop empathy for people of totally different cultures and when we meet new people who maybe see the world differently than we do, we remind ourselves of the way this course emphasized that even though you never know someone’s full story, everyone deserves kindness and understanding.
u0022Prague influenced me by making me feel fearless of international travel.u0022
Eight years after I studied in Prague, my sister enrolled in the program. My husband and I traveled with her (we called it ‘dropping Sarah off at school’!) to show her all of our old favorite spots around the city and help her get settled before she started class. I was so happy to return to Prague and to see so much of its rich history kept my memories alive, but with a fresh view. Such a special place, and even more so the second time around!
Prague influenced me by making me feel fearless of international travel, which is a huge part of my job now. I recently traveled for a user focus group to Hamburg, Germany by myself with a high-stakes assignment. I felt comfortable doing so thanks to Germany’s relative similarities to my Prague travels. Spending the summer in Prague and taking weekend trips all around the continent showed me that I can make my dreams a reality and to trust my gut – two very important lessons for a frequent solo traveler. I’ve since been on work trips to Italy, Japan, Korea, China, and more.
If there was one thing I’d want to share as words of wisdom with future students thinking about studying abroad at the NC State European Center in Prague, it would be to document everything! In addition to the blog I kept — mostly for friends and family but also at the request of my department head who asked for pictures and updates of our class — I created a travel journal all summer. It is still one of my most cherished belongings: a handwritten account of the memories I will hold dear forever. Many ticket stubs and dried flowers, sketches, and photos.”
Laura-Nelle (Parnell) Hurst, Fall 2009, Political Science
“When I studied in Prague, the program was centered around landscape architecture and fashion design – programs I knew nothing about as a Poli Sci major. I got the benefit of learning about design with experts, while completing Gen Ed courses needed to graduate.
I had great faculty while I was in Prague. I practiced ordering food in Czech with Professor Davisonova, visiting Lany and discussing philosophy with Matej, exploring Czech literature with Pavla, and visiting a mead factory to learn more about beekeeping with Dalibor.
For their final project, the fashion design students were assigned a role from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. They were to design and create a costume based on the role – and then act it out! I was somehow roped in (I was involved with University Theatre back at State), so I became the narrator and created my own costume! On the day of the performance, a makeup artist came to the performance space and got us all ready. Then, we performed in our costumes for the rest of the students! It was such a unique experience that I’ll never forget. I just recently found the script!
u0022If there was one thing I’d want to share with future students about studying abroad in Prague, it would be that your courses will be top notch — but exploring the city will be the most educational thing you can do.u0022
I have a memory of walking from a brewery near the castle and walking back to our pensione at night in the snow. We winded our way through New Town, over the Charles Bridge, through the narrow alleys and through a deserted Old Town Square. It was a truly magical Walk! Outside of Prague, I loved Český Krumlov and its fairy-tale setting. If there was one thing I’d want to share with future students about studying abroad in Prague, it would be that your courses will be top notch — but exploring the city will be the most educational thing you can do. Learn a little Czech and explore the city!
Studying abroad helped me become a global citizen. My time in Prague brought new perspectives and made me a more empathetic and curious person. And, it stoked my love for travel. When I got the opportunity to study abroad again as an NC State graduate student, I jumped at the chance because I know the impact of studying in another country. I was able to spend 2 weeks in Augsburg, Germany last summer with Dr. Hoggan.”
As the NC State European Center in Prague celebrates two decades of transformative global learning, its impact continues to ripple across disciplines, generations and borders. The foundation built by visionary leaders, dedicated faculty and thousands of students has made Prague an enduring part of NC State’s identity — one that reflects the university’s commitment to thinking and doing on a global scale. The Center has been more than a study abroad destination. It’s been a launchpad for global perspectives and lifelong connections.
As we look to the future, the NC State European Center in Prague remains dedicated to empowering students and faculty to explore, engage and lead boundaries. New programs, partnerships and technologies will continue to open doors for the next generation of global thinkers and doers. The story that began in 2005 is still being written – with every student who steps off the plane in Prague ready to see the world, and themselves, in a new light.
This post was originally published in Office of Global Engagement.
