Denisa Dražkovičová is a student 
of chemistry at the University of Pardubice. This past summer, she participated in the 2024 Summer Institute for European Student Leaders, a special training program run by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. The goal of this 5-week immersive program at Michigan State University is to provide 20 undergraduate students from various countries with a deeper understanding of the United States while enhancing their leadership skills. Denisa’s program focused on civic engagement, leading participants to examine its history in the United States and explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism. Hands-on sessions and workshops focused on civil rights and protections, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, citizen journalism, social movements, education, governance, minority communities, leadership, and media. Denisa shared with us that, together with the academic training, she enjoyed the community service portion of the program: “...[O]nce a week, we visited an elementary school for immigrant children, where we introduced them to our home countries and learned about their stories. These children had gone through some tough life experiences, which were deeply emotional.”
When I landed in the USA, I had no idea what to expect. But within the first few days, I realized that this experience would change my perspective on life. Thanks to the Albatros Foundation, I learned about the Fulbright Commission in the Czech Republic and its programs, and it gave me the opportunity to study in the USA. Of course, it wasn’t that simple – there was a selection process. I had to write a motivational letter, provide two letters of recommendation, a transcript of my grades, and a confirmation of my studies. The final condition was that after my return, I had to complete at least one more semester of studies.
Eventually, I also passed an interview with a commission that included representatives from both the Czech Republic and the USA. Although I was nervous about the interview at first, everyone was incredibly kind, and it felt more like a friendly conversation. When they informed me that I had been selected, I was overwhelmed with excitement. Emotions were overflowing!
SUSI Program – Leadership and Cultural Exchange
The SUSI (Study of the U.S. Institutes) program, in which I was selected, is based on the belief in the unlimited potential of intercultural exchanges to promote leadership and entrepreneurial skills among young people. The institute lasts five weeks and includes academic studies, skill-building workshops, and community service projects. The program strengthens connections between the United States and Europe, creating lasting partnerships between students, local communities, and organizations. Along with other students from different parts of Europe, we spent the first week in Washington, D.C., getting to know each other, exploring the city’s cultural wealth, and visiting landmarks. We were also introduced to the organization running the program and learned which universities we’d be assigned to based on the themes we’d study.
Experiences with American Culture
One of the most interesting parts of the stay was meeting local people. Americans are much more open and friendly than I had imagined. Small talk is part of everyday life here – even if it’s not always sincere, it instantly improves your mood. I felt much more relaxed there and without the fear of embarrassing myself. On the other hand, I was surprised at how expensive healthcare and education are in America. As for food – it’s mostly sugary, oily, and served in large portions. Trying to maintain a healthy diet in the land of fast food is quite a challenge.
Challenges Worth Taking
I must admit, the first few weeks in America were tough, especially because of the language barrier. But gradually, I improved and started to feel more confident. Everyone around me was incredibly helpful, friendly, and understanding. If you are considering studying abroad, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Language barriers and cultural differences may initially scare you, but these challenges will make you stronger. Studying abroad has not only enriched me academically but also opened new horizons. It reinforced my belief that international cooperation is the key to a better future.
Eventually, I also passed an interview with a commission that included representatives from both the Czech Republic and the USA. Although I was nervous about the interview at first, everyone was incredibly kind, and it felt more like a friendly conversation. When they informed me that I had been selected, I was overwhelmed with excitement. Emotions were overflowing!
SUSI Program – Leadership and Cultural Exchange
The SUSI (Study of the U.S. Institutes) program, in which I was selected, is based on the belief in the unlimited potential of intercultural exchanges to promote leadership and entrepreneurial skills among young people. The institute lasts five weeks and includes academic studies, skill-building workshops, and community service projects. The program strengthens connections between the United States and Europe, creating lasting partnerships between students, local communities, and organizations. Along with other students from different parts of Europe, we spent the first week in Washington, D.C., getting to know each other, exploring the city’s cultural wealth, and visiting landmarks. We were also introduced to the organization running the program and learned which universities we’d be assigned to based on the themes we’d study.
Photo: Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., July 2024.
I was chosen to attend Michigan State University, where I focused on the theme of civic engagement. The university campus completely captivated me – a beautiful environment with several faculties and a very friendly atmosphere. Each of us had our own room, which provided plenty of privacy. Upon arrival, the organizers welcomed us and even gave us small welcome gifts – a very kind gesture.
A Day at University: Academic Program, Community Service, and Cultural Experiences
Every morning after breakfast, we started with lectures. The topics were diverse – from leadership and the history of nonprofits in America to American culture and Black history. After lunch, we often had some cultural activity or community service. One of the unforgettable experiences was visiting Detroit or participating in the Lansing Parade. We even had the chance to see a baseball game!
The SUSI program is built on four pillars: academic program, community service, leadership
development, and cultural and social activities. Each of these pillars was incredibly enriching for me. As part of our community service, for example, once a week, we visited an elementary school for immigrant children, where we introduced them to our home countries and learned about their stories. These children had gone through some tough life experiences, which were deeply emotional.
I was chosen to attend Michigan State University, where I focused on the theme of civic engagement. The university campus completely captivated me – a beautiful environment with several faculties and a very friendly atmosphere. Each of us had our own room, which provided plenty of privacy. Upon arrival, the organizers welcomed us and even gave us small welcome gifts – a very kind gesture.
A Day at University: Academic Program, Community Service, and Cultural Experiences
Every morning after breakfast, we started with lectures. The topics were diverse – from leadership and the history of nonprofits in America to American culture and Black history. After lunch, we often had some cultural activity or community service. One of the unforgettable experiences was visiting Detroit or participating in the Lansing Parade. We even had the chance to see a baseball game!
The SUSI program is built on four pillars: academic program, community service, leadership
development, and cultural and social activities. Each of these pillars was incredibly enriching for me. As part of our community service, for example, once a week, we visited an elementary school for immigrant children, where we introduced them to our home countries and learned about their stories. These children had gone through some tough life experiences, which were deeply emotional.
Photo: Painting the Rock at the University of Michigan, July 2024.
Leadership and Personal Development
During the program, we also had the opportunity to discover what type of leader we are. This helped me to better understand my strengths and weaknesses, which has been invaluable in improving my leadership skills. Additionally, we were tasked with creating our own project focused on an issue relevant to our country. The organizers were very supportive throughout the whole process and provided a lot of helpful advice.
The Finale in Atlanta: Celebratory Conclusion and American Adventures
Toward the end of the program, everyone presented their project, and we received our diplomas at a celebratory lunch. The program culminated in a final week in Atlanta, where we visited the Coca-Cola factory, one of the world’s largest aquariums, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Museum.
Leadership and Personal Development
During the program, we also had the opportunity to discover what type of leader we are. This helped me to better understand my strengths and weaknesses, which has been invaluable in improving my leadership skills. Additionally, we were tasked with creating our own project focused on an issue relevant to our country. The organizers were very supportive throughout the whole process and provided a lot of helpful advice.
The Finale in Atlanta: Celebratory Conclusion and American Adventures
Toward the end of the program, everyone presented their project, and we received our diplomas at a celebratory lunch. The program culminated in a final week in Atlanta, where we visited the Coca-Cola factory, one of the world’s largest aquariums, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Museum.
Photo: Michigan State University, July 2024.
Experiences with American Culture
One of the most interesting parts of the stay was meeting local people. Americans are much more open and friendly than I had imagined. Small talk is part of everyday life here – even if it’s not always sincere, it instantly improves your mood. I felt much more relaxed there and without the fear of embarrassing myself. On the other hand, I was surprised at how expensive healthcare and education are in America. As for food – it’s mostly sugary, oily, and served in large portions. Trying to maintain a healthy diet in the land of fast food is quite a challenge.
Challenges Worth Taking
I must admit, the first few weeks in America were tough, especially because of the language barrier. But gradually, I improved and started to feel more confident. Everyone around me was incredibly helpful, friendly, and understanding. If you are considering studying abroad, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Language barriers and cultural differences may initially scare you, but these challenges will make you stronger. Studying abroad has not only enriched me academically but also opened new horizons. It reinforced my belief that international cooperation is the key to a better future.