Why I Think Studying in a Foreign Country Will Help Me in My Professional Life

Studying in a foreign country offers more than a change in scenery. It is a complete shift in perspective, an immersion into unfamiliar ways of thinking, and an opportunity to build the adaptability that employers value. Moving from the United States to Prague to study Journalism, Media, and Culture at Anglo-American University is not just a personal dream for me. It is a deliberate step toward building a career that is informed by global perspectives and shaped by a deeper understanding of how media influences culture across borders.

Journalism today is a global profession. Stories do not stop at national borders, and neither should the people telling them. In Prague, I am surrounded by peers from all over the world, each bringing a unique cultural lens to classroom discussions. I am learning from professors who have worked internationally, who can speak not only about media theory but also about the real-world challenges of reporting across different countries and political systems. This daily exposure to multiple viewpoints helps me understand how the same event can be interpreted in vastly different ways, depending on cultural context.

Living abroad also teaches resilience in ways that classroom learning alone cannot provide. In my first weeks here, I learned how to navigate the city’s tram system without speaking fluent Czech, set up my residency paperwork through offices with different procedures than I had ever encountered, and adapt to a pace of life that values weekend rest more than constant availability. These adjustments build problem-solving skills that are valuable in any profession. In my previous career as a manager in the tech industry, I learned how to lead teams through uncertainty and adapt processes to meet new challenges. Now, I am applying those same skills to my academic and personal life in a completely new environment.

There is also the benefit of building an international network. The connections I am making in Prague go beyond casual friendships. They are potential collaborators for future journalism and media projects, people who can provide cultural insight and firsthand accounts from their own countries. Whether I am working on investigative projects with international partners or reporting on global issues for a multinational audience, these relationships will strengthen my work.

Finally, studying abroad allows me to see my own country with fresh eyes. Living outside the United States has already shifted how I view American media, politics, and culture. I am beginning to understand how America is perceived from the outside, and how those perceptions shape international dialogue. This perspective will help me approach my work with greater objectivity and a broader understanding of the forces that shape public opinion.

Studying in a foreign country is not simply an academic decision. It is an investment in becoming a journalist who can navigate the complexities of a globalized world with skill and empathy. The lessons I am learning here will stay with me long after graduation and will shape the way I work, lead, and tell stories for the rest of my career.