Tessa Peterson ’27, a NexPoint Tower Scholar, is double majoring in political science and psychology. She was awarded the SMU Tower Center Marian Tower Scholarship, for which she applied to study abroad with SMU-in-Prague. She shares her enriching experience studying and traveling in Prague.
This summer, I had the privilege of participating in the SMU-in-Prague joint internship and study abroad program. My time in Prague was an extraordinarily enriching experience, where I had the opportunity to intern at a Czech law firm, AK PKK, while taking a political science course, Hate Speech and Human Rights in Central Europe. The combination of these experiences provided valuable academic and professional insights and expanded my global perspective.
During my internship, I worked primarily on EU policy and law, building on the foundational knowledge I gained from Dr. Hollifield’s Western European Politics class last semester. I found the work I did—ranging from drafting a memo on EU state aid to collaborating with PwC on a sustainable finance policy initiative—to be both challenging and educational. The firm’s involvement in EU Parliamentary elections was particularly exciting, as it allowed me to witness firsthand the complexities of European governance. My favorite project was creating a guidebook for a newly elected member of the European Parliament, a task that required me to draw on both my legal knowledge and communication skills as a native English speaker. Yet, I never found there to be a devastating or even inconvenient language barrier in the workplace. In fact, one of my favorite parts of my internship was getting to know my Czech colleagues, especially the law students. Spending lunch breaks together, going for coffee, and company dinners that went late into the night are some of my favorite memories, and these experiences taught me just as much as my class did, further inspiring me to pursue a career with an international focus.
In addition to my time in the office, I also thoroughly enjoyed the 45-minute walk to the office. From my Prague apartment through the Old Town, across the Charles Bridge and Vltava River, and several of the distinct neighborhoods of Prague—often stopping to enjoy a kolac, a traditional Czech pastry—I was constantly surrounded by stunning views.
Another highlight was embarking on weekend trips around Europe. The two months in Prague offered sufficient time to both immerse myself in the city and travel to other parts of Europe (although truthfully, I could have spent a year abroad and still not felt that it was enough). I visited famous cafes frequented by historical figures including Einstein and Freud, and I gazed at paintings by Klimt, Monet, and Renoir at the renowned Belvedere Palace and Gallery in Vienna. In Berlin, I visited historic sites like the Berlin Wall and the beautiful Reichstag building where policies I learned so much about in my Western European Politics class are made. A brief visit to Zurich allowed me to indulge in Swiss fondue and chocolate, and attend the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert, a wonderful bonus! However, my most memorable adventure was celebrating Midsommar in Sweden. My friends and I celebrated in a picturesque island town near Stockholm. We picked flowers, wove flower crowns, danced around the maypole, and enjoyed traditional Swedish meals against the backdrop of the Baltic Sea and Swedish redwood buildings. The experience was a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, a richly historical city, and cherished memories with friends I made in Prague, making it my favorite weekend trip abroad.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program, and I would like to extend my thanks to the Tower Center and providers of the Marian Tower Scholarship for making this possible, as well as Professor Corley, Professor Zimakova, and the AK PKK law firm. This program offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in another culture, grow both academically and professionally, and build lasting relationships. I highly recommend it to anyone eager to broaden their horizons and embrace new experiences.
