Owen Bartosh is a Class of 2028 NexPoint Tower Scholar from Waxahachie, Texas. He is currently pursuing a degree in marketing and public policy with minors in music and public policy and international affairs through the Tower Center. Owen spent the summer in Prague, Czech Republic, through the SMU Abroad Internship Program, working with AMIGA, an NGO focused on refugee integration and mental health. He also collaborated with the Czech Ministry of Labour and European Commission experts on educational and language programs for Ukrainian refugees. One of the most impactful parts of his internship was leading an English Conversation Club for displaced professionals.
If you had asked me a year ago where I would spend my summer, I never would have imagined the Czech Republic. Yet, thanks to the SMU Abroad Internship Program, I had the opportunity to sharpen my public policy skills in remarkable ways while living and working in Prague.
This summer, I interned with AMIGA (Agency for Migration and Adaptation), a Czech nonprofit organization specializing in refugee integration and mental health services. The experience offered valuable insight into the Czech political system, the ongoing consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the inspiring resilience of those on the frontlines of a humanitarian crisis in Central Europe.
Founded 14 years ago by migrant researchers in partnership with Charles University in Prague, AMIGA originally focused on studying the long-term effects of migration on mental health. However, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Czech Republic welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees, and AMIGA quickly transitioned into a direct service provider. Supported by both the City of Prague and the Czech government, the organization mobilized Ukrainian staff to translate for medical services, offer free trauma counseling, and help new arrivals secure employment. Today, AMIGA continues this mission by focusing on long-term mental health care, economic integration of skilled refugees, and educational support for displaced children and teens.
My role centered on strengthening AMIGA’s financial sustainability through partnerships with the private sector. With government funding becoming increasingly unpredictable—especially in the lead-up to the Czech general election in October—developing relationships with businesses proved essential for long-term stability. I explored opportunities for corporate collaboration, drafted reports for UNHCR (the United Nations Refugee Agency) using months of service data, and helped elevate AMIGA’s impact through targeted marketing and public relations efforts. Beyond the numbers, I witnessed the deep commitment of staff members who continue to serve refugees in the face of financial and political uncertainty.
I also had the opportunity to work with the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs on educational programs for Ukrainian employees, as well as with European Commission language experts on strategies for language acquisition. Alongside colleagues from France, Italy, Romania, Luxembourg, and Poland, we developed tools to help refugees build confidence in job interviews and professional environments.
Yet the most meaningful part of my internship was leading a twice-weekly English Conversation Club for skilled professionals. Psychologists, researchers, and nonprofit coordinators gathered to practice English for use in their fields. Many shared stories of loss, resilience, and perseverance. Their journeys to Prague were shaped by bombings in Kyiv, separation from family, and the trauma of forced relocation. Yet, they consistently radiated optimism and strength. Their dedication to supporting others while rebuilding their own lives left a lasting impression on me.
In Prague, I witnessed the intersection of public policy, humanitarian need, and community resilience. I saw the critical role that public-private partnerships can play in supporting vulnerable populations and learned how policy can be translated into real, tangible action. Above all, I came away with a deeper appreciation for the power of purpose-driven work—and a renewed commitment to making a meaningful impact through public service.