The University of New York in Prague offers a three-week Art and Architecture course over winter break. As you might expect, the class explores the art and architecture of the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. Jefri Caballero '25 (above, second from left) spent the first day and the last day of class sitting at a desk. On every day in between, Prague was his classroom.
Jefri knew he wanted to see fireworks on New Year's Eve, but he was three days into a new city and had no idea where to go. He consulted Google, which generated about a dozen options. Jefri and his friends figured they would try the Charles Bridge and hoped for the best. Good call (see below). The famous bridge provided spectacular views of the fireworks. He'd return to the bridge days later during class hours.
"Our teacher was great. He would tell stories about the statues that were hard to forget, which made it easier when we took the exam. For example, 'This guy right here was thrown out a window...'"
Construction of the medieval stone arch bridge began in 1357 and took nearly 50 years. There are 30 statues mounted on the bridge, including a statue of St. Francis. In class, Jefri learned about the statues, their notable sculptors, and the unique connection of artistic styles. Jefri is a communications-marketing major, but standing on the Charles Bridge, everyone becomes a fan of architecture.
"You don't see old architecture like this in the United States. There's just this really cool vibe that you have to leave the country to experience."
Jefri knew he wanted to travel to Europe before he graduated and he considered studying abroad for a semester. Ultimately, he decided on a January-Term in Prague based on a recommendation from the Study Abroad Office. But then he had to ask, "What's Prague?"
"Honestly, I had never heard of the city. But now I wish I did a full semester there. I felt so safe. The people were so nice, and you knew it was a destination because I met people who traveled from all over Europe."
The class lasted just three weeks, but Jefri made lifelong friends. There were about 15 students in the class, all Americans, and Jefri's already making plans to visit two of them, one in Colorado and the other in Boston. In fact, his friend in Boston is planning to come to Siena for commencement in May. In time, Jefri will likely forget the names of the Bohemian sculptors who decorated the Charles Bridge in the 17th century. But it's the feeling and the experience that lasts.
"It was truly mind-changing. I didn't realize those three weeks would have such a big impact on me."
