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Pictures by Katherine Chang, (American College), Pupil Correspondent for CET Movie Manufacturing at FAMU, Fall 2023
Finding out overseas was, technically, nothing new to me. I had as soon as studied overseas in highschool, a brief four-week summer time program in Seoul. However I had by no means completed something direct-enrollment, and nothing related to the work I wished to do. Once I requested my research overseas advisor about good matches for my profession objectives, she advised me that there was actually just one film-specific program, the FAMU direct enrollment program supplied by CET. That had determined it for me then and there. I didn’t need to waste a semester on credit that wouldn’t go towards my main. However don’t be mistaken— I by no means felt like I used to be settling for this program. The FAMU program appeared excellent, an intense and hands-on program held in a lovely metropolis at an esteemed institution. I used to be nearly fearful that I wouldn’t get in, considering that it might absolutely be a extremely aggressive software course of. I bought in although, so it in all probability wasn’t all that robust.
The prospect of being alone, removed from residence, and surrounded by extra skilled friends was scary, however I had way more to achieve from going overseas than I ever needed to lose. My aim in attending the FAMU program was to learn to make myself helpful on a set. As grateful as I used to be for my present schooling, I felt like I knew awfully little for a junior in school. Recent off a disappointing summer time internship the place I discovered nothing, I used to be actually a bit of determined to turn out to be succesful. What would occur if I graduated and couldn’t land a job? Individuals in artistic fields want greater than a bunch of nice-sounding names on paper— they want portfolios, proof of their talent, after which the talent itself. That’s the sort of factor it’s a must to seek for your self exterior of lessons and assignments.
Studying, regardless of the topic, is usually extra arduous than enjoyable. Pushing your self out of your consolation zone is painful, as cliche of a factor that’s to say. It’s straightforward to easily declare inexperience, and to stay to what you understand, however you possibly can’t be a freshman ceaselessly. Ultimately, I needed to turn out to be extra bold. I didn’t need to be one of the best that ever was, however I wanted to be hungry for talent, hungry sufficient to work onerous for it. Once I left for Prague, I wanted all the training I might get. Seeing how packed this 12 months’s schedule is was a bit tense, nevertheless it’s an indication of a constructive expertise to return. I hope that by way of the work I do right here, I’ll turn out to be as expert and proficient as different college students each right here and at residence.
The view of the bridge by the FAMU principal constructing. At present, most of our lessons are held on the FAMU studio constructing, however I hope I can look out this window once more quickly.
From the second I met the remainder of the scholars on the airport, my semester overseas was off to a little bit of a busy begin. As quickly because the welcome dinner ended, I went to a bar with the opposite college students to get a big beer for very low cost. Orientation, socialization, and language acquisition all kicked off as quickly as two to 3 days later. Earlier than the top of the week, we had seen the Previous City Sq., Charles Bridge, and the Dancing Home no less than thrice. Positive, it was exhausting, nevertheless it was additionally significantly entertaining. I’ve by no means been happier to get so little sleep.
Dwelling alone in Prague was solely a bit of more durable than residing by myself again in America. It was embarrassing to hassle others with my illiteracy in Czech, and I usually puzzled if I seemed like an apparent foreigner. However public transit is quick and handy, meals is affordable, and the town is enjoyable to discover. Despite the fact that I lived in huge cities most of my life, it was superb exploring the town’s middle with its extensive stone roads and winding paths. It’s tradition shock, in one of the best ways, to be someplace so utterly walkable in comparison with America. Although by day three, I felt like I had walked sufficient to final me the entire semester.
I’m shocked by issues fairly often. Easy issues, such because the ticking of site visitors lights, the dearth of a drying machine within the condominium advanced, and the way straightforward it’s to turn out to be an alcoholic right here. Nothing horrible or disagreeable, however I spotted that individuals who lived right here all the time needed to dry their garments on a rack and will get a beer for below 60 kc nearly wherever. Then again of nice surprises, I used to be overjoyed to seek out how widespread it’s to seek out Vietnamese and customarily “Asian” eating places in the course of Central Europe. I used to be much more ecstatic to discover a Korean restaurant (although it was pricier than the typical Czech meal). Consuming dumplings and naengmyeon after class was enjoyable and satisfying, even after I did it alone.
In truth, many issues are enjoyable alone. I didn’t all the time have to stay by my fellow college students (although I get pleasure from hanging out with them). Going to cafes by myself, wandering the town with out worrying about others, and even ingesting by myself was a pleasant quiet expertise. Together with popping out of my consolation zone, I discovered that I didn’t want to actually depend on others with the intention to have enjoyable. There’s loads to get pleasure from in a single’s personal firm.
A photograph from my first day, headed in direction of the bar with some classmates. I had my first pivo, or beer there, and shortly realized that Czechs are significantly better at ingesting than I’m. Beer is affordable and scrumptious right here, however I believe I’ll follow rum and cokes as a substitute.
FAMU programs haven’t truly correctly began but, on the time of writing. At the moment was the primary day of FAMU orientation, and the earlier week was spent studying as a lot Czech as potential to set us up for fulfillment. I’m certain my professor can be dismayed to listen to, nevertheless, that language is less complicated to accumulate than it’s to make use of. I get clocked as an American earlier than I even open my mouth at a café or store, and there’s one thing tough about even saying dobrý den (good morning) exterior of the classroom. I do get to make use of promiňte (sorry/excuse me) and děkuju (thanks) very often although, and it makes getting round a lot simpler. In the future, I’ll be capable to order with out being handed the English menu, however till then, follow makes excellent.
Moreover, FAMU is barely completely different from the CET program that runs parallel to it. Sure actions such because the scavenger hunt, paddle boat occasion, and ingesting events had been shared amongst each teams, however as soon as FAMU orientation began, I noticed much less and fewer of our CET counterparts. It was a bit unhappy, as numerous them appeared like very nice individuals, however I’m certain that they had numerous work on their arms this semester as effectively. As soon as script writing and filming begin in full, I ponder if I’ll even be capable to see my FAMU classmates as usually. Previous to arriving in Prague, my mother advised me to journey as a lot as I might throughout the weekends and day without work, however given the character of the FAMU schedule, there aren’t many alternatives to go away the town or nation. I’m certain she’d be disenchanted to listen to that, however I got here to this program to study, and that is still my prime precedence.
An image of the Lennon Wall, which I encountered with another college students throughout the scavenger hunt across the metropolis. At this level of the scavenger hunt, I used to be greater than able to crawl again to the condominium and sleep, however the picture of this monitor athlete leaping over all of the graffiti was gorgeous.
In the long run, I don’t remorse something about coming right here. Regardless of my fears and my anxieties, I’m excited for the work that I’ll do right here. Prague is a superb metropolis, and I’m glad I can dwell right here, even when only for a semester. No matter comes subsequent, be it good or dangerous, I’ll welcome it with open arms. I’ll see you all within the subsequent put up. Na shledanou (goodbye/goodbye).
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