From film studios and media companies to nonprofits and local schools, students at NYU Prague intern at organizations throughout the dynamic city, gaining valuable real-world experience while undergoing total cultural immersion. Below, nine students who completed an internship while studying away at NYU Prague share their unique experiences.
Prague Elementary School
“I had an English teaching assistant internship at Londýnská Elementary School. It was my first time teaching young children, but the experience was very fun. It was interesting to see children’s processes of learning a new language and generally how different children behaved. And I loved when the students said “hi” and “bye” every class—they sounded really cute and always made my day.” —Riko Ehara, Gallatin School of Individualized Study Class of 2027
“I was offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for the Institute of Documentary Film in Prague during my time studying abroad. While thrilled, I was simultaneously incredibly daunted at the idea of working for a well-established organization I knew very little about in a completely different country where I did not speak the language. And though my time at the Institute of Documentary Film is coming to an end, I am now confident that accepting my offer was one of the best decisions I have ever made. During my time working for the Institute, I primarily focused on public relations (PR) and digital design–related tasks for the company. Though they differed from week to week, my duties mostly included working with the PR team on designing programs for film festivals, making graphics and copy for social media, and redesigning different elements of the website. Though these tasks were mostly done at a desk, working for the behind-the-scenes side of an institution like the Institute of Documentary Film has opened my eyes to a whole new world of what it takes to host a festival, which I have become extremely passionate about. It was an excellent catalyst in my future aspirations to work in the film industry.” —Ainsley Hayes, College of Arts and Science Class of 2026
“During my internship, I had the opportunity to discover emerging filmmakers from around the world. With access to the Institute’s database, I was able to explore stories of resilience from individuals who often lack a mainstream platform. It was a rewarding experience to gain insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of a film festival, particularly the curatorial process.” —Antonia Mendez, Gallatin Class of 2026
“I interned this semester and it was a cool experience. It was challenging to balance being in the film program and trying to give as much time as I could to helping them do outreach and calls for projects, but it was a valuable look into the entertainment industry outside of the States and the organization of an incubator-like series. They screen some really cool documentaries from all over Central Europe.” —Abigail Sun, Tisch School of the Arts Class of 2026
Organization for Aid to Refugees
“Helping out with the Organization for Aid to Refugees was nothing short of a fulfilling and awe-inspiring experience. I gained so much from the children at the organization and from the staff, who consistently exuded warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm throughout my time with them. Most of the children don’t speak English, but I can attest that a language barrier is insignificant when there are so many other ways to communicate and interact with each other that transcend words. From helping out at holiday events to after-school activities, this experience was extremely unique and meaningful—something I will hold onto forever.” —Katie Groome, College of Arts and Science Class of 2026
Sound Design Studio
“During my time in Prague, I interned with a Czech sound designer named Juraj Mravec at his new studio. I was able to edit sound effects for a professional British television show and learn about how sound design for video games functions. Meeting people in the audio postproduction industry abroad was amazing and I appreciate the program connecting me with my mentor!” —Camden Colquhoun, Tisch Class of 2026
Nancy Bishop Casting
“I interned with Nancy Bishop Casting, working on script coverage and researching actors for upcoming film projects. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the developmental process of the industry and experience a play reading at a local theatre.” —Keira Botjer, Tisch Class of 2026
Cinema Sounds and Secrets
“I worked as an episode editor for the Cinema Sounds and Secrets podcast. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the work, got good notes from my director, and got some good experience in dialogue editing!” —Sinan Gultekin, Tisch Class of 2026
Repurposed with permission from NYU Prague Blog.