Student Spotlight: The Prague Internship Experience

Riko Ehara- Prague Elementary 

“I did an English teaching assistant internship at Lodynska Elementary School. It was my first time teaching young children, but the experience was very fun. It was also interesting to see children’s processes of learning a new language and generally how different children behaved differently. And I loved when children said hi and bye every class, they sounded really cute and always made my day.”

Ainsley Hayes- Institute of Documentary Film 

“Several months ago, I was offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for the Institute of Documentary Film in Prague, Czechia 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 and was 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 focus on PR and digital design-related tasks for the company. Though they differ from week to week, my duties mostly include working with the PR team on designing programs for film festivals, making graphics and copy for social media, and re-designing different elements of the website. Though these tasks are majorly done at a desk, working for the “behind-the-scenes” side of what goes on at an Institution like the IDF in Prague has opened my eyes to a whole new world of what it takes to host a festival, which I have become extremely passionate about and is acting as an excellent catalyst into my future aspirations to work in the film industry.”

Katie Groome- Organization for Aid to Refugees

“Helping out with the organization for aid to refugees has been nothing short of a fulfilling and awe inspiring experience. I have gained so much from the children at the organization and from the staff, who have 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 has been extremely unique and meaningful- something I will hold onto forever.”

Camden Colquhoun- Sound Design Studio 

“During my time in Prague, I have interned with a Czech sound designer named Juraj Mravec at his new studio! I have been 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 post-production industry abroad has been amazing and I appreciate the program connecting me with my mentor!”

Keira Botjer- Nancy Bishop Casting 

“This semester I interned with Nancy Bishop Casting, working on script coverages 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.” 

Teddy Pollard- EMMIR- The European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations 

“NYU Prague was a great opportunity to recenter my focus to what matters. Being In a foreign environment, I observed the lived experiences of Czechs to find what matters most to particular cultures versus what matters to all of us by human nature. This is a great way for someone who likes to journal or thinks a lot to find more clarity and appreciation for the world around them!”

Antonia Mendez- Institute of Documentary Film

“During my internship at the Institute of Documentary in Prague, 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.

Sinan Gultekin- Cinema Sounds and Secrets Podcast 

“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!”

Abigail Sun- Institute of Documentary Film 

I interned for the Institute of Documentary Film this semester and it was a cool experience. It was hard 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.”