Wake up, check the Czech news, commute to the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic, summarize the local news to report back to Washington D.C., and then perform daily tasks that serve to maintain positive relations with the Czech Republic; this is what any given day looks like for Larry Korb, a U.S. diplomat working in the U.S. Embassy in Prague. Today Korb met with our class group to discuss the foreign service, U.S.-Czech relations, and tips on pursuing an international career. While Korb spoke highly of international living and his job for providing his family the opportunity to live abroad, he also shared some challenges that you may face when moving across the world. He spoke of culture shock (especially as he did not travel much before joining the Foreign Service), language barriers restricting meaningful connections, and even the struggle of having a spouse trying to find work in a foreign country. It was very insightful to hear these challenges, especially after he made his job sound so interesting! Korb concluded that these challenges are outweighed by the joy he and his family gains from being able to live in such beautiful spaces around the world. Ultimately, during our meeting with Korb today we were able to learn more about international living, U.S.-Czech relations, and post-grad opportunities. Thanks, Mr. Korb!
After visiting with Larry Korb in the Americké Centrum Praha (American Center in Prague, next to the U.S. Embassy), our class made a visit to the Prague Castle. The tour of the castle included the St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane. Each structure within the Castle is gothic-inspired, gold-plated, and designed with breath-taking care. One of our stops on the tour was outside of the St Vitus Cathedral tower (pictured below) where we stopped for pictures. Interestingly, construction on the Cathedral started in 1344, but it was not finished until 1929, and combined both gothic and renaissance architecture. Inside one of the chambers in the Cathedral is a room that contains the Crown Jewels, which consists of the St. Wenceslas Crown, the Royal Sceptre, the Coronation Cloak, and other priceless items. The room that contains the Crown Jewels has one door with 7 locks on it, and to open the door the following figures must present their unique key: the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Prague Archbishop, the Chairman of the House of Deputies, the Chairman of the Senate, the Dean of the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Lord Mayor of Prague. These are just a few facts we learned from our amazing tour guide, Eva; we are so grateful for everything she has taught us and the compassion she has shared with us. Thank you, Eva!
PLU/PSY387 Transitions & Trauma 