From Miami to Prague - What Teaching English Taught Me About Connection

When I signed up to study abroad in Prague, I expected to be challenged - culturally, academically, and personally. But I didn’t expect one of the most rewarding experiences to come from a small classroom tucked away in a quiet Czech neighborhood, where I had the opportunity to teach English to local students.

As someone studying entrepreneurship, I’ve always believed that communication is one of the most powerful tools we have. It connects us, bridges gaps, and builds trust. But teaching English to Czech students taught me that communication is so much more than just the words we use - it's about presence, empathy, and finding creative ways to connect across barriers.

I walked into my first teaching session not quite knowing what to expect. I had a few worksheets, a loose lesson plan, and a pretty good sense of humor - but I didn’t have much experience teaching in a traditional classroom, let alone in a country where I didn’t speak the native language fluently. The students, mostly teenagers, were shy at first, hesitant to speak and unsure about my California accent.

So I did what came naturally - I started with stories. I told them about Miami, about my dog Romeo, and about my love for basketball and hiking and running. I encouraged them to share their own stories - about school, music, travel dreams. We played Kahoot games, The New York Times Mini Crossword Puzzle and the Worldle to bring the language to life.

Soon, the classroom transformed from a quiet, cautious space to one full of laughter and conversation. I realized that when you meet students where they are - when you listen more than you speak, and when you invite them to share instead of just instruct - the real learning begins.

I also discovered how deeply rewarding it is to give something back. Helping these students build their confidence in a second language didn’t just benefit them - it gave me perspective. In a world that often feels so divided, the ability to connect across language and culture is an entrepreneurial superpower.

This experience changed how I view leadership. It’s not just about having answers - it's about creating the space for others to grow. Whether I'm helping a brand connect with an audience or mentoring someone younger than me, I now approach it with a new level of empathy and intention.

Prague taught me how to slow down, listen deeper, and get creative when the words don’t come easily. It reminded me that connection doesn’t require perfect grammar - it requires showing up, being curious, and making others feel seen.