The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) returned to Prague, Czech Republic, for their summer international programs. The three-week TFAS Prague program and the week-long European Journalism Institute (EJI) brought together 96 young leaders from over 30 countries. These programs advanced the TFAS mission abroad by developing courageous global leaders through transformative experiences and promoting the principles of individual liberty, democratic governance and economic freedom.

THE EUROPEAN JOURNALISM INSTITUTE (EJI)

TFAS co-hosted the European Journalism Institute (EJI) with The Media Project from July 20-28. Throughout the program, 25 journalists from 13 countries engaged with industry experts, explored ethics and religion in public life, tackled key journalism issues, refined their reporting skills and received course credit from Anglo-American University in Prague.

The participants gained insights from the program’s distinguished faculty and guest speakers, who brought diverse backgrounds and expertise to the TFAS classroom.

During the week-long program, journalists visited and studied the historic and religious context of notable landmarks in Prague, including Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. These visits provided insights into the rich political and religious history of the Czech Republic’s capital.

This year’s esteemed EJI faculty included Adam Berry, professional photojournalist; Melissa Harrison, interim executive director of The Media Project; Martina Maskova, host at Czech Radio Plus; Dr. Paul Marshall, Jerry and Susie Wilson Chair in religious freedom at Baylor University and senior fellow at the Religious Freedom Institute; Daniel Raus, former editor-in-chief of Czech Radio Plus; David Rocks, senior editor for Bloomberg News; and Pavel Svoboda,
former member of the European Parliament and professor of European Law at Charles University.

Isabel Vásquez ’24, a participant from Guatemala, said that engaging with diverse perspectives is crucial for promoting freedom, emphasizing the value of learning from her peers around the world.

“It was an incredible experience meeting people from around the world and learning from their diverse backgrounds, perspectives and beliefs,” Vásquez said. “Having these spaces where ideas can be shared and debated is key to the development of our democracies and freedom.”

It was an incredible experience meeting people from around the world and learning from their diverse backgrounds, perspectives and beliefs,” Vásquez said. “Having these spaces where ideas can be shared and debated is key to the development of our democracies and freedom.” – Isabel Vásquez ’24

The program concluded on Saturday, July 27, with journalists presenting their reporting projects and then commemorating the time together at a closing ceremony and lunch.

“We were so impressed by the projects these journalists executed over the week,” TFAS’ Vice President Michelle Le said. “Their insightful reporting reflected the varied aspects of the role of religion in public life and serves as an indicator of the meaningful work they will go on to do.”

TFAS PRAGUE

This year’s TFAS Prague program took place from July 13 to August 3. Over the course of three weeks, 71 driven leaders from more than 25 countries studied political philosophy, political economy and conflict management. Students took classes and earned course credit at Charles University, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.

Aditya Bharadwaj ’24, a student from India, was able to take part in this transformative educational experience thanks to the generosity of TFAS supporters.

“My attendance was made possible because of a scholarship provided by one of TFAS’ generous donors,” Bharadwaj said. “The past three weeks have been a wonderful experience, and I would like to thank all the donors, staff, volunteers and my classmates of TFAS Prague 2024 for making it one.”

This year’s esteemed faculty included Dr. Tyson Chatagnier, an associate professor of political science in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Houston; Dr. Adam Martin, a political economy research fellow at the Free Market Institute and an associate professor of agricultural and applied economics at Texas Tech University; and Dr. Nikolai Wenzel, a professor of economics at Universidad de las Hesperides.

In addition to the program faculty, students also gained valuable insights and encouragement from distinguished alumni and guest speakers who shared their expertise with the TFAS Prague 2024 class.

This year’s speakers included:

• Antonia Colibasanu ‘03, ‘07, senior geopolitical analyst at Geopolitical Futures and senior fellow for Eurasia program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
• Pavel Fischer, Czech senator and chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security
• William Hybl, chair emeritus and a charter member of the El Pomar Foundation’s board; international vice chair of the TFAS Board of Trustees
• Ladislav Krištoufek, Vice-Rector for scientific and creative activities at Charles University
• Jakub Kulhanek ’07, Czech Ambassador to the United Nations
• Barbora Maronkova, public diplomacy officer at Global Partners, NATO Public Diplomacy Division

Aidan Dlugacz ’24 from Pennsylvania State University reflected on how the program’s speakers highlighted the transformative impact of TFAS and the future it holds for young leaders.

“During the program, we met with successful speakers who shared their wisdom and how the TFAS program provided a promising future for their once-young minds,” Dlugacz said.

During the program, we met with successful speakers who shared their wisdom and how the TFAS program provided a promising future for their once-young minds.” – Aidan Dlugacz ’24

Outside the classroom, students delved into Europe’s rich history through a range of tours and activities. They explored significant landmarks in Prague, including Prague Castle, the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square and the historic Wenceslas Square.

To complement their coursework, students participated in the annual TFAS Conflict Management Simulation, a Model UN-style exercise hosted at the Czech Senate. This activity allowed students to apply their classroom learning to real-life policy scenarios. This year’s simulation focused on Turkish accession to the EU. In their roles as representatives of EU member-country delegates, the Turkish delegation, and the European Commission, students discussed the multiple chapters in negotiations, ranging from free movement of goods and workers to democracy and from finances to human rights.

Students also embraced new cultures during the annual “Cultural Presentation” event. This event allows students from around the world to share their unique traditions and cultural perspectives. Representing countries such as Albania, Croatia, Guatemala, India, Ukraine and the United States, students highlighted their cultures through song, dance, history and cuisine.

This year, TFAS Prague students met with TFAS supporters who were on their own educational journey through Europe. On the final leg of the “Future of Freedom in Europe Tour,” TFAS supporters visited Prague and connected with students and alumni at the closing ceremony. This overlapping experience not only enriched the program but also strengthened the students’ connection with TFAS’s global network and mission.

Dr. Nikolai Wenzel gave a special address to the guests over dinner, highlighting the impressive dedication of this year’s students.

“Every year, the students seem to be more impressive,” Wenzel said. “They are willing – no, eager! – to spend six hours each day in the classroom during their summer break, engaging actively with the ideas – but also listening with curiosity to guest lectures and participating in cultural exchange programs.”

The program concluded on August 2 with a ceremony celebrating the students’ accomplishments at the beautiful 17th century Jesuit House for Professed, a great symbol of Charles University.

TFAS President Roger Ream ’76, Chairman Randal Teague and Vice President Michelle Le ’95, ’96 chaired the ceremony along with Charles University’s Vice-Rector for Scientific and Creative Activities, Dr. Ladislav Krištoufek. We were also honored to be joined by TFAS alumnus and Czech Ambassador to the United Nations, Jakub Kulhánek ’07. Amb. Kulhánek addressed the students regarding the value of the work they will go on to do, as he highlighted the importance of international cooperation towards the preservation of democracy and freedom around the world.

Stefan Tampu ’24, spoke during the ceremony as one of two student representatives. He underscored how the program deepened the students’ appreciation for TFAS’s core values and expressed gratitude to TFAS , Charles University and all the dedicated staff

“This program has not only broadened our academic perspectives but has also helped us better understand the importance of the values that are the foundation of the TFAS mission and of the free world societies – individual liberty, democracy, rule of law and economic freedom,” Tampu said. “We want to express our appreciation and gratitude to the TFAS organization itself, to Charles University and to the TFAS staff that has done hard work in order to create this environment for us.” 

This program has not only broadened our academic perspectives but has also helped us better understand the importance of the values that are the foundation of the TFAS mission and of the free world societies – individual liberty, democracy, rule of law and economic freedom.” – Stefan Tampu ’24

To learn more about TFAS International Programs and find application deadlines for upcoming programs, please visit TFASinternational.org.