This summer, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) returned to Prague, Czech Republic, for two transformative international programs. The three-week TFAS Prague academic program and the one-week European Journalism Institute (EJI) convened more than 110 rising leaders and journalists from over 40 countries, ready to explore Prague’s history and culture, engage with scholars and media professionals and exchange perspectives across borders.

TFAS PRAGUE – July 12-August 2

This year TFAS Prague welcomed 84 students from more than 35 countries to Charles University, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. Over three weeks, students engaged in coursework exploring political economy, conflict management, and the principles of liberty and democracy, earning academic credit while expanding their worldview.

Faculty & Curriculum

Led by distinguished faculty, the program combined the three modules of the program:

• Dr. Tyson Chatagnier, an associate professor of political science in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Houston, explored the causes, consequences, and types of militarized conflict, and discussed the tools available for prevention and resolution.
• 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, introduced students to the economic way of thinking through the lens of political institutions and governance.
• Dr. Nikolai Wenzel, a senior fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research and professor of economics at Universidad de las Hesperides, guided students through the philosophical underpinnings of the state and economic institutions.

The sessions emphasized discussion and activities, including trade game exercises and a model EU Commission simulation on regulation of AI-generated artistic content. Students role-played as EU member state delegates, the music industry lobbyists, AI industry lobbyists and the European Commission – gaining practical insights into policymaking and negotiation.

Guest Speakers & Enrichment

Students also heard from an impressive lineup of guests–including TFAS alumni–on diplomacy, economic policy, transatlantic relations and global security:

• Jan Hornát, senior researcher at the Peace Research Center Prague and head of the department of North American studies at Charles University
• Barbora Maronkova, public diplomacy officer for global partners, NATO public diplomacy division
• Jakub Kulhánek ’07, Czech ambassador to the United Nations
• Vladimir Vaňo ’99, ’00, associate fellow for economy & business at GLOBSEC

Community, Culture & Closing

Outside the classroom, the group explored Prague’s rich history through visits to landmarks such as Prague Castle, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, connecting academic learning with cultural immersion. These shared experiences set the stage for deeper cross-cultural conversations and friendships, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on intercultural exchange and network building.

Alaiza Farid ’25, a student from Pakistan, said, “What truly made TFAS Prague unforgettable were the people: 84 participants from over 30 countries, each bringing their own stories, perspectives, and dreams. We didn’t just attend classes together; we bonded over shared hopes, discussed our beliefs, and explored what freedom, responsibility, and liberty meant to each of us.” Students embraced cultural exchange at the annual Cultural Presentation event, sharing traditions from their home countries such as Greece, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Ukraine, and the United States through song, dance and cuisine. This activity fostered a deeper intercultural understanding among participants.

Jakub Rochowski ’25, a student from Poland, said the annual Cultural Presentations event was a highlight of the program, offering meaningful insights into the traditions and values of his peers.

“I came away with a deeper appreciation for the richness of different cultures represented at TFAS,” Rochowski said. “The event reminded me of the importance of cross-cultural understanding, and it helped me connect personally with classmates by seeing their heritage presented in such an authentic way. It also reinforced the idea that cultural exchange is not just about learning facts, but about sharing lived experiences.”

The program concluded on August 1 with a formal ceremony in the 14th-century Great Hall of Charles University, featuring reflections from faculty, students and distinguished guests.

Milagros Gisselle Castillo González ’25, a student from Panama, shared her gratitude for the life-changing impact of the TFAS experience and the generosity of those who make it possible.

“TFAS Prague is a life-changing program,” Castillo González said. “Investing in the education of future leaders, especially in such an international and dynamic setting, is one of the most impactful contributions a donor can make. Their support empowers young people to grow, connect, and lead with purpose in their communities and beyond.”

TFAS Prague is a life-changing program. Investing in the education of future leaders, especially in such an international and dynamic setting, is one of the most impactful contributions a donor can make. Their support empowers young people to grow, connect, and lead with purpose in their communities and beyond.” – Milagros Gisselle Castillo González ’25 from Panama

THE EUROPEAN JOURNALISM INSTITUTE (EJI) – July 12-20

The 2025 European Journalism Institute (EJI) gathered 28 early- and mid-career journalists from 16 countries for an intensive week of journalism training.Co-hosted by TFAS and The Media Project (TMP), with academic credit offered through Anglo-American University, EJI challenged participants to reflect on the ethical responsibilities of journalism for free societies while sharpening their reporting skills.

Being part of this program was an inspiring and transformative experience. It challenged me creatively, connected me with amazing people, and gave me skills I’ll carry into the future—no matter where my career path leads.” – Lika Lejava ’25 from Georgia

The program began with a welcome dinner and tour of Prague’s historic sites – including the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge and The Church of Our Lady Victorious, grounding the program’s focus on covering religion in society. In the following days, EJI participants engaged in interactive lectures, workshops and panel discussions exploring the intersection of religion, politics and the press. From the fundamentals of feature writing and photojournalism to digital storytelling and media ethics, the program emphasized the vital role of fact-based reporting in promoting liberty and democracy worldwide.

Faculty Highlights

This year’s faculty included:

• Adam Berry, professional photojournalist
• Melissa Harrison, experienced broadcast journalist and president and CEO of 4word
• Dr. Paul Marshall, Jerry and Susie Wilson Chair in Religious Freedom at Baylor University and senior fellow at the Religious Freedom Institute
• David Rocks, senior editor at Bloomberg News

Sabina Naukebayeva ’25, from Kazakhstan, highlighted the engaging and thought-provoking nature of the EJI sessions, emphasizing the practical skills gained through expert instruction.

“I enjoyed David Rocks’ lecture on leads; it helped me understand how to create compelling introductions,” Naukebayeva said. “In fact, all of his lectures were interesting and interactive, creating an environment conducive to deeper thinking.”

Local guest speakers also enriched the classroom discussions with their on-the-ground experience:

• Martina Mašková, host at Czech Radio Plus
• Ladka Mortkowitz Bauerova ’97, ’98, reporter at Agence France-Presse (AFP)
• Daniel Raus, former editor-in-chief of Czech Radio Plus

Sessions explored how to cover the religion beat with context, nuance, and sensitivity – even in Prague, often cited as one of Europe’s most secular cities. Assignments included man-on-the-street interviews, visits to places of worship, a photo essay and a culminating story on religious life in Prague. In their final presentations, participants demonstrated sharper storytelling – writing compelling introductions, structuring cohesive narratives and elevating visual reporting.

The program concluded on July 19 with a closing lunch where participants celebrated their growth and the professional values they’ll carry forward. Lika Lejava ’25, a participant from Georgia, described EJI as an inspiring and transformative experience that sparked her creativity and built lasting connections.

“Being part of this program was an inspiring and transformative experience,” Lejava said. “It challenged me creatively, connected me with amazing people, and gave me skills I’ll carry into the future—no matter where my career path leads.”

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