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IIEPassport's Student of the Month
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By Sara E. Savage
Jeremy Sperling spent a semester living in the Holesovice region of Prague, through the New York University Prague program in the fall of his sophomore year. It was an open program with many different classes offered. He was a music education major at the time and realized that he wanted to do something different, so he attended political and history classes while abroad. A scholarship covered one-fourth of the cost, while loans helped Sperling afford the rest.
Sperling is now a senior at NYU pursuing a double major in psychology and religious studies. He sat down with us to detail his experiences while a student in Prague, and to talk about how he was inspired to create a study-abroad guide for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) community. "It is important," Sperling says, "for any student to realize they should never feel they can't do something to affect people and bring change."
Q. Why did you decide to study abroad? Why in Prague?
A. Originally I just chose to study abroad in general. I came out as an openly gay man as a freshman, and it was a very stressful year. I wanted a change of atmosphere and originally wanted to go to Madrid to finish learning Spanish. But as I read more and more about Prague, I became fascinated by it.
Q. What opportunities did you have to choose from, as part of your program?
A. The program offers so much. We had internships, volunteer work with political organizations and overnight trips in the Czech Republic.
Q. Where did you go while in Prague?
A. I would go to the National Library and study all the time, because there were no NYU people or Americans there. There is nothing better than the Charles Bridge at sunrise. I would also get out, let loose and have fun at places like Club Termix, which is an old garage built into a club with cars coming through the walls. The Rudolfinum, the main concert hall, was another place I spent time.
Q. What were your living arrangements?
A. I was living in the Osadni apartments with four other guys in a suite. It was a wonderful living situation--very comfortable, with an excellent view of the area. I lived with all NYU people, but we had Czech RAs. I was able to cook everyday because of the affordable produce, which I loved.
Q. Are you a student of the Czech language?
A. I went, I decided to take Russian, which is a similar Slavic language. We had intensive Czech language training when we first arrived, and I practiced while I was out. All I needed was to know a few strong phrases. The young Czechs are very interested in Americans, so I was able to practice the language without being afraid to try.
Q. How did you fit in, as an American in Prague?
A. I fit in really well. I feel like in every European country I travel, the people start speaking to me in their language, maybe because of my features and the way I dress. Overall there were not many problems because I was willing to fit in, make adjustments and learn the courtesies.
Q. Did any cultural issues make you feel uncomfortable?
A. In the European culture they take their time when they eat, sometimes like three hours. To me, it was more admiration than uncomfortable-I was thinking, "Why am I rushing?" I also noticed that the Czech people show a deep respect for the elderly. When an older person comes onto your bus, you always get up and give him or her your seat.
Q. How was the food in Prague?
A. It was so good and it was all made right there with no additives. I love sausage, so the kielbasa was a favorite. I also loved this one dish that was bread dumplings in blueberry sauce and the fried cheese always kept me going, whether in a sandwich from a cart or served with cranberry sauce at a restaurant.
Q. Did you find your classes more intense in Prague?
A. The classes there focus more on learning than on getting an "A." The classes are smaller and a bit more laid- back, and it is easier to communicate directly with professors.
Q. Besides going to classes, how did you spend most of your time abroad?
A. I read a lot and went to concerts, jazz clubs and museums. The program didn't put on much pressure so I had that free time. I didn't party that much because my reasons for going were more about learning and to have a break from my New York college life. I also got to see a Bob Dylan concert while I was there, which was quite an experience.
Q. How has studying abroad affected or changed your studies at home?
A. I love music, but I went into psychology because I wanted to be more challenged. When I got back, my studies just felt too limited and I became much more academic. I also began to be involved with school activities. I volunteered with the NYU Global Ambassador Program and began putting together my study abroad guide for the LGBT community. My time in Prague really changed everything and I came back with a new perspective.
Q. Would you advise other students to study abroad in Prague?
A. Hands down, yes!--if they want a place that shows different cultures coming together over time, and if they are willing to really get in there and integrate themselves. The point is not just to party.
Q. Do you plan to do more international travel?
A. I always wanted to go to Latin America, and as a post-grad I hope to do so. I would like to have a chance to help communities in Latin or South America.
Q. Let's talk a bit about the LGBT study abroad guide you have created. What inspired you to put together this guide?
A. I went to Prague as an openly gay man and when I came back I looked at Prague compared to America. The Czech Republic was very close to voting on a gay marriage bill and I thought of the misconceptions I was challenged by when I went there. The LGBT areas of Prague were areas in which you could express yourself and be very open and friendly. In New York, in places like the Village especially, it is more like, "I am in your face," whereas in the Czech Republic, LGBT students have to make sincere effort to connect with the community.
When I returned home I first got involved with the NYU Global Ambassador Program. After volunteering in that group for a while, I began to notice something. There was no study abroad research or materials available for the LGBT community. There was nothing there except things like, "pack your toothbrush." I felt that this student population needed to be addressed.
Q. How did you go about collecting your information for the guide?
A. I began with compiling my own information for Prague and also interviewed people that were at other NYU Study Abroad Sites. I also, flooded the LGBT email network with a request for anecdotes and information. Those responses were very useful. I also went to the library and looked through travel booklets. I needed to talk to people and had interviews with students as well. Because this was completely a volunteer effort for me, I had no deadline, a huge relief. I eventually began constructing study abroad site pages and put them into three sections: safety and security, community and organizations, and hotspots. I wanted it to be as balanced as possible, as our school has a huge LGBT population with no resources.
Q. What type of feedback have you received from the community?
A. From the students who've read the guide, the feedback has been really good. Todd Smith, the Director of the NYU LGBT Office of Student Services, posted the guide on the LGBT website and got mostly positive feedback, and he forwarded me some of the emails. People were glad that someone is finally making an effort. I hope to make the second edition (due out in March) even better than before. The basic idea is to update the information and reformat it for accessibility and ease of use. I want to add a timeline to the sites, an anecdote section and a travel section for other LGBT areas.
Q. Are you considering publication?
A. I have been thinking of taking it to a publisher but at this point it is not super-important. It's more important that it reaches people so that they know they have the ability to do something effective outside of school, and even the country. American culture is not world culture, and helping all type of students adjust to the study abroad experience is a goal of mine.
Jeremy Sperling's NYU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Study Abroad Guide can be accessed online.