Lennon Wall On Campus Edition Spring 2024

Lennon Wall Lennon Wall

LENNON WALL LENNON WALL

LENNON WALL

LENNON WALL

LENNON WALL

LENNON WALL

Copyright May 2024

Courtesy of Lennon Wall at Anglo-American University

All photo rights reserved to original owner

Pictured not labeled are royalty free, coutesy of Shutterstock

Dear AAU community, family, and friends, Lennon Wall has made a great comeback! In the past, we have struggled with campus engagement and finding a full writing staff with busy student schedules. It is a work in progress, but with the enthusiasm of our staff this Spring 2024 semester and our new social media manager and layout designer, HP Nguyen, we are slowly but surely building an on campus audience. I would like to thank Michael Kahn, Karen Grunow, Daria Shakurova, and Asya Kibko from the faculty for their support with the new Publishing and Editing class. With the help of the Assistant Editor-in-Chief Gabriella Burgess, we have given our over-a-de- cade-old magazine a make-over.

This semester marks the start of another series of changes on campus. With the class of 2024 graduating, so does the Student Council President and the leadership of many clubs, such as Students Against Violence, Film Watchers, and Rock Climbing. Gabriella and I are stepping down as Editors, and we can’t wait to see what the new leaders at AAU make of our on campus activities and school spirit. This semester’s magazine print is dedicated to our beloved community: spotlighting people, highlighting clubs, showcasing school news, and giving advice to new students. As an independent newspaper, we continue to pressure the school, council, or other governing bodies when students’ input needs to be heard. Our mission is to promote school spirit and events, while also giving honest feedback from the community. We seek to be as inclusive as possible, so all the international voices we have on campus are heard. My goal has been to build a sustainable space for the next generation of journalists to share their perspectives, and my hope is that with each semester, we get better.

Warm Regards,

Ela Angevine Editor-in-Chief

Dear AAU students and faculty,

I am graduating this semester, so this will be my last time writing for Lennon Wall. As Ela and I step down from our positions, we are both grateful for this opportunity to lead the magazine in many changes. I am thankful to all of AAU for the continuous support of the magazine. I hope that future Editors learn from our mistakes and continue to make changes for the better. My only wish is that Ela and I have created a lasting foundation for the future leaders.

Our goals as Editors were to have students’ opinions heard and to share important information with our peers. We believe the most important part of Lennon Wall is to create dialogues for the betterment of campus and student life. This semester, Student Council held a plethora of successful events, and the clubs have also been thriving.

Writing my last piece for Lennon Wall and reflecting on all that I have learned in the process is bittersweet. I will cherish this newspaper and my experiences at AAU. Prague will always have a special place in my heart.

I am very proud of the staff this semester and what we all have produced. I am excited to see the continuous growth of the magazine in the coming years.

Congratulations to all those graduating! It’s an exciting new chapter, and I look forward to seeing where everyone goes.

Best Regards,

Gabriella Burgess Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Ela Angevine

Assistant Editor in Chief

Gabriella Burgess

Copy Editors

Sophia Pedigo

Grace Hatch

Layout Designer

H.P Nguyen

Writers

Ansley Kunzer

Tyler Roderick

Alisa Snihur

Mae Bryant

Maddison Codoner

Hayley Gallaher

Antoinette Goldberg

Ela Angevine

Gabriella Burgess

H.P Nguyen

Photo Credits

AAU FLickr

Adobe Stock

Freepik

ResearchGate

Lennon Wall staff

By Hayley Gallaher

By Madison Condoner

By Ela Angevine

By Ansley Kunzer

By Gabriella Burgess

By Madison Codoner

By Alisa Snihur

UPDATES ON AAU AND THE FAFSA: STUDENTS ARE INELIGIBLE FOR U.S FEDERAL AID

By

Ela Angevine

By Tyler Roderick

Bryant

Gabriella Burgess

OUTRAGED BY UNDERFUNDING: SHOULD STUDENTS RECONSIDER A CAREER IN ACADEMICS?

By H.P Nguyen

By Gabriella Burgess

By Tyler Roderick

By Antoinette Goldberg

AAU’S BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY PACKS THE CAFE WITH LARGE STUDENT TURNOUT

By Madison Codoner

The AAU Student Council organized Back To School Party was the first event of the Spring Semester, featuring free pizza, discounted drinks, and a condom piñata which students flocked to on Friday, 16 February.

A few minutes before start time, the room was mostly empty, but with the first verse of Beyonce’s new song and the arrival of pizza, the number of students doubled. Soon, the room was filled with students dancing, waiting in line for food, or going outside to play beer pong.

“I came for the pizza and stayed for the early 2000’s hits,” said a third-year International Relations attendee. Once the music picked up, so did those on the dancefloor, none of which have hips that lie.

The party acted as a well-deserved break just as school started again. Now, in mid-February, students have assignments and are adjusting to a life of tests and essays. The CZK20 drinks and the promise of free food were enough to entice a crowd of hungry academics.

“We thought this event was a huge success. We always enjoy collaborating with Kieran and the Cafe team. We always appreciate the feedback from students and made changes this semester, including food, both in type and quantity,” said Niyota, the Events Coordinator for the Student Council.

The event raged on as students sang an early Happy Birthday to Student Council President, Simone, and more pizza was delivered. Decorated for Valentine’s Day, the cafe was transformed in the late evening light. Students took chances on the DJ booth and started a conga line that ran across the space’s interior.

Ending the night, the piñata attracted blindfolded students waiting to get a swing at the paper mache object. It was easier said than done, with the drinks consumed by the participants not doing much to help.

CafE des Taxis?

COOKIE DES TAXIS!

By Hayley Gallaher

Cafe des Taxi has become a sta ple of many student’s break-time cravings, though for some return ing students, there seemed to be less of their favorite sweet treat.

Twenty-two percent of AAU students are from the U.S., so it’s no surprise that chocolate chip cookies are the most pop ular item at the cafe, according to cafe co-owner Bill Carroll. The international student body can appreciate the classic dessert, too.

In the Czech Republic it is a bit more difficult to find a chocolate chip cookie than in the US because chocolate chips (the American kind) and brown sugar (not the coarse demerara sugar for coffee) are not available in every grocery store. Making your own requires a lot more labor as well.

“I have noticed there are less cookies at the cafe, and it is truly saddening,” said third-year Lora Lukova.

Chocolate chip cookies are an American confection whose recipe, as we know it today, was invented by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s. Websites and blogs differ in opinion, but most polls rank chocolate chip cookies in the top ten, sometimes even at number one. They’ve been recognized as one of the world’s 50 most famous desserts.

“I get why they are favorites,” said a firstyear, Finnish student, Nea Lukkonen, after trying the cafe’s chocolate chip cookie for the first time.

“People see them and they dive right on them. They sell out much faster. We can only make 24 in one go in the mixer, and before I’ve even cleaned up after myself, half of them are gone,” said Carroll.

The hypothesis as to why the cookies are not around as much as they used to is because they were not as profitable as other foods. But the opposite is true. The cookies actually have a higher profit margin than the coffee or the sandwiches, according to the co-owner.

The question students this Spring semester are asking remains: where are all of the homemade cookies?

“Every semester we hire a new team, so, whenever we do that, the job gets harder for a few weeks. And as the team gets stronger, it starts to get easier, which gives us more time to do stuff like baking,” Carroll said.

Class schedules also play a role. The cookies sell out at about the same time everyday, explained Carroll, so a student might miss them routinely.

* Spring semester is almost halfway through, and AAU’s Dancing Club is in full swing. *

AAU’s Dancing Club had its first meeting of the semester on Tuesday, 20 February at the Politických vězňů 8 studio in Nove Mesto. Liza Korytnyk, a thirdyear business student, founded the club during her first semester in 2021 to share her hobby with her peers.

Many members of Dancing Club are beginner-level dancers, though there are a few experienced dancers. During meetings, Liza teaches Hip-Hop choreography, but ventures out into other dance genres, such as ballroom, during the club’s workshops.

AAU CLUB HIGHLIGHT: DANCING CLUB

By Ansley Kunzer

“Most people think that dancing is about showing off—for me it’s not. I think about dance as self-exploring, feeling your soul, connecting to your body… this is something that I’m trying to teach club members,” said Liza.

To further instill the importance of connecting to one’s body, Liza explains that this is the reason she wouldn’t want the club members to feel pressured to compete. Competitive dance can lead to comparing oneself to someone else and creates a negative learning environment.

Anyone can join AAU’s Dancing Club at no cost, as the club is AAU-funded through the Student Council. The club features different styles and sometimes teachers, hosting guests such as professional ballet instructor Anna Hayden.

Writing Club’s Poetry In The Park

By Madison Codoner

Writing Club held a Poetry Picnic on 8 April, under the light of the late afternoon sun and amid the blossoming petals, to gear up for next month’s Poetry Night.

Basking in the first blushes of Spring, Writing Club openly read prose, as the sounds of poetry reverberated from the trees.

“If you like good vibes, cheese, wine, and poetry, you will always be having a good time at writing club,” said Jo, the Writing Club President.

This meeting is the first of its kind, but draws inspiration from the club’s beloved Poetry Night, which will be held in early May. The Poetry Picnic acted as a precursor to this event, but it took a new Spring twist.

Amid the breeze, students sat around in a circle, drinking wine and eating grapes as flashes of prose were passed around. Some attendees read their own poetry, while others contributed through the books they were currently reading.

“But in the absence of war, love skewers all men. And their death becomes living evermore in the upside down tower where they find I lay and wait. Among barren lawns and beautiful children, the heroics of death are disband. They forgive nothing and forget themselves as they lay with me. For I am the death they wish for,” read Mae Bryant from her notebook, as students sat and quietly listened.

After each reading, the poets were met with praise around the circle as the next person geared up to read. With little pressure to present if you did not want to, many in attendance listened and enjoyed rather than participating.

“Has your isolation given birth to a new language - does your silence scream yes,” read Kayla Arroyo, her own words sure and precise.

The meeting boosted excitement for Poetry Night and all that the club has in store for the student body. If you are interested in participating in a writing environment that encourages and welcomes ideas in any form, join us! Poetry Night starts with a group activity, and is followed by prose and other works shared by participants. Even if you do not want to share, it is worth coming just to listen.

AAU Professor Anthony Marais’s History of Popular Cinema class is popular among students every semester, diving into film movements and genres through almost 100 years of cinema history

The class begins by exploring Soviet Montage and ends with BollyWood cinema. Each session is structured with a lecture explaining what was happening in a chosen film era, and it ends with a screening of a movie from that period, which the students write a review on, describing their thoughts and experience after watching.

“I would like to share my love of cinema. I hope that I can inspire students to discover the joy of experiencing cinema as an art form, actively engaging with it by writing film reviews with the freedom to decide for themselves what is aesthetic,” said Marais.

For those with a Journalism and Media Studies major, especially with a media and culture concentration, it is one option under the list for the Film/ Video course requirement. This course list also includes Documentary Film Practicum and Video Storytelling, classes that can be taken as an elective regardless of major.

“I took the class because it looked pretty interesting, and it was the better choice from the two other programs I had to choose,” said Maraki Berouk Mesfin.

Those currently in the class have enjoyed a variety of films, including I am a Fugitive of a Chain Gang (1934) and Miracle in Milan (1951). This Spring 2024 semester, class grew during the Add/Drop period, with new students joining after the first class.

“My favorite part of a class is watching movies, but doing it from a political/cultural perspective. It is connected with writing the reports,” said Andrii Kolisnychenko.

This semester, the class is at 18:30 on Wednesday—the same as the Fall 2023 term—making it likely that it will be the same time slot in Fall 2024.

Professor Anthony Marais is a graduate of the University of California Santa Barbra with a degree in Anthropology. He has published novels and worked as a screenwriter.

“I believe I can say I was born with this class in me. I consider it a gift—given to me by Tony Ozuna and faithfully supported by Karen Grunow, our AAU deans of the

Class Spotlight: History of Popular Cinema

By Gabriella Burgess

Visual Arts Information Session to Promote the Program

By Ela Angevine

Professors of the Visual Arts (VA) Major presented their courses on April 4 for students to promote the program and hopefully grow enrollment, according to the Chair of Visual Art Studies Karolina Dolanská.

The presenters asserted that VA offers a wide variety of classes focusing both on the studio and the curatorial side, covering marketing, art critique, performance, photography, individual projects, history, and skills in everything from abstract to contemporary work.

“The program is small. We are hopefully going to grow if you bring your friends and relatives…[the courses available] depend on the number of students,” said Dolanská.

This was the first ever open discussion solely dedicated for the Visual Art students and those interested in the program, said Dean Karen Grunow-Hårsta. There are fewer VA students than journalism students, so the arts professors usually don’t get the time to showcase what the major has to offer, according to former Dean Tony Ozuna.

Nine professors, including the new Lea Petrikova who will be teaching a course on the Contemporary Art Scene next semester, promoted their classes and what they offer.

“I wish [the VA information session] was here the first semester or at least the second; it would have made things so much easier,” said Dominika Dudys, a third-year with an Art Curator focus.

Veronika Bromova, who specializes in fine arts and multimedia and is well-known in the Czech art scene, started off introducing the VA Major. She discussed what it means to be an artist and do art—don’t be afraid to make mistakes and be crazy—and spoke about her Cross Media classes.

Senior Lecturer, Alena Foustkova, spoke next about her courses, including Concept—Pursuing an Idea in the Art Process, Visual Literacy, and Prague Art and Architecture. Karolina Dolanská too teaches Prague Art and Architecture in a different time slot in addition to Survey of Western Art and potentially curatorial classes in the future.

“Art history is my favorite course because we cover ancient art history until the middle ages, and [Zaruba] is an amazing person with a great amount of knowledge,” said Olha Kachan, a third-year Visual Art student when asked about her favorite classes and professors, “and the three hours of class we have is not enough!”

Also teaching Survey of Western Art, Josef Záruba-Pfeffermann, has taught at the Charles University Faculty of the Arts, and he has experience in performing as a former opera singer, though he does not teach it. Ewa Żurakowska specializes in performance, teaching the famous Performance and Ritual class that presents their semester work to the public at the end of each semester.

“I teach you how to breathe more consciously, how to move, how to be in your body, how to have a deeper awareness of your body and your mind,” said Żurakowska about the course, explaining how the final project changes based on the interests of the class. “I am very much into working with nature and hugging a tree, so this is definitely a fundamental beginning of the course,” she added.

Douglas Arellanes, who hovers in the space between Journalism and Visual Arts, is the self-proclaimed “nerd in residence,” specializing in software development and audio. His Radio in the Age of Spotify and Digital Tools for Media Arts classes use technology he created—AAU’s radio station, Sound Bricks, that broadcasts 24-7 and the software Mural which makes journalism more visual and engaging, respectively.

“That would have been a good class to take before graduating,” said AAU student Alejandro Perez, referring to the AI tools and editing skills students learn in Digital Tools.

The other professors who spoke include: Jana Babincova who leads the final art exhibit projects, Tony Ozuna who focuses on art critique, and Dragan Dragin who teaches profile photography. Their classes can be found on the Study Plan or Timetables.

“I teach you how to breathe more consciously, how to move, how to be in your body, how to have a deeper awareness of your body and your mind”

By Alisa Snihur

WOMEN in higher education

The Reality of Being a Woman in Higher Education, according to AAU Professor

Women who are professors face more challenges than men, according to Angel Hoekstra who shared her experiences of inequality in the academic space.

For centuries, women have had less access to education and the ability to gain the same amount of skills as men. In the 1970s, 11% of selected women had a Bachelor’s degree, compared to 2016’s 42%.

Dr. Angel Hoekstra, an AAU professor, became the first in her family to go to university and eventually earned her PhD in Sociology.

“There are two types of people—those who will support you and those who won’t,” said the AAU professor.

Did you have trouble as a woman stepping into ‘higher education’? Have you observed a change in attitude towards you throughout your academic path?

To be fair, Sociology is that kind of science which is presumably more female-dominated, so I cannot really distinguish some moments of limitations or whatsoever. In my opinion, in America you will see more encouragement for women to step up and go higher in this hierarchy, but here, it feels different. I am not sure, but some factors in Europe define the fact that more men here are assumed to go into higher education, as women are usually under pressure of family-building, kids, and housekeeping.

It is definitely hard for a woman to step into higher education and consider it a “long-term run” if she expects to have a family. In my case, I had an opportunity not to work when I was nursing because my husband had a good salary...but some mothers have to sacrifice their time with infants to go to work. That happens in the USA more often—people receive their health insurance when they apply to a job, which in the future, leads to inability to quit the job as you are left without any healthcare.

Honestly, sometimes you fall, especially considering the challenges you have to face as a woman, but I am grateful to have been in that “privileged” position and to have felt more comfortable than some other women.

You said “sometimes you fall,” did you have a specific moment in mind?

In my program, the PhD was done in six years; if you need more time, you have to extend it to finish your work. After those six years, I was not finished yet, and I had to extend the period. My husband, though, was trying to tell me to finish my PhD by December as we had some trouble with our daughter.

I went to my advisor…We met in October and I told her about my plans and she was disapproving. We had an argument about the time of the defense of the PhD. She was disappointed in my work and attitude, saying that I ruined her expectations and was not presenting her as an advisor nicely. The choice was ridiculous: my husband or my PhD.

I did not have a chance but to stay on my line. I walked out of the office sobbing because she was unsupportive at all. She told me that she did not want to have anything with me after December. This situation kicked me hard, but I kept going and this was the lesson I learned.

What pushed you into your current career?

I worked in a bank for two years or so… When I was studying, I needed to make some money, and it seemed to be a good spot. This job was not for me—it was too much of a routine. I could not handle it, and it was the moment when I knew I wanted to be a college professor.

How did your school years go by? Did you feel or observe any sociological issues before university?

When I was in my teenage years, I went to school with people of all colors and races, but I was in a minority. I went there for a Science academy, and this experience gave me an opportunity to consider going beyond my social class, as it exposed me to this reality—we all want to look nice, no matter what initial characteristics we have.

Can you share your experience with people around you, as a woman?

I had a lot of men and women supporting me throughout my journey. But the biggest challenge for women, I think, is something that is called “the second shift.” Even when women get into positions of power, they perform a shift at work, and they go home and they have a second shift. And this responsibility is hard, but you are expected to have this responsibility.

When I became a mom, I had a moment of embarrassment in my career. When you are in a higher education system, you have to be able to speak your mind and not be afraid that someone disagrees with you. When I was going to some meetings of the committee, I tended to be the only woman.

Once, I was asked by a service committee if I wanted to join them as I am a mother with two children. I felt so much pressure, especially understanding that I already have a lot on my plate. The people who asked me were trying to excuse themselves, saying that it was just a good gesture of respect to me as a mom. But this was offensive in some way, and this is what “unconscious oppressiveness” is.

Men will never understand if something that they said was offensive just because they do not know the background of women’s responsibilities and life in general…Some of my male coworkers can bring up a completely different topic in some meetings, and I seem to be the only person bothered by this because I know my time. Yes, this was offensive and embarrassing, but I cannot judge anyone as this is an unconscious action, which probably meant to be kind, sort of.

Do you think that your background shaped your mindset?

Of course. The way I saw very diverse cultures led me to specific thoughts, actions. I learned very young that I had a white privilege. If I had not experienced shifting from that specific high school to a white [dominated] university, I would not have even thought of some things. Besides that, Texas is a very different place—you can see a lot of diversity there. The place where I stayed was multicultural, which is also an important factor to mention.

What do you have to say to all who might be struggling on their academic path?

When you are in your twenties trying to figure things out, you have to believe in yourself and have something to let your soul rest in. You know, when someone is 55 and in a big position, they can easily look at your work and say that it is horrible. During these moments you have to understand that the more you work, the less the gap is between you and this 55-year-old.

To women who struggle with this system, keep in mind that there are two types of people—those who will support you and those who won’t.

Go out and look for these people who can give you emotional support and love. Go find someone who is willing to help, willing to support, willing to listen. Seek support from those people, let them help you and go on with your path.

UPDATES ON AAU AND THE FAFSA:

Students are Ineligible for U.S Federal Aid

By Ela Angevine

AAU has halted the approval process to grant students with US citizenship access to federal aid loans because of inflation and an inability to provide the required financial security funds, according to the Financial Aid Counselor.

US citizens can receive financial assistance from the government through loans, grants, work study, or research positions with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As a foreign school, AAU students would only receive Direct Loans, either Subsidized or Unsubsidized, to pay off upon graduation, according to Drake Dewey, the Financial Aid officer and former MA student at AAU.

“Back in the US, the FAFSA is huge for me and my family,” said Avonlea Brown, an exchange student from the US. “It could help so many kids get aid in order to continue to go here, or if they are thinking about going here and need that aid, it opens up possibilities for them.”

AAU will pursue the possibility of approval from the Federal Student Aid (FSA) program, which oversees the FAFSA, as the university is recognized as a “deferred” school pending confirmation, said Dewey, who was hired to administer the approval process. But halting the process impacts those who need and are eligible for student loans.

The FSA approved AAU in 2019, but because of COVID-19, the university withdrew the funds required as financial security, and the status was marked as “deferred,” according to the Financial Aid Counselor.

“In 2023, the required amount of funds was almost triple the amount from before…, providing the required financial security, via a Letter of Credit, would not be economically rational at this time,” said Dewey.

The FAFSA is not the only form of aid, as the Financial Aid Counselor facilitates AAU’s scholarships, as well as other funds available to students. There are scholarships available for students without US citizenship, like the Accommodation Scholarship, provided by the Czech Ministry of Education (MOE), or the Bilateral Recognition Scholarship meant for students from seven countries holding diplomas recognized by the Czech MOE, according to Dewey.

“It cost a lot for the school to apply for the FAFSA, and they’ve said they don’t have that money,” said Sofia Garcia, Student Council’s PR manager. “As we have seen, the FAFSA might not work out, so maybe put the resources somewhere else that can help the students more, all of us equally.”

As mentioned above, Dewey is charged with managing AAU’s scholarships, and plans to look out for more Czech and EU sponsored financial aid.

Outraged by Underfunding: Should Students Reconsider a Career in Academics?

By H.P Nguyen

Czech higher education is woefully underfunded, according to the newly released 2024 education budget, predicting a future lacking in teachers and researchers as the proposed salary fails to cover basic living expenses.

The Ministry of Education announced that the 2024 education budget is CZK 269 billion. From the proposed draft, universities are expected to receive CZK 30.9 billion—the same as last year. Stagnant funding from year to year results in chronic deficits from the institutes.

Investment in higher education does not break-even when compared to salaries in academia, especially as the price of a Master or PhD degree in English is predicted to inflate by 15%. With the Czech Republic ranked as one of the most expensive countries in Central and Eastern Europe, graduates are discouraged from pursuing research or teaching as a career.

“There are outflows from all our faculties. Teachers are going abroad, but also to secondary schools, because our salaries are no longer competitive in some areas,” said Milena Kralickova, the rector at Charles University.

A professor’s assistant earned CZK 44,500 per month, while the average salary of secondary school teachers was CZK 52,500, according to the Ministry of Education’s 2022 report. With research assistantships as the gateway to a full-time profession in academia, underfunding discourages graduates from pursuing a career in higher education.

“A full-time researcher’s wage is comparable to a supermarket cashier. A similar position in Munich would pay four times the amount,” said a humanities research assistant.

Czech institutions are incapable of competing internationally, where the average monthly wage is €1400. Public spending on tertiary education in the Czech Republic corresponds to 0.86% of GDP, while the EU average is 1.27%, according to Eurostat data.

At the end of 2023, multiple protests demanded the Czech government’s immediate attention. The Hour of Truth initiative was the leading movement, stemming from the dissatisfaction with the 2024 budget.

Thirteen faculties from nine different universities in the country participated in the Hour of Truth protest—eight of which were the Departments of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Strikes surged nationwide, with the largest turnout from Charles University in Prague, followed by Palacky University in Movarian Olomouc.

“The brain drain within Charles University is unfortunately real, but not only from the Faculty of Arts; the entire sphere of universities is underfunded,” a protestor from Charles University said.

In response to these disparities, the Ministry of Education proposes to develop a new budget with an additional CZK 800 million to alleviate the deficit. As the Hour of Truth unfolds, every response from the government is held accountable for further disruptive strikes if the demands are unmet.

HOUR ofTRUTH

Call for Diversification of the Student Council

By Tyler Roderick

Student Council (SC) was cited for lack of diversity and inclusion by the AAU administration, which proposed a change, including a diversity quota.

The President Collegium Board (PresCol) issued concerns to the current student council about lack of diversity. As the current SC currently only consists of Americans, the board would like to see a better representation of diverse voices that compose the school’s population.

“The introduction of a diversity quota is designed to further enhance this representation… ensure that our student governance reflects not only the academic schools, but also the diverse national and cultural backgrounds of our student body, fostering a more representative Student Council,” said Kateřina Vanova, the Dean of Students.

The agreement made between the PresCol and SC seeks to limit overrepresentation of a particular school or nationality. Two representatives from each major program will have priority regardless of nationality.

Following the first limitation, “once one nationality is represented by four representatives, priority is given to others unless there is no underrepresented candidate available,” said a SC member who does not wish to be named.

Dual nationals will also have the advantage of being able to represent the nationality that is least represented. The PresCol’s preferred ratio of representation is 40% USA, 30% Eastern European, 20% Western European, and 10% South American, Asian, or other.

The drafted amendment will be put in practice to fill the open positions for the upcoming SC elections where student voting begins on 3 May, 2024.

“It’s okay if there’s a quota, but the ratio is questionable,” said Lora Lukova, a Journalism student from Bulgaria.

Lukova was concerned that the South American student population seems to be growing. If there were to be a quota, she believes they should receive a higher percentage. However, in the last election, all the candidates were American except for one.

This raises the question of how will AAU convince students from other countries to run and meet the quota? The PresCol and SC will continue to discuss how to best implement their proposal to represent the student population fairly, according to the aforementioned SC member.

“This isn’t solely a diversity issue; it’s an institutional one. It’s contradictory to advocate for diversity while exclusively catering to American prospective students,” concluded IR student Milla Warren.

EU Voting Event on Campus to Encourage Students to Vote

By Gabriella Burgess

European Union elections are happening in June this year, and, amidst low voting turnout in the Czech Republic, AAU Student Council held an information session to help students vote.

The EU holds elections every five years, and they are the only transnational elections in the world. For most EU students at AAU, this will be the first time they are eligible to vote as they were not of age. Each of the 27 countries in the EU have differing rules for the election which might be confusing for foreign EU students.

Voting days depend on the country. On 6 June the Netherlands will open its polls. On the 7th Ireland and the Czech Republic (also on the 8th) hold their elections. Italy will hold them the 8th and 9th. Additionally, on the 8th Latvia, Malta and Slovakia open the polls. The rest of the EU countries hold the elections on the 9th.

“[C]ivil engagement is extremely important, and voter apathy is sometimes due to lack of information about elections or lack of information on how to participate. Especially here in Czechia, where participation in EU elections is lowest, I thought it would be a really valuable event,” said Mila Garret who organized the session.

According to the speakers from the European Parliament Liaison Office in the Czech Republic, only 28 percent of eligible voters are interested in the elections in the Czech Republic while in the Netherlands it’s around 69 percent.

The Czech Republic had the lowest voter turnout in the EU for the last election.

The voting age is also different in each country. In Germany and Belgium the age is 16, Austria, Malta and Greece the age is 17, and for the rest of the countries, it is 18 years old.

Voting in each country is a different process, but the meeting primarily focused on the process in the Czech Republic. If you are a Czech citizen you must cast your ballot inside the Czech Republic as the voting is only held in person. The other countries that do not allow voting from outside the country include Ireland, Malta and Slovakia.

If you plan on casting your ballot, you must register before 28 April, 2024, which is 40 days before the election. On the day of voting you must go in person and bring an ID/passport with you.

But students from other EU countries can vote in the Czech Republic as the image below depicts which countries allow it and what ways it is possible. Some allow mail-in ballots, visiting embassies, e-voting, or by-proxy.

For non-Czech EU citizens in the Czech Republic there are two options: to vote for the Czech representatives or to vote for your home countries representatives. For the first option you must be an EU citizen with a residence permit in the Czech Republic and be registered to vote in this country.

“[The event was] helpful because [it] had information on how to register, the information pamphlets were really interesting to see as well as the voting process in other countries, very smart for student council to do such an event since voting is coming up in the EU and US,” said Lauren Pray, an attendee.

For more information you can visit European elections 2024: all you need to know (europa.eu).

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Spring Break Travel During Ramadan

By Mae Bryant

As spring break coincided with Ramadan, non-fasting students may have felt uncertain about traveling to countries that celebrate the holiday, but they do not need to be discouraged.

First-year IR student Sophia Rehim visited her family in Egypt over spring break and said Ramadan is not a barrier for visitors. There are stores and restaurants open, although the hours may differ depending on where you are.

“I can imagine outside of my culture, it would be a little tough to travel during Ramadan, but it’s nothing that is impossible to adapt to. You are not meant to fast while traveling, so stuff at the airport is open. In Egypt, we just stay up really late and wake up late because of Ramadan, so I‘m not awake for long before iftar—stores are just less busy but [still] open the same hours,” said Rehim.

Poppy Maynard, a first-year Journalism student, traveled to Qatar for the break. In Qatar, eating or drinking during daylight hours can be punishable by law. To allow tourists to visit, many open restaurants will have the blinds down so that people cannot see in or out, according to Maynard.

“Although it’s very different, it just means that when the sun goes down, the country is very lively. Everyone is so welcoming during this time of the year. I’ve been to a few iftars at restaurants, and hearing prayers from all the mosques is so special and unique,” said Maynard.

The people who keep the stores and restaurants open during the day are usually fasting themselves. Eniz, a student living in Antalya, Turkey, worked during Ramadan from 11 until sunset while fasting.

“The first week was hard because I am not used to working while I’m fasting, especially while working in a restaurant. Our food is just too good. It was very hard, but after that I just got used to it,” said Eniz.

After sunset, those fasting break their fast with meals, or iftar, as frequently as every two hours, which helps store energy for the next day, according to Eniz. It depends on what a particular country’s laws are, but foreigners are free to eat at any time of the day, usually preferring to do so in private out of respect for those fasting.

Traveling to countries that celebrate Ramadan offers those unfamiliar with the practice an insight into different cultures. While students should research how Ramadan could change their travel experience, it should not be discouraging, as it could enrich their adventures even more.

English as a Lingua Franca in Czech Society

By Tyler Roderick

Every year, nine languages cease to be spoken, according to The Language Conservatory. A whole culture and history can vanish without a trace in just a year.

As a foreign student in the Czech Republic, you are often taught the bare minimum: saying hi, goodbye, and thank you. Danny Cercone, a second-year International Relations student, recounted that it was at orientation where he learned his first Czech words: ano, ne, děkuji, and dobrý den.

English speakers who have lived in the West often forget how fortunate they are to be a native speaker of such a “Lingua Franca”—a language adopted between speakers whose languages are not the same.

Those whose native language is not widely spoken can often be expected to conform to the dominant “Lingua Franca,” or be left behind in conversation.

Matyas Kousek, a third-year Business major, recounted that his parents instilled a strong commitment to excel in his English studies from a young age.

In the Czech Republic, over half of the native population speaks English, with the majority of English speakers concentrated in major cities such as Prague, Brno, and Ostrava.

One’s ability to speak English measures their economic standing and intellectual ability, said Kousek. English is the dominant business language, so learning is merely opportunistic. Nearly half of all job positions on Czech work sites require some level of English proficiency, according to the Manpower Group Total Workforce Index.

“The number one thing they look for is English performance. It’s nice to know other languages, but unless that company is specifically looking for a particular language, it is English they want above all else,” said Kousek.

The dominant effect of English is not exclusively a Czech or Western problem, but a global phenomenon. The strong influence of Hollywood and media has softly pushed English entertainment to far reaches.

The search power of the internet is nearly entirely formatted in English. Even academic papers in most universities are written in English.

The near universal tendency to set English as an important and valuable language on par with other global and regional Lingua Francas (Mandarin, Hindu, Arabic, German, and Spanish) has propelled such languages upwards in importance while leaving less populous or indigenous languages to the wayside.

As a foreigner, using dobrý den (hi) and nashledanou (goodbye) can be enough to signify your respect for the people and the Czech language.

“It doesn’t matter that much whether you can speak Czech or not, but starting the conversation by saying ‘Dobrý den, neumím česky’ (‘Good day, I don’t speak Czech’) will gain you a great level of rapport with whoever you speak to,” said Kousek.

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Travel Tips for New AAU Students

By Gabriella Burgess

Moving to a new country and exploring the world from a new home base can be daunting, but don’t worry, AAU’s seasoned third-years have made mistakes, so you don’t have to.

After adventuring around Europe and beyond for three years, those about to graduate have learned a few handy tricks vital for travel as students.

“Do spontaneous things, whether that’s a hang out with people you just met at your hostel, or booking a trip the night before you’re supposed to fly out, it’s important to step out of your comfort zone with spontaneity,” said Vanessa Manirak, an American-Slovak third-year.

Manirak isn’t the only one with this sentiment. American student Ethan Fite said it’s important to immerse yourself with the locals as well.

Fite, who has been to 33 countries, explained how bringing a second bag to carry around day-to-day items and a portable charger is essential. He advised against overpacking which Manirak also mentioned, as it can overcomplicate things like tacking on fees and being difficult to carry around.

“Go with one other person you feel really comfortable with because a group can be stressful with conflicting opinions on where to go and if you are with someone you feel safe with it just makes the trip more enjoyable,” said Camille Smith who is in her final year in the business school.

AAU Student Council President Simone Stansbury, who has been to 20 countries, has another tip for packing for cheap airline flights that don’t allow more than a backpack without adding on extra costs.

“[The] pillow hack (my holy grail) works best if you’re on one of those Ryanair-esc flights and can only bring a backpack. Pillows fly for free! But they don’t check what your pillow is full of. The hack: take a pillow case–zippered one preferred–and fill it up with clothes! You’ll have almost double the space you had before. Carrying it around can be a bit annoying but it’s worth it especially for longer trips,” said Stansbury.

Everyone has different travel habits, and finding people who match that style can make or break a trip. Some questions to ask yourself or travel partner(s) before embarking on your trip are:

1. How much walking is too much walking/how much down time do you need?

2. Do you prefer waking up early and exploring or staying out late to see the nightlife?

3. Would you rather travel with a large group or a small circle of friends?

4. How much money are you willing to spend; would you rather spend it on food, experiences, or souvenirs?

“Try to travel with people who have similar traveling styles to you. Some people prefer to lay back and chill, while others want to visit a new museum every hour. It’ll make the trip easier if everyone has similar expectations,” said Manirak adding on to the points above.

A tried and true app proposed by the third years is Skyscanner, recommended by Fite, which checks for the cheapests flight options. Other similar apps are Google Flights and Omio, but it is best to check multiple websites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Smith recommended checking the weather before the trip and planning accordingly. She has been to eight countries and suggests Accuweather which shows the weather a month in advance.

Aidan Quigley has been to around 30 countries, and his top three tips are: make sure to do a little research on the culture and customs of the place you’re visiting to respect the local people; don’t let a schedule dictate your trip, go with the flow; and “be patient and laid back.”

Something is bound to go wrong at some point during your travels but staying positive is essential as everything will get figured out somehow, according to Quigley.

Some tricks I have personally found helpful in my three years of exploring 21 different countries is to download directions on the Google Maps app before your trip. Wifi isn’t always reliable and you never know when you’ll be without it.

This trick prevents the stress of being lost in a foreign city where you don’t speak the language. You can also download languages on Google Translate before a trip in the language of the country you’re visiting.

While most places rely on cashless interactions, I have found myself in multiple scenarios where cash is needed to use public transportation or even the restroom. Bringing a small amount of the local currency or exchanging money upon arrival can be a lifesaver. But, beware of exchanging money in airports and watch out for steep ATM fees.

“Make sure to get some cash out, enough to cover a meal, just in case. So many places I’ve been to have a lot of restaurants, shops, etc. that only accept cash (shoutout Berlin) and I’ve had to end up paying expensive atm fees to get it out on the spot. Also saves you in case you lose your card or something,” said Stansbury.

Most college students have to travel on a budget, making hostels a great option. However, hostels aren’t always the most pleasant accommodations. To make it somewhat more bearable, Stansbury has one more tip to help.

“If you’re staying in a hostel, bring a sleep mask. You’ll likely be on a different sleep schedule than the people you share a room with. I personally love my Bluetooth headband–it’s headphones built into a headband so it’s more comfortable for sleeping. You can find it online for 300-500 CZK,” the Student Council President said.

By Antoinette Goldberg

Solo Travel as a Woman:

Amidst a vast world of wanderlust, female solo travel shines as a thrilling, yet challenging journey, offering freedom alongside vigilance.

From late teens embarking on their first exploration, to women in their mid-50s seeking new adventures, solo travel empowers women at any age.

“It’s a ‘seize the opportunity’(moment). What pushes me is the experience itself: when will you ever be independently traveling,” said Hannah Klein, a 21-yearold traveler.

When asked about fears and motivations in solo travel, women eagerly share tips, tricks, and concerns, embracing the community within the journey.

Safety remains a necessary concern for women solo traveling ranging from simple theft to the fears straight from the movie Taken.

Hayley Thomas, a student-traveler fears “kidnapping, rape, and murder without anyone knowing.”

Others offer advice based on their own experiences to help fellow travelers navigate potentially dangerous situations.

“[I like to stay] in a safe enough neighborhood so that when I walk home alone at night I won’t feel uncomfortable. I’ve made the mistake of staying in rougher areas to save money and [walking home] with harassment is stressful,” advised Sophia Mariani, a 26-year-old adventurer.

For some, the fear of disaster and harm outweighs the thrill of exploration, leading them to opt out of solo travel altogether.

“I don’t travel alone because I am scared to be in sex trafficking,” worried Kamila Li, a traveler in her 20s.

Yet, as time passes, many older female travelers find humor in the once scary aspects of solo travel.

Embracing Independence Amidst Safety Concerns

“Safety and pickpocketing. Too old to get taken so what the hell just go,”stated Alekx Goldberg, an avid adventurer, on her concerns on traveling alone.

With the rising popularity of female solo travel, discussions on safety measures and empowerment remain at the forefront. Initiatives like forming groups via social media, such as the Solo Female Travel Network on Facebook that is specific to the city they’re visiting, or businesses like Women Traveling Together, which offer women-only tours, foster community within the community of independent adventure.

Hostels and hotels extend this sentiment with Hostelworld having an application feature of women only to adhere to a simpler search for female travelers. As for hotels, it varies by country but even if women chooses not to stay in a women’s only accommodation, there are different safety tools implemented such as alarm door stops, putting ‘do not disturb’ signs up so individuals always think someone is in the room, or even simply trusting your gut.

“Generally when you check into hotel rooms they’re not supposed to say the room you’re staying in out loud,” advised Sofia Montero, a fellow traveler.

Despite the risks, the allure of independence and discovery in female solo travel propels countless women to embark on exciting journeys.

“I still travel alone because it’s the best, nothing like some adventurous alone time to reinvigorate the mind and body,” said Mariani who puts it best.

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