Jakub Blažek, an MBA student at the University of Finance and Administration, decided to take the opportunity to study abroad for a trimester. In the fall of 2024, he travelled to our partner university, City University of Seattle. This stay was not only an academic experience for him, but also a great life challenge that helped him grow. He was able to gain an insight into the American education system and experience life in the United States - attending sports games, travelling around Washington State, and spending a week in Hawaii after finishing his fall trimester. In this interview, he shared his experiences, highlights and valuable advice for anyone considering an MBA.
Jakub, what made you decide to spend part of your studies in Seattle?
I've always liked stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on new challenges that would push me both professionally and personally. I saw studying abroad as a great opportunity to improve myself, gain new experiences and broaden my horizons. I wanted to experience a completely new environment and see how well I could handle everything on my own. The U.S. seemed like the ideal place to test that. Meeting new people, improving my English and getting an insight into the local education and business systems were also important motivations.
What were your expectations going to Seattle?
I had done some research—read articles, watched videos, and heard stories—so I knew I was going into a completely different environment. I expected it to be a challenge, whether in terms of studying, cultural adaptation or just being in a different city with different laws and also with different social and business behaviour.
How did reality compare with what you imagined before the trip? Was there anything that surprised you?
Yes, some things definitely surprised me. The studies were practical and more interactive, which I really enjoyed. But what impressed me the most was the openness of the people and the networking opportunities, which I actively sought out. At the events I met inspiring people and made valuable contacts that could be crucial in the future. You never know when the connections you make at these events will come in handy. Looking back, deciding to go to Seattle was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
About life and culture in the USA, what impressed you most?
I was really surprised by how diverse Seattle is. On the one hand, it's home to global giants like Starbucks, Boeing, Amazon and Microsoft, all of which were founded here. On the other hand, there are homeless neighbourhoods where it can feel unsafe to walk alone, even during the day. However, I was very surprised by the behaviour of the people, who are very polite and willing to help with anything.
Despite your positive experience, did you have any concerns before you left for Seattle?
My only concerns were about work and ongoing projects, especially keeping in touch with my clients due to the time difference. In the end, however, everything went smoothly and I had no further worries about travelling to Seattle.
Looking back—what was your best and worst experience?
The absolute highlight of my trip to the USA was visiting Hawaii, where I spent 7 days after the end of the trimester. Then I put nature, American football, NHL hockey games and the corresponding photo with Martin Nečas in the same place. As for the worst experience—it might sound like a cliché, but I honestly don’t have one. But if I had to mention the things I found downright unpleasant, it would be the shouting and unpredictability of drug addicts.
That's great to hear. Would you recommend studying abroad to other students?
Absolutely, 100%! People my age often don't have commitments, but that will change over time. I was aware of that and thought to myself, when else will I have the chance to travel like this? Studying abroad changes you for the better. You grow, meet new people, gain new perspectives and create memories that will last a lifetime.
For those considering going to Seattle, what places would you recommend visiting?
In the city, definitely check out Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and catch an NHL, MLB, or NFL game - it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. For a true American experience, make sure to visit the classic bars in the University District (21+). Don't miss out on a Country Concert, either.
For nature lovers, I highly recommend Mt. Baker, Mount Rainier National Park, Snoqualmie Falls, and the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth. There's something for everyone, whether you're into city life or outdoor adventures.
What type of accommodation did you choose and why?
I chose to live in student housing because I wanted to meet as many people as possible, and the dorm environment was perfect for that. It was also conveniently close to the school, which made life easier. I made a lot of friends in the dorm, and I’m still in touch with many of them today.
Student life in the USA—how different is it from the Czech one? Did CityU organize any events for students?
Student life in the USA was quite different from what I am used to in the Czech Republic. I was surprised by the school system, which is set up differently than in Europe. There is more emphasis on independent work and self-analysis. Rather than“cramming for exams”, students receive expert feedback on their work, encouraging a deeper understanding of the topic and real-world application of knowledge. This approach made much more sense to me and has greatly enriched my studies.
Since the CityU education system is more self-paced, I only attended classes twice a week. The rest of my time was dedicated to exploring the USA and working on assignments. CityU organized a variety of events, including networking sessions, workshops, and business competitions.
Did studying in Seattle open doors to interesting people and new professional or personal contacts?
Absolutely, I had the opportunity to attend a number of networking events, but the one that stuck with me the most was held on the top floor of Seattle itself. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with people in the business world. On top of that, I’ve made friends with people from all over the world. I now know that I can rely on these contacts wherever I go, and I'm really grateful for that.
Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with us?
The experience was a life-changer for me. Not just professionally, but also personally.
Studying abroad made me think differently, helped me build valuable connections, and gave me memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. If anyone is thinking about doing the same, my advice is simple: go for it. It’s an investment in yourself that will pay off many times over.
I’d also like to thank you for the opportunity to share my experience and for the collaboration between VSFS and CityU, which made this all possible.
Jakub, thank you very much for this interview and for sharing your experiences and insights with us. It is clear that the four months you spent in Seattle were a valuable chapter in your professional and personal development.
