From Prague to Berkeley, this interview traces the academic and personal journey of our PhD student Tereza Burýšková, who spent a study stay
at the University of California, Berkeley. Her experiences open a new interview series titled Places You’ll Go, sharing reflections on the decision-making process, cultural adjustments, and differences in academic environments. The interview aims to encourage other students to take a similar step. It offers an honest look at what it means to move beyond one’s comfort zone. 

Can you describe how you chose where you wanted to go, and why?

Shortly after starting my studies at CERGE-EI, I began reflecting on how our work compares with graduate programs abroad. Thanks to my supervisor’s excellent network, I had the opportunity to consider several U.S. universities. I ultimately chose UC Berkeley to experience the academic atmosphere of a truly top-tier institution, as well as life in the San Francisco Bay Area. The warm climate, beautiful landscape, and the opportunity to explore the U.S. West Coast were welcome bonuses, but the primary motivation was academic curiosity and the desire to challenge myself in a new environment.

What was the process from the initial idea to actually landing in the US?

As expected, the process involved a fair amount of paperwork, which fortunately went quite smoothly. The greater challenge, however, was psychological. Before my stay at Berkeley, I had never studied, worked, or lived abroad, and I was uncertain about how
I would adapt. In retrospect, the hardest step was simply getting on the plane. After spending my first week in Berkeley, any doubts quickly disappeared, replaced by genuine excitement about what lay ahead.

“The most striking difference wasn’t the curriculum, but the students’ confidence and intellectual courage—often the most meaningful questions are the ones we hesitate to ask.”

What expectations did you have before arriving in the US, and which ones were challenged the most?

I arrived believing that I had very few expectations. However, during my first weeks in Berkeley, I realized that I carried many subconscious assumptions, particularly about everyday life. Even routine activities such as grocery shopping were surprising: supermarkets are often located on the outskirts of the city, far from public transport, and products are sold in strikingly large packages.
I still vividly remember being amused by the fact that the smallest pack of bacon I could find was around 500 grams.

“Most importantly, I gained confidence in my own research and learned to trust my ideas.”

How did the approach to teaching economics differ from what you were used to at CERGE-EI?

I was pleased to find that the teaching style at Berkeley was, in many ways, similar to my experience at CERGE-EI. The most striking difference lay not in the curriculum, but in the students themselves. While not necessarily brighter, they impressed me with their confidence and intellectual courage. Students asked critical questions freely and politely, without hesitation or anxiety. This attitude was deeply inspiring and influenced my own academic approach—often, the most meaningful questions are precisely the ones we are hesitant to ask.

How did interactions with fellow students from diverse backgrounds enrich your understanding of economics?

Before my arrival, my supervisor connected me with a local student, Louis, which made a significant difference from day one. He was exceptionally welcoming and supportive—showing me around, sharing insights into his own research, and offering thoughtful feedback on mine. His openness and generosity exemplified the collaborative spirit I encountered at Berkeley, and his support played an important role in helping me settle in quickly and confidently.

Were you involved in any research projects, seminars, or policy discussions outside regular classes?

I engaged fully in campus life, attending more than 100 events over the course of my stay. These included research seminars across
a wide range of departments—from demography and computer science to biology—as well as weekly classical music concerts and several mini-conferences. Rather than merely broadening my horizons, this experience expanded them dramatically. Even months after returning home, I continue to draw inspiration from the ideas and perspectives I encountered during this time.

Which skills—academic or personal—did you develop most during your time in the US?

My stay at Berkeley significantly strengthened my overall academic skill set. I learned new ways to structure papers, deliver research talks, and communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Most importantly, I gained confidence in my own research and learned to trust my ideas. On a personal level, I proved to myself that I could live abroad in a very different cultural setting—and not only manage it but genuinely enjoy the experience.

“Dream big. With the support of the CERGE-EI faculty, what initially feels impossible can very quickly become reality.”

How would you like to apply what you learned during your study stay?

Since returning to the Czech Republic, I have tried to pass on my experience to my students and colleagues. I have recommended papers I encountered at Berkeley to peers working on similar topics and incorporated new themes into the courses I teach. Equally important, I place strong emphasis on creating a welcoming and open classroom atmosphere—one that encourages discussion, curiosity, and the free exchange of ideas.

What advice would you give to younger CERGE-EI students when considering where to apply for a study stay?

Dream big. Aim for institutions that genuinely align with your research interests, even if they seem financially, mentally, or academically out of reach at first. With the support and guidance
of the CERGE-EI faculty, what initially feels impossible can very quickly become reality.

Tell us more about your out-of-academic experiences from the U.S. West Coast.

I am deeply grateful that my husband and I were able to take a 10-day road trip during the spring academic break. We drove more than 3,000 kilometers and visited Yosemite’s waterfalls, the giant sequoias, the lunar landscape of Death Valley, Las Vegas, the depths of the Grand Canyon, the striking beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, and finally the Los Angeles Walk of Fame. Sharing these experiences made the journey especially meaningful—it was, quite simply, one of the happiest periods of our lives and a perfect complement to the academic intensity of the stay.