PITT HOME |FIND PEOPLE

Kathleen Rhoa

Bio Summary
Cohort Year: 
2016
Home Institution: 
Duquesne University
Heinz Programming Area: 
Environment
Study Abroad Country: 
Czech Republic
International Experience

Kathleen Rhoa spent her summer in the beautiful city of Prague learning about the several different historical and industrial events that shaped the current state of the Czech Republic. During her time at Charles University, one of Prague’s largest schools, Kathleen studied Art and Architecture and History of the Czech Region with a multitude of other American students from all around the United Sates. In her art class, Kathleen was not only able to learn in the classroom about various art styles that make up the Czech Republic, but also got to view them for herself. Her and her peers were constantly on the go seeking out famous buildings and art galleries with their instructor. Among her most favorite visits were St. Agnes’ Convent and the Modern Art Gallery collection where her instructor had actually designed a large portion of the exhibits. In History of the Czech Region, Kathleen was educated about the events that led up to the Czech Republic’s independence from early years until present day. This class peaked her interest for, before her journey, she was unfamiliar with the Czech people, so it was amazing to her to learn about a country so rich in culture and diversity. On the weekends, Kathleen traveled to several parts of the Czech Republic with her local advisors including Český Krumlov, Moravia, and Terezín—one of the most famous concentration camps in the Czech region. Also, due to a holiday break, Kathleen utilized some extra free time to discover herself and where her family came from by traveling to places like Austria and Scotland. All in all, Kathleen was truly changed by her time spent in a foreign land and was able to discover how culture can drastically change by crossing an ocean. Because of her experience, Kathleen continues to be a part of Duquesne’s Orientation Program where she intends to make America and Duquesne become the foreign students’ home just like the Czech Republic had become hers.

Community Engagement Experience
CEE Title: 
Beauty Around the World

© Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership, All Rights Reserved.