Before Christopher Dubon '25 left for Prague, his parents asked in all seriousness, "Are you going to drink the whole time you're there?" The question wasn't lacking merit. Dubon was traveling more than 4,000 miles to take one course – The World of Beer.
Prague wasn't his first choice. Dubon will complete his economics degree in only three years next May, and because of his accelerated timeline, summer abroad made more sense than a full semester. It had always been his dream to study in Vienna, Austria, but when that wasn't an option, the Study Abroad office steered Dubon to Prague. The Czech Republic capital is only 150 miles from Vienna by bus. Dubon chose Prague merely for its proximity to his first choice. Then something happened...
"Turns out, I enjoyed Prague more. It's not because I was headquartered there. I just love the city more than anywhere else I went."
Dubon used his five weeks overseas to see as much of central Europe as possible. He traveled every weekend, typically by bus, to a different country. He spent time in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and Hungary, but Monday through Wednesday, he needed to be in class. So, why not learn about beer? Fortunately, for Dubon's parents, the class wasn't what they feared.
"We learned about brewing, sustainability, and the history of beer. We were exposed to just how crucial the beer industry is to the Czechs and its cultural impact. My professor worked in the beer industry for a very long time. He taught us the proper way to pour and consume a beer. It's a different culture over there the way they appreciate it."
The class toured two breweries including the Břevnov Monastery Brewery, which was founded in 993. But if Dubon had to pick his own favorite, it would be Pilsner Urquell, the world's first pale lager.
Beyond the class trips, Dubon did much of his exploring solo. He sat on remains of the Berlin Wall, and got swept up in European Championship fever. A quick aside that's tangentially related to the Euro Cup – Dubon traveled to Munich one week, arrived late at night, and discovered there was a mix-up at the hotel. His reservation had been lost, and because the city was hosting a major international soccer match the next day, there wasn't a bed available in the city. Dubon ultimately went back to the bus station and caught an overnight ride to Zurich.
"Experiences like that, you learn to be more adaptable. I had to figure it all out by myself. I didn't sleep that night, but it was an adventure I'll never forget." (Dubon was also quick to point out that whenever there is a snag, big or small, while studying overseas, Siena's Study Abroad office is quick to jump in and assist!)
Dubon's grandparents always went on international adventures when he was younger. They used to send their grandson postcards from all over the world. Dubon took his opportunity to remind them of their influence.
"They instilled that longing to travel in me. It was so fulfilling to write them postcards and return the favor. I would go back to Europe in a heartbeat. Every part of it, even the mix-up at the hotel, I would experience it all over again."
But coming home is nice, too. Dubon landed in the U.S. on the evening of July 4 and was home just as the fireworks started. After five weeks relishing in international customs and traditions...
"I had a burger off the grill. It's the typical American staple."
