Dana Cihelkova and Calhoun Extension Agent Jeffrey Himes
Submitted by Diana Shook
Imagine arriving in a country where you do not speak the native language. Imagine moving in with a family whom you do not meet until you arrive at the family's home. Most people would never dream of turning their world upside down in this way.
But that was the dream of Dana Cihelkova of the Czech Republic.
Cihelkova's dreamâto experience American cultureâis becoming a reality through the International Student Scholarship Program of the West Virginia Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS).
This summer, as the 2004 CEOS scholarship recipient, Cihelkova is giving back to West Virginians throughout the state by inviting them into the "heart of Europe," the Czech Republic.
Cihelkova's recent appearance here was sponsored by Calhoun County CEOS. She spoke at the Y Restaurant.
Arnoldsburg CEOS welcome Cihelkova
Rush Run group helped sponsor Cihelkova's visit
Pleasant Hill group enjoyed learning about "the heart of Europe"
A native of Prague, Cihelkova arrived in West Virginia in April 2002. She did not speak English. She began her English studies in the Intensive English Program at West Virginia University. There, she spent a year studying English.
"In those days it was very funny because I didn't know English at all. I would reply, 'Yes,' when asked questions like, 'Do you mind if I open the window?' while in a stuffy classroom. I couldn't figure out why people looked so perplexed," she said.
In the fall of 2003, with a stronger understanding of the English language, Cihelkova was ready to start her academic career at West Virginia University as a freshman. Pursuing a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree, she is interested in obtaining a degree in psychology.
She has adapted to a learning environment at WVU that is different from what she had grown accustomed to in the Czech Republic.
Cihelkova finds the American academic environment more student-focused. Exams in the Czech Republic are held only at the end of the semester. Students are left to themselves to absorb the material during the weeks before an exam.
"The whole process of learning here is different. There are classroom discussions, quizzes, tests and reports throughout the semester. Students are encouraged to interact with their professors. I find this system of learning far more productive because you have the opportunity to get closely involved with the studies you're most interested in," she said.
In her lecture and slide presentation, Cihelkova discussed her home community, people, culture, traditions and innovations.
Her goal is to highlight the Czech Republic's history and cultural contributions. She also hopes to remind West Virginians that all people experience similar struggles, no matter who they are or where they are from.
"We all have the ability to experience joy, sadness and hope. I want to show everyone that we are all the same," she said.
Before receiving the CEOS scholarship, Cihelkova, who is 30 years old, worked as a reporter and newspaper editor. She also worked as a spokesperson for a steel manufacturer, Poldi Steel. In 1998, she worked at the Department of Defense and spent time in Bosnia.
This program was one of many educational events sponsored by Calhoun County CEOS clubs. The mission of West Virginia CEOS is to strengthen individuals and families through continuing education, leadership development and community involvement.
West Virginia CEOS is a network of educational clubs that receive educational support from the West Virginia University Extension Service's county and state faculty.
For more information about this program or CEOS, call the Calhoun County office of the WVU Extension Service at (304) 354-6332.
| 
