When you apply for an internship in the Czech Republic as a small-town girl from Idaho, you aren’t quite sure what to expect. Did I have expectations when I accepted an offer to come teach English here? Of course!

Hey, my name is Ellie, and I’m one of the English interns at Cumorah Academy. I will graduate in 2026 with a certificate in English Education from BYUI, and I love to cook and bake… but let’s go back to the beginning. Did my expectations live up to reality?

Now, with the internship ending, the juicy questions begin to emerge. How has it been? What is it like? Do you enjoy it? Have your expectations been met or exceeded?

Let’s get into it!

Cumorah Academy – The heart of the Czech Countryside 

I first discovered Cumorah Academy while studying English education at Brigham Young University-Idaho. Nearing my junior year, I began looking for opportunities to expand my experience and build my portfolio. That’s when Cumorah Academy popped up. The idea of living in the Czech Republic, near Prague, was enticing, so I hit the apply button.

Four months later, I was on a plane soaring over the Atlantic Ocean.

A Snowy First Impression

When I arrived, I was pleasantly greeted by a beautiful snowy landscape with fields surrounding the academy. I was surprised by how similar this charming place resembled Idaho. It was stunning but literally in the middle of nowhere. You can truly appreciate and feel the peace here.

More Than Just an Internship

I was quickly humbled as I spent my first week enjoying the peaceful relaxation that you wouldn’t be able to find in the middle of a city. The middle of nowhere became a perfect place to focus and reflect on myself and how I could use the next 3 months to become a more adequate teacher and a better person. Plus, how could I not love this place when a week later, some of the best people I ever met arrived on campus? 

Cumorah Academy Students 

The students arrived on campus about two days after we (interns) did. We were all doe-eyed and confused about what to expect, but a few days after they got settled in, we started classes. 

I was nervous to teach people my age, some of them older than me by a few years. I wasn’t sure how they would react, and I was told I had free rein with my classes, but I didn’t really believe that. 

The touring point of teaching at Cumorah Academy

The first week of classes was hard. I was anxious about what I needed to do, how I needed to teach, and the relationships I needed to form so that my students could meet all the goals that had piled up in my head. But then something clicked; I realized I truly did have free rein over my classes. I could teach in a way that felt natural to me. I could be myself!

Teaching with Freedom

I could teach how I wanted and be who I wanted to be in my class. It was truly freeing. As long as what we did aligned with the values of Cumorah Academy, then everything else was up to me. Since then, I’ve had a blast. We have played hours of English games inside and outside of class.

A Classroom Like No Other

I have seen so much growth in each one of my amazing students. When I’m asked by my supervisors how my classes are doing, I can honestly say they are doing well. I try to inspire confidence in them and encourage them to work hard and have pride in themselves because that is what they do for me. 

We have fun because it’s hard not to. Every single person chooses to be here. Not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s rare to find this kind of environment to teach in. 

That continues to be a huge blessing each day. 

So were my expectations met? 

Absolutely, and then some. I’ve grown in ways I never expected, both as a teacher and as a person. I didn’t realize how much pride and fulfillment I would feel in helping others recognize their own worth and strengths.

This journey has been challenging, rewarding, exhausting, and incredibly beautiful. If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing, it would be this:

“You have no idea how incredible this journey will be.”

Ready for an Experience Like This?

If you want to embark on a life-changing journey, gain hands-on experience, and be an intern in the heart of Europe, apply now to become an intern at Cumorah Academy!