First-year students from HSDC Havant’s Accounting, Business, Economics and Marketing courses have recently returned from an enriching four-day visit to Prague, designed to strengthen their understanding of global business whilst developing independence, confidence and essential employability skills.
The trip was a fantastic way for Havant students to learn more about Czech culture, history and economic life.
The group took part in a packed itinerary that combined curriculum-linked experiences with opportunities to explore Czech culture, history and economic life. The trip was developed to give students a deeper understanding of how businesses operate internationally.
As part of this understanding, the students were treated to a tour of Škoda’s renowned manufacturing plant, observing lean production, target-setting and employee relations. This formed part of the trip’s wider focus on recognising the difference between Prague as a major tourist centre, and the broader socio-economic landscape of the Czech Republic.
This also helped to strengthen their employability skills whilst developing their personal growth and independence.
Upon arrival, students began their adventure with a guided treasure hunt around Prague’s Old Town, introducing them to the city’s rich history and architecture. A visit to the University of Economics for a bespoke lecture on Czech economic policy was also a particular highlight of the trip, giving students a taste of higher education abroad.
HSDC’s learners also embarked on a scenic dinner river cruise along the Vltava, and were able to visit important sites of cultural significance such as Prague Castle and the Petřín Lookout Tower.
Speaking after the trip, Hayley Terry, Business lecturer said:
“The trip was fantastic, our students were brilliant, getting involved in all the activities, they did not complain even when walking 25,000 steps a day! They made HSDC proud . Whilst gaining real life business experience in visiting Skoda and the university of economics, they also gained a great experience of a different European city and culture as well as developing their own personal growth.”
Overall, students described the trip as a well-rounded cultural experience that balanced academic rigour with the chance to enjoy the sights of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. This blend of subject-specific learning and enjoyable activities not only deepened their knowledge, but created memories to last a lifetime.