Terezie Moudrá, a current Robitschek Scholar from the Czech Republic, is spending the academic year at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she is expanding her studies in English and gaining practical teaching experience. As part of her time in Lincoln, Terezie is interning with Lincoln Literacy, a community nonprofit that teaches the English language and a variety of literacy skills to people of all cultures.
For Terezie, the experience has provided a meaningful way to apply her academic interests in a real-world setting. “Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to study in an English-speaking environment and contribute to a community organization,” she said. “It has strengthened my skills and my goal of becoming an English teacher in the Czech Republic.”
Her experience reflects the broader purpose of the Paul Robitschek Scholarship, which for nearly 30 years has supported Czech students studying at Nebraska. The program not only provides academic and professional development opportunities for students like Terezie but also strengthens global perspectives in the classroom.
Established in 1996, the Robitschek Scholarship was made possible through the vision and generosity of Paul Robitschek, a Czech-born business leader. Born in Prague in 1916, Robitschek studied medicine at Charles University and was also a talented athlete. Following the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, he left for London to continue his education. He immigrated to the United States in 1949 and held executive leadership roles in several companies. He passed away in 2000, but his commitment to fostering educational exchange continues to strengthen ties between Nebraska and Czechia.
This international partnership was recently reinforced when Traci Gunderson, assistant director in UNL’s Office of Global Partnerships & Initiatives, joined a Nebraska Trade Delegation and Governor Jim Pillen on a visit to the Czech Republic. Representatives met with more than 100 Robitschek alumni in Prague and visited Palacký University to strengthen ongoing collaborations.
“The relationships we have built between Nebraska and Czechia are a great example of how global partnerships can create opportunities for student exchange and academic cooperation,” Gunderson said. “Programs like this are part of a broader effort to connect Nebraska with the world through shared learning and meaningful engagement.”
To learn more about the Robitschek Scholarship and how to apply, visit this UNL webpage. The next scholarship deadline is scheduled for early March 2026.
Story produced by UNL Global Studies Student Alexander Wagner
