Students from the University of Sussex Business School’s Accounting and Finance programme recently travelled to Prague, immersing themselves in the economic, financial, and industrial heart of Central Europe. Accompanied by academic leads Matt Walsh and Federica Pizzolato, the study trip gave students direct access to experts, institutions, and businesses shaping Europe’s economic landscape. 

From high-level lectures at Charles University to behind-the-scenes tours of the Czech Central Bank and Škoda’s cutting-edge manufacturing facility, the trip exemplified the School’s commitment to connecting theory to global practice. 

Lessons in Inflation and Monetary Strategy 

A highlight of the trip was a lecture by Tomas Holub of the Czech National Bank, who detailed the evolution of Czech monetary policy. Students explored how the Czech Republic was among the first emerging economies to adopt inflation targeting, a move that marked a pivotal shift from earlier regimes based on money supply and exchange rate pegs. 

“It was inspiring to learn how early and accurate forecasting enabled the Czech National Bank to take proactive steps that prevented deeper economic crises,” said Lucian Dragancea(BSc Finance and Business). 

Natalie Ho (BSc International Business) and Yashica Kumar (BSc Accounting and Finance) both noted how the Czech Republic’s monetary innovations during periods of disinflation offered a clear model of resilience and adaptability in uncertain conditions. For many students, it was a vivid illustration of how macroeconomic theory operates in the real world. 

From Theory to Institution: The Czech Central Bank 

A guided visit to the Czech Central Bank helped bridge academic learning with institutional application. Students toured the Bank’s public exhibits and gained insight into how it manages inflation, foreign reserves, and public confidence. 

Muhammad Hammad (BSc Finance and Business) appreciated the transparency and independence of the institution: “It grounded our theoretical understanding in real-world mechanisms. Their emphasis on communication and credibility stood out.” 

Hashem Elhaggan (BSc Finance and Business) echoed this sentiment, connecting the Bank’s structure and role to topics explored in his banking and financial systems modules. 

Industry 4.0 in Action: Behind the Scenes at Škoda 

The trip also took students outside the classroom to the Škoda factory, where they observed one of Europe’s most sophisticated examples of automotive production and supply chain coordination. Students watched robotic arms and human workers collaborate in high-precision manufacturing processes, witnessing how innovation and operational excellence intersect. 

“The scale and accuracy were astonishing,” said Natalie Ho (BSc International Business), who linked the visit to concepts of upstream supply, stock management, and production logistics. “It brought to life theories I’d only read about in academic papers.” 

Yashica Kumar (BSc Accounting and Finance) added: “It was a fascinating experience that helped me appreciate the complexity and planning behind large-scale industrial operations.” 

International Context, Lasting Impact 

While the trip focused on central banking and manufacturing, it also offered time to explore Prague’s cultural richness—from guided city tours to independent dining and discovery. The group’s stay in Prague’s historic Old Town underscored the blend of old and new that defines the Czech Republic’s role in modern Europe. 

The experience underscored the importance of cross-cultural competence in financial careers. “It made the theory come to life,” Yashica (BSc Accounting and Finance) reflected. “I left with a deeper understanding of how financial decisions ripple through economies, industries, and society.” 

Preparing Students for a Global Financial Future 

The Prague trip is part of the Business School’s wider mission to provide immersive, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for global careers. Whether analysing policy at a national bank or observing smart robotics in action, students saw how accounting and finance shape—and are shaped by—the world around them. 

As Muhammad Hammad (BSc Finance and Business) put it: “This trip showed how finance, policy, and industry are deeply interlinked. It’s given me a new perspective on where my degree can take me.”   

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