Matt Lebl (software engineering)
I’m Matt, and I’m a fourth-year student of software engineering at UVic. I decided to take software engineering because I discovered that I love programming, and I’d like to develop the skill and use it to create programs, products, and systems that have meaning and impact.
Working in the Czech Republic
In 2022, I had the opportunity to do back-to-back work terms abroad in Prague, in the Czech Republic, as a Java developer for a company called Applifting.
I have a family connection to this country, and one day I thought what a grand idea it might be to experience more of my family’s cultural heritage, while also gaining valuable experience in my field of study. Back then I couldn’t have imagined how amazing an experience it would turn out to be.
A new work culture
Aside from being immersed in a culture quite different from Canada’s, my company, Applifting, had a very unique approach to management. There was no traditional hierarchy, no bosses, managers, etcetera. Just self-directed teams of people, working together on projects that bring value to both the company and its clients.
Everyone had a feeling of responsibility for the prosperity of the company, but also a great degree of freedom, which makes coming to work every day incredibly fulfilling. For some reason that I still haven’t quite figured out, my colleagues were all, without exception, outstanding people—incredibly friendly, kind, and fun. It was the kind of workplace you didn’t want to leave.
Exploring a new country
Living in the Czech Republic is undeniably incredible. Prague, the capital city, is beautiful, historic, and full of things to do and people to meet. It combines the best of a big city—exceptional public infrastructure, convenient access to a range of amenities, and a huge variety of things to do and see—with the best of a small one—friendliness, walkability, and tight-knit communities.
Since the Czech Republic is so centrally located, taking excursions to other countries is relatively easy. One weekend I took in the view of Paris from the Basilica of Sacré Coeur, and another weekend I was enjoying a coffee with whipped cream at Café Central in Vienna. From Prague, all of Europe is a convenient plane or train journey away.
Learning about yourself
Working in another country has put my cultural skills to the test. Though I speak the local language, I’ve lived in Canada my whole life, and so adjusting to ways of living, working, and relating to other people, especially in the workplace, has been an exciting challenge.
In my role, I often speak directly with people outside my company, usually clients. It’s daunting to know that a slip-up could potentially cast my company in a negative light. However, mistakes have been few and far between, and when necessary I just wave my little Canadian flag, and all is forgiven.
Advice to other students
To my fellow students, I can’t recommend international co-op enough, especially if you have some connection to a country outside of Canada. The opportunity to travel, meet and befriend people with completely different life-experiences, and contribute positively to a different culture and society is exhilarating.
My co-op in 2022 was life-changing, and I liked it so much that I decided to do it again. In fact, I’m currently writing this story from Applifting’s offices in March, 2024. I’d say that working abroad is truly an unmissable opportunity, and I recommend it to anyone who will listen.