Erasmus Students Share Their Experience

At the beginning, I was not sure about which country and city should I choose for this exchange programme then I've realized the opportunities, social events, advanced education, rooted academic staff, economic status and broad cultural experience that are offered by UCT Prague, that is excatly what motivated me during this journey. My academix experience was mesmerizing in the UCT thanks to lovely and lively academcians and their style of education, I've enlarged my vision about my long term future career. When I was accepted for both student and traineeship mobility programme, I was surprized and amazed for being part of this unforgatteble opportunity. Moreover, continuing my academic career as an undergraduate student and volunteer trainee meant lots of things that could be achieved by myself for me on my own. With this motivation and learning different cultures and studying abroad were an amazing improvement while staying different country and city compared to your own country. The labs also were so qualified, analytcial and technical devices were at advanced level, making an experiment were piece of cake with these qualified devices and provided supports and guidiance by my supervisor and the academic staff. My favourite memory of my stay was probably visiting the Charles Bridge, when I saw it at first, I was amazed and my mind blowed through the bridge. These monuments and the view were outstanding also taking a picture with a specific one, you already know it, no need to explain :)) I've improved my language ability for both dailiy and academic speech. On the other hand, my presentation skills leveled up and my visionary and misionary skills were enlarged and broaded my horizon during my experiences. Czech culture was really different compared to our culture. Especially their cuisine and traditional folks were suprised for me but in comparison drinking lots of beer and wearing crocks with socks were very similiar with our culture spesifically where I was born in :) I can say to all possible future exchange students who want to be a part of one of these exchange programmes, just don't hesitate it, do it right now because they all can do for their upcoming futures and careers. Gaining an experince in abroad and studying in different country means a lot of unforgettable memories ahead of them. And don't forget to register ESN Community and social events becasue the ESN staff and all kinds of ice breaking games, trips and of course night clubs were amazing. A lot of opportunities and good people are awaiting for you, guys :)

Perfect city to do Erasmus in. It was a great time — the people, the city, the bars, clubs, and culture — everything was amazing. Overall, 9/10. Academically, it was very fair, and the exams were very doable, mostly much easier than the German examination period. The craziest thing was that you could go and do something fun literally every day. There was almost no day when the city felt dead or when nothing was going on. A perfect city for Erasmus — just go there. You won’t regret it.

In life we always have to take decisions. We may make some bad ones that we regret, but eventually we learn from them. We also may make some good ones that grant a lasting victory. One of the best decisions I have made is to join Erasmus+ program and spend a semester at UCT Prague. Everything was beyond my expectations considering all manners. Not only that I gained a new experience regarding my study field but also in all life aspects. I enjoyed the beauty of Prague, made new friends from all over the world, and attended countless activities. Being in the center of Europe helped me a lot to achieve one of my life goals which is to explore Europe. Most importantly, this experience led me to open my eyes to a wide range of opportunities and helped me to decide what to do next after completing my bachelor which is to join Erasmus Mundus Master program. Currently I am an Erasmus Mundus master student in Membrane engineering proceeding a master’s degree at four different European universities in different countries (UCT Prague is one of them). Now I am back to UCT Prague to enjoy another whole semester full of excitement and celebrating my decision that resulted in a lasting victory.

At first, I have to say these words about whole ESN members and staff from the international office - they were super friendly, super helpful and patient! I was a bit late for orientation week but they helped me a lot to meet new people, discover the university and sure to discover Prague. And it was really easy to be integrated. And step by step, I started to have lots of friends from all over the world. I have established really valuable friendships (we still keep in touch) and saved so much memories with them. During my stay, the ESN club organized several cultural activities, trips, parties and so on…. Since Prague is located in the central Europe it is also easy to travel everywhere! But after all, we worked hard as well. Teachers were always helpful and motivating which resulted in having fun while learning as well. I gained so much experience here while working in the laboratory. UCT Prague offers not only really good quality lessons but also practical experience! I had a bit more complicated year because when I decided to come here, it was my last year of Bachelor studies and I was about to graduate. With the help of the whole international office (like them <3) staff at UCT Prague, I was accepted for Master Degree in here at the Faculty Chemical Engineering. Right now, I am in my first year of Master Programme and working on nanotechnology in Laboratory of Chobotix (with perfect colleagues!!). Despite all these things, still I could not learn Czech language (yes it is really difficult) but may be in 10 years, why not? :D Prague is really charming city to be for your Erasmus Programme guys! Never doubt about to come here, there are so much opportunities and good people are waiting for you!

Why to go to UCT in Prague?! If you’re up for the adventure of your life, Prague is the place to be! It all starts with orientation week, when you will meet people from all over the world. Get to know who you’re living with in the dormitories, which are provided by the university. Living together really gives this Erasmus a whole other dimension. Classes are given in English by competent professors. They will always help you with any questions or problems you might have concerning the classes. If you’re lucky, you can even go drink a beer with them in one of Prague’s finest bars. Classes are alternated with trips in and outside the Czech Republic, organized by the Erasmus Club. Be sure to become a member! These trips are well organised and give you the opportunity to visit this amazing country. An additional benefit is that they tell you all the places you must visit during your stay. If you still don’t know where to go on Erasmus … Choose the UCT Prague. You won’t regret it!

This Erasmus in Prague has been a part of my life that I will never forget. I was living in the dorms, which helps a lot in getting to know other people. Indeed, I was sharing my room with one Finnish girl and sharing the flat with two Portuguese girls. So, it was really easy to be integrated. Moreover, I lived too many things in Prague. First, I loved sharing about the differences between each country; second, I met a lot of amazing friends that I’ll keep in touch for sure; third, I discovered a beautiful city where there is a lot of things to do every day (I haven’t been bored anytime for five months); fourth, I visited a lot of great cities around (Berlin, Vienne, Budapest, Krakow…) without wasting a lot of money (everything is really cheap); fifth, I had interesting courses that I would never have in my university in France; sixth, I improved my English much more than I was expecting and I could continue this list many times over … To conclude, I really enjoyed my life for these five months and the most difficult part is when you have to come back to real life.

Initially, I was uncertain whether UCT Prague would accept me, owing to my ethnic background (non-EU citizen), but being a full-time student of an EU University cleared all my misapprehensions—but it came with a price of unwavering support from the International Relations office of the university, which requires special attention here, as the level of service they delivered is worth mentioning. The university is more research oriented rather than professional (job-oriented in my personal opinion), so if one is seeking higher studies up until the doctorates level, then UCT Prague would be the start and the end of your search as it will mould your thoughts and concepts essentially needed for research graduates. The professors are admirable as they have a very deep understanding of the concepts and they speak a fairly decent English and you can have your doubts cleared beyond the usual study hours. UCT Prague is partnered with the NTK library, which is the oldest and largest of its kind in Czech Republic and the best part of it is its proximity to UCT Prague (in fact, within the campus). In academic terms, the university is indeed a very good one; the rest depends upon the student and how he/she would like to utilize the opportunities offered. I have travelled to various countries and places and, undoubtedly, Prague is the most beautiful place I have ever visited. Prague, the architectural marvel in my personal terms is a gateway to the East and the West of Europe—no wonder it is called as the ‘’Heart of Europe.’’ It is the cheapest and the most affordable metropolitan city in Central Europe, especially if one has to consider accommodation, food, and travel. The best aspect of Prague is, one is never a foreigner, because most people speak English, but astonishingly this fact is never acknowledged by the Czechs themselves since they feel they lack the ear for English. The quality of the dormitory of UCT Prague (Sazava) is left without any complaints. Life in the dormitory was a unique experience where one gets the opportunity to make new friends from various countries. It is not the ideal place for bookish/studious candidate as there isn’t a night (more or less) when there is no party going on. Again, it is the ideal for Erasmus students…so party all the time. Indeed, I can proudly state that it was the most beautiful period of my life, which broadened my horizons of thinking and learning beyond boundaries. In short, these few lines are never enough to share my wonderful experience, for these are just words, but in order to experience the level of joy, one has to personally feel it by enrolling in Erasmus. Go for Erasmus, mates, and experience the all new life you have in store in UCT Prague.