Shadi Al-nahari, 2 semesters, Yemen
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.
Aliye Hazal Koyuncu, 2 semesters, Turkey
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!
Michiel Smets, winter semester, Belgium
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!
Anne-Laure Pons, winter semester, France
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.
Fahad Muhammad, winter semester, Portugal
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.