The cold air stung my cheeks as soon as I stepped outside the airport. Instinctively, I thrust my hands into my coat pockets and hunched up my shoulders, my only defence against weather I was greatly unaccustomed to. The chaotic din of people bargaining with taxi drivers drew my attention, distracting me momentarily from the cold and suddenly, it hit me, ‘I’m here’.
What initially seemed like a far-fetched idea was finally coming to fruition. Little did I know, I was far from prepared for this incredible yet scary undertaking, and I encountered the first challenge as soon as I made my way up to my Uber driver.
‘Dobrý den!’ I chirped, hoping that I had managed to enunciate properly the only phrase I had made sure to memorize in Czech. My greeting was reciprocated and was accompanied by a rapid succession of Czech words, most of which went completely over my head.
‘Uhm… I’m so sorry I don’t speak Czech’, I replied sheepishly, having been forced to utter the declaration every local is tired of hearing.
‘Aha!’ he replied, ‘my English.. eh..sorry..not so good’.
Not knowing what to say, I smiled meekly as he popped the car trunk open and carefully placed my luggage inside. ‘This is going to be one long drive to the dormitory’, I thought. But, unexpectedly, the car ride was anything but quiet. We both found a way around the language barrier—Google translate. Never before had I ever been more grateful for the existence of this advanced piece of technology. And if we did reach a roadblock in our conversation, a combination of frantic gestures was employed along with broken sentences to make ourselves understood. That was the moment that I knew this was going to be the beginning of a new journey, one that would be teeming with countless new obstacles but also with a myriad of lasting memories. And oh, that I definitely needed to master Czech.
It isn’t easy being an international student in a completely different part of the world, but it isn’t impossible. Not only does one further their academic and professional career, but the magnitude of personal development that co-occurs is incomparable. I am so grateful that I mustered up the courage and took that leap of faith despite everything because studying in Czechia has been an experience like no other. And so, to anyone contemplating taking this shot in the dark,
‘If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them:
‘Hold on!’
— ’If’ by Rudyard Kipling
Kategorie studies
When I started university, I had so many questions. How difficult would it be? How would I find my way around? Would I be able to manage everything? What exactly are course credits and assessments? My first semester was quite stressful as I gradually figured everything out.
Kategorie helpful tips
From the Big Apple, to the City of a Hundred Spires (by way of the Silver State and the Green Mountain State), I have taught nearly 500 students over ten years. I’ve been referred to as, “Ms. Stephanie”…“Ms. Parascandolo” … “Ms. P,” but now, I’m just “Stephanie” - a master’s student at University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. Here are five lessons I’ve learned as a teacher that guide me as a student.
Read more About From Teacher to Student: 10 Lessons After a Decade of Teaching
Kategorie work and career
In the heart of Czechia’s growing research landscape, Barbora stands out as a young and passionate scientist committed to making a difference. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in bioengineering, Barbora’s work focuses on developing systems where bacteria process waste plant biomass into valuable chemicals - a promising step toward a more sustainable future. In this exclusive interview, Barbora shares her journey into the world of biotechnology, the challenges and rewards of her research, and her thoughts on the evolving role of women in STEM.
Kategorie helpful tips
As a student living abroad, celebrating Christmas can be a bittersweet experience. For the past two years, I've been far from the familiar warmth of my family and lifelong friends, finding myself feeling homesick most of the time. This feeling intensified, considering I also celebrate my birthday in December, leading to three consecutive celebrations - birthday, Christmas, and New Year - all far from my loved ones. However, little did I know that these Christmas celebrations would evolve into an unexpected adventure of joy and connection.
Read more About Merry Expat Christmas: Finding Home Away from Home
Kategorie helpful tips
Czechia may have a reputation for its amazing, old universities that look a bit like Hogwarts, but this country is also big on work-life balance. If you want to experience the best of both worlds - cultural immersion and some well-earned fun - Czechia's got you covered. Here's your guide to enjoying your time here while getting to know Czech culture (and the many nationalities that call it home)!
Read more About Exploring Czechia: Culture, Fun, and Everything In Between
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