- Motto: Student for (at least) a lifetime.
- Country of origin: India
- Situation: Student (currently studying in Czechia)
- Higher education institution: Academy of Performing Arts in Prague
- Field of study: Photography
- Level of study: Master
What made you decide to study in Czechia?
The openness associated with FAMU and the advanced art scene in Czechia.
Did your studies meet your expectations? How did you find the study programme, instructors, university facilities? Were there any differences from studying in your country?
Studies are more intense than I expected from art school, which makes me constantly be on my toes. The infrastructure is amazing and the fact that we can practically attend workshops and leverage facilities of any school in the city is great. In India we need a bachelor degree in arts to do a masters in arts, as opposed to public universities here which require a clear idea.
What was the biggest surprise with regard to studying or living in Czechia?
The skepticism labeled towards anyone/thing foreign and the time it takes to build trust here. And the feeling of loneliness, which in my case lasted for about a year arising from the inability to make superficial bonds with people.
What was your most memorable experience or what did you enjoy most as a student in Czechia?
The long summer break which simultaneously rendered me homeless and gave me freedom to explore Europe without restraints.
How do you think your time in Czechia has helped your studies and/or your career?
Gaining new skills and perspectives from lectuteres and colleagues from diverse backgrounds is phenomenal. How it practically benefits my career as an artist remains to be seen.
Do you have any advice for students thinking about studying in Czechia?
When the teachers here receive a sense of our willingness to learn, everyone collectively starts progressing beyond what is obligatory. Also, to not be bogged down by language barrier. It's only a tool for communication. People might say Czech is a "difficult" language. We only need to learn 50 phrases in context of our line of interest, to navigate communication in any new country.
