INCOMING
VYJÍŽDĚJÍCÍEssays - students' perspectives
Fonseca Teresa Sá, Universidade do Porto
My year at Masaryk University was one of the most important in my life. I was studying literature, but international students could take other classes such as cinema and Czech history, British and American independent films. The teachers were very rigorous, the classes challenging, the university welcoming and everyone who received me at the international office was so friendly and helpful. Nowadays I work as a photographer, so at Masaryk I had the chance to study subjects that were very important in my future professional life. I look back to the unique year I spent at Masaryk in Brno and I feel very thankful to everybody that I met and who taught me something, and for all the things I learned there.
Giorgi Mikeladze, Tbilisi State University
Being the participant of CESP was outstanding and absolutely unique experience. It was quite a surprise finding myself a part of extremely diverse and interesting society of international students, along with culturally rich spirit of Central Europe. I and all my programmates definitely enjoyed and were pleased with both organizational and educational system of CESP. Moreover, excellent staff members of International Office at Masaryk University was crucial reason for students easily adjusting to new environment and establishing communicating language with hosts. All of us surely acquired useful knowledge and pleasantly unforgetable memories.
Katia Alegria Ramos Ovando, ITESO, Mexico
For sure, you have looked some new faces around the faculties, may be because some have asked you help by saying: Do you speak english? Well I can be one of those and I will thank you a lot for that help. For me and for all the international students I know, it has been a big, new and really interesting experience to live in Brno and to study at Masaryk University. At first, most of us were lost in the city, then we learned about the public transportation, beer, Vinařská Residence… but most important about Czech culture. How the people are friendly and try to understand you ( body language has been really useful!), the new buildings of the faculties, and all the facts that surround about living and studying here. For this reasons I can say that chosen Masaryk University in Brno will impact my life from now on.
Bjoern Jindra, University of Wolverhampton
CESP offers the appropriate study opportunity for students with almost every academic background at Bachelor or Masters level interested in the Central and Eastern European region. The program has a wide range of modules covering economics, social science and languages as well as the Arts. Students can flexibly combine modules of their choice offered by other faculties with the CESP. I focused on economic and social aspects and enjoyed being taught by outstanding Czech academics. Teaching methods and material as well as university facilities are modern and up to western standards. I had an excellent semester and enjoyed living in such a driving central-european metropole as Brno.
Peter Jobsen, Utrecht University
The Central European Studies program is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about the history, economy and culture of the Czech Republic. The added value that comes from learning the language and living in Brno at the same time as taking the courses helps to get to know all aspects of Czech life in a very short time. My semester in Brno is without any doubt the most special and intense time I had all the way through my studies. Brno itself is a lively city, yet small enough to get to know your way around and to feel at home.
Anita Shek, SUNY Oswego
I feel the most important thing about the CELTA program was that it gave me support in a real world teaching experience and thus, built my confidence. The analysis of the lessons I taught were valuable in teaching me to critique my own performance so my learning would continue even when CELTA ends. The advantage of taking the class at Masaryk University was learning alongside Czech students. They offered a different perspective of our students and helped us to understand how their mentality and school system which are so different than those I know in the USA. It's easy to get caught up in the work and forget to make good friends with the people from that area. With them in this class, it wasn't even an issue.
Jennifer Russell, Ithaca College
I've really enjoyed learning to teach ESL here at Masaryk because of the unique perspective I've gained by teaching and working alongside people who have learned English as a second language themselves.
Jana Zalska, Masaryk University, Brno
I'm absolutely won over by the practical approach of this course. Real-life answers to real-life questions and well aimed practice. And a group of great people who make the challenge of learning to teach fun. I love it.
Jiri Karas, Masaryk University, Brno
The CELTA course? I've found it to be more ... than I expected - more interesting, more intensive, more challenging, more rewarding, more demanding and also more fun. I feel like I'm learning a lot and at the same time I can also contribute to the course a lot. The people are great, the schedule is sometimes crazy, the stuff we learn interesting and motivating. All in all - I'm really glad I can do it.
René de Gruijter, State University of Groningen, the Netherlands
Staying for a semester in the Czech Republic was a great experience. It meant being in the country full of Skodas, one of the best soccer-countries and the country with the highest beer consumption of the world! I always wanted to study in Central Europe and Brno was a unique opportunity as Brno is a city full of history and very lively; plenty of bars and a lot of (international) students help creating a special ambiance in the city. Already from the beginning a lot of things had been organised by the International Student Club, like an introduction week, excursions and of course the weekly country presentation! Brno is centrally located especially when you want to travel and see a lot of the environment. So we didn’t only see fantastic big cities, but also the very nice nature, caves and castles…read more
Shinichi Yagi, Kansai Gaidai University, Japan
One thing that I was surprised in around MU in the first place was a couple of Czech students kissing in front of the university buildings and other public spaces like the tram. For me, a Japanese, it’s totally amazing, because we never kiss in such kind of public spaces even though the couples love each other very much. We have strong public senses and care about every action that other people do there. On the other hand, in the Czech Republic it seems that they do not mind other people in public spaces, so any time when I see their kissing, I become shy and close my eyes to it.
Thank you.
Gediminas Rackauskas, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania
I am the first student from Kaunas University of Medicine (Lithuania) studing here. So I did not know what I will find. But in Brno, especially in the university, I found friendly atmosphere, very kind people, who are ready to help you in all situations. Also I liked the social program, it was really nice time to know more about Czech Republic and czech people. So I am very happy, that I have opportunity to be here.
Dr. Nalini, India
Masaryk University was always an attraction for students from all over the world who are admirers of freedom and democracy. An invitation to do post-doctoral research in such a prestigious university - I was overwhelmed with joy. After reaching Brno, the help rendered by the professors and administrators in every step for acclimatization to the new place was splendid and marvelous, which was further extended by the Office for International Studies. I myself am put up in Lektorský dům, wherein people from different parts of the world are accommodatedů this has given me a wonderful chance to know them in person, learn about their culture and exchange ideas about education, etc., rather than just reading from books or magazines.
Furthermore, I find myself in this beautiful city of Brno, which has a rich cultural life and holds a variety of worthwhile sights - the Cathedral on Petrov, the Church of St. James, which is a pearl of Gothic architecture, the Red Church, the towers and walls of Špilberk Castle. I hope and believe that the universities in this city of Brno will definitely attract more and more students from other parts of the world.
Mary Gardiner, Juniata College, USA
I love this town. I was worried I wouldn’t—I was worried that I would want to go home. But now that I have become accustomed to tram #1, to the wonderful discotheques, and have met my wonderful professors, I can’t imagine going back to the States. I feel like I’ve found a little piece of heaven here at Masaryk University: I spend the day hours learning about Central European politics, a major interest of mine, and then eat smažený sýr and brambory and palačinky and then have Starobrno (which is the liqueur of the gods compared to American beer). What could be better?
Thanks!
Davi Almeido de Souza, PUC-Rio, Brazil
Brno is a really nice place. It brings together the comfort of a small town with the facilities of a big city such as a good transport system, a great variety of affordable activities and of course an amazing higher education structure.
When I call Brno small, I of course have in mind the oppression and the problems of a big Brazilian city. The main difference, in my opinion, is not the city but its people. There is some kind of sadness in their serious faces inside the buses and trams that is strange to me. But when you get to know and talk to them you find really amazing people.
Jon Hruska, Juniata College, USA
My first time on an airliner was my flight on Czech Airlines to Prague, Czech Republic on September 6, 2002. It was only the second time I had ever traveled outside the borders of the United States. As the video flight map showed the plane slowly making its way over the European continent, and as the in-flight movie started to play in Slovak, I wondered exactly what I was getting myself into for the next three and a half months. I knew about ten words of the Czech language, which I figured was enough to get me from the airport in Prague to the bus station in Brno, where my student advisor would pick me up. That was hardly a comforting thought, though. I was also worried about what kind of impression I would make as an American student, and as far as I knew, I was going to be to the only American in the program. I felt a tremendous amount of responsibility in representing my school (Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania), my family and my country in the right manner. I could hardly sleep that evening, though I tried with the help of a Gambrinus beer (or two) provided by the friendly Czech attendants. Little did I know that all of my nervousness would be for nothing, and that the next three and a half months spent at Masaryk University would change me forever and that it would be one of the most memorable times in my life….read more
Kamoliddin Umurzakov, Tashkent University of Economics, Uzbekistan
Would anybody reject if I say learning disciplines like finance and economics in modern society is crucial? I suppose, no. World in which we live is getting complex and complex, which requires from everybody to further study on a specific discipline thoroughly. Thus, choosing a right country and a right university where you can get maximum benefit and fully use all your potential is very important. In this case Czech Republic as a member country of European Union will open me wide opportunities.
From childhood I have had a keen interest in analyzing and understanding how the world business is functioning. I always read articles related to world economy and finance which encouraged me to enter the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. I gained strong grounding in the field of international economics and finance at the university and graduated in 2006 with a GPA of 89% being one of the superior graduates of the university. …read more
Joe Loviska, University of Montana, USA
I stand, undecided, in my room, back in the United States. Should I dump the plastic box full of papers onto the floor, and spread them out and turn them over, and examine the art gallery pamphlets, the metro ticket stubs, the concert programs, the postcards, the beer mats, and the notes from European friends with their names and e-mail addresses and short messages saying things like, “If you ever come to Ljubljana, call me and stay at my home!” on them? Should I be reminded of who I have become? No, not now. Now I am alone, with no one to share the daydream images of four months spent studying in Brno, Czech Republic. I want to open someone’s eyes about this, as mine have already been.
When I was a child, my father told me that our family was Czech. To me this meant that our past was mysterious – that rather than harkening from England, Germany, or some other “common” place, we came from a dark and nebulous country in the eastern reaches of Europe. Czechoslovakia could have been on the moon for all I knew…read more
Julia Borland, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
My experiences in the Czech Republic are ones that I often try to recreate for my friends through the use of anecdotes or pictures; unfortunately both of these methods fail to serve it due justice. No, these feelings aren’t that easily explained. The hopelessness and withdraw I went through when everything I knew as my life disappeared is not something I can put on the back of a postcard. The oddity of learning more about my own country when I was outside of it rather than in it is not easily explainable. Why a culture I once rejected is now one I don’t want to say goodbye to can be hard to rationalize. But the most difficult aspect by far is explaining how, over the course of four months, I became an almost completely different person, yet they are still the same. This is my story. …read more
Adam Yim, University of Toronto, Canada
What made you choose this particular summer school
I've always been interested in Central Europe...I've grown up in Asia and North America, but have not visited Europe before. As for why Central Europe instead of Western Europe (Germany/Italy/England):Most people think that Europe is France, United Kingdom, Germany, etc...but I found that Central Europe, because of the long history of different cultural groups living in close proximity to each other is much more interesting. Also, it is much more economical (20kc beer doesn't hurt ;) )
Is this your first time in Central Europe
Yes
What surprised you the most about Brno and the region?
The different pace of life than in North America, also the different attitudes and approaches to work and service (i.e.: in shops and restaurants).
What do you find most interesting about the course
Session 1: The process of integrating into the European Union, the struggles involved and the paramount goal of created an everlasting peace and security in the region and continent.
Session 2: The historical background of interactions between the different cultural groups in the region.
Christina Panniny, University of Toronto, Canada
What made you choose this particular summer school
I chose the Central Europe summer school due to location: I had always wanted to visit this region of Europe and this was the perfect opportunity as courses that are useful to my degree are offered here. This is also the best course, as it gives the ability to travel, especially as it is all planned and included in the cost of the summer school (the other summer schools from the University of Toronto are not so lucky)
Is this your first time in Central Europe?
Yes, this is my first time in Central Europe, but not to Europe in general.
What surprised you the most about Brno and the region?
What surprised me the most about the region is the landscape: when you travel thousands of miles away from home you expect to see things that are exotic and very different from home, however I have found that much of the area does in fact resemble Canada to a great degree, with similar trees, fields and terrain. As far as Brno is concerned, what surprised me the most is the fabulous transit system! I don’t think I have seen such great transit systems in Canada as I have seen in Europe. Also the food! I did not expect to have such a diversity of different types of ethnic foods in a town this size, such as Indian and Egyptian, as well as some of the great vegetarian places around town. I expected pork and dumplings (which I also love), however I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of foods available.
What do you find most interesting about the course?
The subject matter in general is interesting. I have never studied this part of the world, so everything is new; it has given me a much better understanding of Central Europe.
Alia Malhotra, University of Toronto, Canada
What made you choose this particular summer school program?
I chose this particular summer school program as it offered an amazing opportunity to travel and learn about the region. The course structure is well-built and it offers practical learning. You end up learning a lot better when one actually gets to travel to the cities studied in class. I have always been interested in central-eastern europe and this course includes all the main cities, so it really interested me.
Is this your first time in central europe?
Yes, this is my first time in central europe. But definitely not my last!! I love this region and will definitely come back to it.
What surprised you the most about Brno and the region?
The city's technological pace took me by surprise. The fact that the hostel is equipped with wireless internet and the amount of computer labs around the university, pleasantly surprised me. But at the same time, it is slightly disappointing that most of the computer labs are not operational at this time of the year. It would be nice to have them working all through the year.
The public transportation surprised me as well. The city of Brno is very well connected and highly accessible. I am very impressed with the public transit.
What do you find most interesting about the course?
The region being studied in this course is interesting in itself. Frankly, I was not aware of the vivid history of this region of Europe. Learning about it has been extremely interesting and enriching. It makes me appreciate central europe and its people much more as one begins to understand the effort and the spirit that went into building these cities.
The creation of the European Union after such extensive history is simply amazing and truly a great achievement.
Jacyln Chan, University of Toronto, Canada
What made you choose this particular summer school?
After having an awesome experience with the Sydney Summer Abroad Program, which was also organised by Wordsworth College, I made it a point to go for another memorial summer program. Additionally, I've always wanted to do a Europe trip after my graduation, and I thought that this programme was a perfect means for me to deeply understand the cultural heritage of Central Europe and instill an interest of the growing importance of the European Movements. That coupled with my eagerness to complete my Undergraduate Studies in 3 years and satisfy my last required "Writing Component" made this program my top choice.
Is this your first time in Central Europe?
Yes, this is my first time in Central Europe, but it will definitely won't be my last. I am already planning to bring my younger sister to Central Europe when she graduates!
What surprised you the most about Brno and the region?
I was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the Czechs in Brno. I did not know what to expect but the University staffs have been so helpful and most of over extremely organised. I was honestly impressed by these characteristics.
Secondly, I was amazed by the quality of the food here in Brno. I was expecting to limit my diet to bread and butter but the ambiance of the cafes coupled with the affordability draws me from my kitchen.
What do you find most interesting about the course?
I realised that there is a temtament difference when you learn about the history of a city before you visit it. I enriched my 'tourist' experienced and it felt so awesome to physically see all the historical monuments and intriguing museums that decorate the cities.
Last updated: 06/08/2009