Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen
How did you draw up your Learning Agreement?
I asked the Dean’s Office to send me the 7th semester study plan with all credit points I have to receive and then I looked for similar courses on the Charles University webpage. The majority of courses overlapped, so there were no issues with putting a Learning Agreement together. Besides, the Charles University courses were worth more credit points. When the Learning Agreement was finished, I brought it to the Dean, who accepted it.
How is the study process organized in the receiving university? What is different compared to RSU?
Unlike in Latvia, the practical classes were not cancelled in the Czech Republic, even though the epidemiological situation was quite bad, so the dentistry students had the fantastic opportunity to develop practical skills.
The practical work at the Clinic of Stomatology usually started at 7:30 and lasted 4 hours, during which students worked with several patients (and many different issues), thus they were able to use interdisciplinary skills in practice, which mimics working with patients in real life. Additionally, students did not have to find their own patients – the Clinic provided them. One downside to such system is that the students are unable to work on certain skills (e.g., throughout the semester I did not have a single patient that required use of composite filling); you cannot predict the issues and types of treatments.
I was able to assist the leading surgeons in the operating room, which was a great experience.
All lectures were held remotely, but practical classes (except for the ones in Clinic) varied – some were in-persen, others online, depending on the epidemiological situation.
All exams were conducted orally and in-person; at the same time exams in Latvia were held remotely and in a completely different form.
What were the living conditions?
I lived in the dormitory Bolovecka together with another student from Latvia. The room was quite small, but good enough for two of us, and it was tidy and clean. The bathroom was shared with two other neighbours, but we got lucky and due to the remote studies they spent the majority of the semester away. Unfortunately, the room had only the furniture and nothing else, so we needed to buy all the kitchen and other appliances.
We lived on the 9th story and had a fantastic view of the city. The location of the dormitory is great too, we lived 5-minute walk away from the Clinic. A grocery store was 15 minutes away and the historic city centre with the central station was 20-minute walk away. The location was great and everything was close.
The administrators at the dormitory all poke English, were great and always helped with the issues we encountered along the way.
Did the Erasmus+ grant cover the living expenses?
Yes, but I did manage my expenses. Students have great discounts for public transport and the rent is quite cheap. Of course, compared to other semesters, I did have additional expenses due to Covid-19 (we had to buy medical face masks for each practical class), but in the end everything was fine.
Your advice and recommendations for others choosing this city for their mobility
I do recommend leaning basic Czech prior to arrival or bringing a small dictionary with you, as almost no people in Pilsen speak English. There are some language courses you can take before the start of the semester, that I, unfortunately, was unable to attend, as I due to Covid-19 situation I had study form Riga in September. Knowing Ukrainian helped me a lot, as it is similar to Czech.
I recommend buying the kitchen appliances (pots, pans, plates, towels) in Pepco, as everything there is reasonably priced and it is located near the dormitory.
I recommend participating in the Mentor programme – my mentor helped me quite a lot in the beginning, for example, with getting the personalised transportation card, pointing out the stored to buy certain items at, getting to the university, etc.
Take your time planning your way to Pilsen; there were no direct flights I could take to Prague and managing two large suitcases on several flights both ways was quite draining.
The most important is to never be afraid. This is an adventure that will stay with you forever with its unforgettable experiences and growth opportunity. It is definitely worth it.
The best memory or experience from Erasmus+ mobility
I really liked that throughout the semester I could travel all over the Czech Republic. Even though there were some restrictions in place, there was also this sense of freedom, so pandemic did not ruin my Erasmus experience. The Czech Republic is a stunning land, with cosy small towns, lively and busy Prague, beautiful nature parks unique and equally stunning throughout the year. I successfully combined studying and travelling. I managed to visit Prague, Brno, Cesky Krumlov, Ceske Budejovice, Kutná Hora, Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Bohemian Switzerland, Lednice, Snežka, Pisek and many other places. Climbing Snežka (the highest peak in the Czeck Republic) and the unforgettable view from it left great impression on me. The Czeck Republic is such a beautiful and diverse country!
The most valuable realization or lesson you have learned
Even though this semester was not easy; I would say even it was challenging because of all changes caused by moving and the pandemic, but it was worth it! You must never give up on your way to growth! I learned so much both in a professional and individual sense; and I learned a great deal about problem solving. This semester abroad was a major investment in my future and personal growth. This was intense period and it passed too fast, but left me with many great memories and emotions – it will remain as one of the most memorable adventures of my life and the most interesting semester! Thank you for this opportunity!
