Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen
How did you draw up your Learning Agreement?
Student Information Specialist from Student Information Maintenance and Development Unit sent me the list of study courses and credit points for the 7th semester. At Charles University I needed to register online and choose the according study courses. There were no issues with that, as the courses almost coincide and give more credit points than those at RSU.
How is the study process organized in the receiving university? What is different compared to RSU?
Practical classes started at 7:30 in the morning. Before each class there was homework to be done – you had to study a certain topic that was later discussed during the said class. There is no need to stress looking for patients and signing them up, as it is done by the clinic itself. There was a queue most of the time, as patients came here before surgeries. The practical work imitates that of real life as you never know what are the complaints of the next patient. In many courses we could not complete the full medical treatment, but only a part, as the rest was done by other students on a different class.
What were the living conditions?
I lived in student dormitory (10th story) with a beautiful view of the city. There were two people sharing a room; there was one bathroom and lavatory for every two rooms. Each room had a refrigerator and electric stove. Everything was clean and the room was quite warm. The bedsheets were changed every two weeks and for a small payment you could use the washing machine. The dormitory had wi-fi – it worked quite well. On each floor there are separate rooms specifically made for studying. The dormitory is located only 20 minutes away from the city centre, 15 minutes away from the shopping centre and 5 minutes away from the University Hospital. The location is quite convenient.
Did the Erasmus+ grant cover the living expenses?
Yes, the grant was sufficient for living. Due to Covid-19 it was not possible to eat outside of home and many events were cancelled. Nevertheless, I believe the grant is sufficient for covering the living expenses.
Your advice and recommendations for others choosing this city for their mobility
Don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. Erasmus semester will be one of your best ones, so go ahead and enjoy it. I recommend signing up for a mentor – as the mentor will be the first person you meet when arriving and mine explained and showed me quite a lot. Try to find out which group or groups you will be studying with and start talking to your groupmates – both international and local groups have welcoming students who will gladly help you understand the study process. I also recommend get ISIC as students get 75 % discount on public transport tickets – it is a good bargain. Because of Covid-19 we needed to buy quite a number of face masks – medical students can buy them cheaper at the University Clinic. Erasmus students can also sign up to receive free Covid-19 test.
The best memory or experience from Erasmus+ mobility
I cannot choose one thing, as the whole semester was so interesting and unusual. Studying is completely different than at RSU. There is the independent life in a new and unknown environment. And if you like travelling, the Czech Republic is the right place for that. You can find beautiful nature and old cities with stunning architecture. You can meet new people from many different cultures. I am sure I will remember this semester for the rest of my life, as this was a fantastic adventure that lasted four months.
The most valuable realization or lesson you have learned
Erasmus mobility taught me a lot. It taught me to live independently, to solve issues, to plan my time. It improved my English, introduced me to many friendly people and, of course, provided tons of new knowledge in dentistry. I have gained useful experience both for my private life and education. I recommend everybody to go on Erasmus, as this is a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity. The time spent abroad, the emotions and memories will stay with you for a long time.
