What were your first impressions upon arrival?
I was surprised to see how close the dormitory and the university were, the accommodation opportunities were greatly pleasant for a student. The location of the campus was also perfect since it was within walking distance of the city center and the supermarkets, which was great for me because I personally liked to walk everywhere, the streets were adorable to have nice walks both during the day and the night. People were so kind and welcoming that it did not take long time for me to get used to the environment, which felt safe and fun. I really adored the local restaurants as well.
How would you rate the quality of teaching and support from the faculty?
I would rate as 10 out of 10, without a doubt. As I mentioned, I had the best support and care during each day of my stay. All my questions met satisfactory answers, I remember I never had a reason to worry about anything except enjoying my time to the fullest as an intern lecturer. I observed the way teaching was combined with fun; it was highly beneficial and professional. I learned a lot from the teaching techniques the lecturers used, and I applied them to my own, it made a solid difference I must say.
What surprised or pleased you the most during your stay?
First of all, ‘the people’. Everyone was some of the nicest people I have ever met, without exception. All the teachers, students and friends I have had there helped me with anything I needed, they are purely the reason I had such a wonderful and stress-free experience. It is a fact that international students might expect things to be a little challenging because they step into a different cultural world, and everything is quite new to them after all. But I must admit, these beautiful people made me feel home, as if it was my own culture, my own world, so much that I felt my days in Pardubice were just one of those in my home country, only with extra fun, improvement and joy. Therefore, I have not experienced any strong cultural difference as I expected, or any hardships while maintaining my daily routines, and this was unexpected for me; everything was both safe, easy and interesting, while I could accomplish my goals and gain skills that highly contributed to my academic success, at the same time I had such fun with the most interesting people in the most interesting places…
What activities or places would you recommend to future Erasmus students?
The diversity of the places one can visit in Pardubice is quite exciting, each student can find a place or an activity that serves their liking. For instance, if you like nature and sports, you will be pleased to see that Pardubice is a city of greenery; you always will be only one step away from the peaceful atmosphere of the forests, so I highly recommend having a morning run alongside the lake or exploring the forest trails for hiking. If you are into history, you will absolutely enjoy visiting Zámek Pardubice – which is within walking distance to the university and State Castle Kunětická hora. Also, the ESN crew is one of the best, you should definitely join their activities, they organize such fun parties and games, I had lifelong friendships thanks to them (special thanks to Karolina Matouskova who patiently delivered all the answers I needed even long before my arrival and always was so kind to help me till my departure). Apart from these, I suggest you attend soccer matches for Pardubice has a quite popular team and it seems like a traditional – almost a ceremonial activity for local people to enjoy this time with families and friends; it fills hearts with excitement and is worth experiencing.
