Erasmus Experience in Brno, Czech Republic by Annelie

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Why did you choose to go to Brno, Czech Republic?

I wanted to go to a place that's different from my own. I come from the Netherlands and I was looking for a big change. I didn't know much about Czech Republic what made it interesting for me. It's also a very cheap country to stay!

My brother decided to study there also, so that helped me choosing.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The scholarship from Erasmus was five months (it depends how long you stay abroad). I received around 800 euro's Erasmus. That's almost enough to live there, because my rent was around 125 euro's a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brno?

All the Erasmus people are in one place. Brno isn't very big, so you know a lot of students and see them all the time. Brno was for me like a warm bath. You live with all the Erasmus students in one building and do all the things together. It's very easy to make friends. There is also enough to do in Brno. You can travel when and where you want to (everything is so cheap) and you can party 7 days a week if you want to. The time abroad you will never forget!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Brno to other students?

Yes, definitely. Because Czech Republic isn't a very popular country, nobody expects anything from it. But I lived there for six months and discovered how beautiful this country is and how much it can offer. My life was like a fairy tail. I was studying on a beautiful school with good teachers, i was surrounded by friends who felt like I've know them for a long time and i felt free. I've never learnt so much in six months, and that not only because of the University, but also by the people around you. You can learn a lot from people!

What is the food like?

The food is delicious. The best thing is that everything is so cheap, that you can go almost every day out for dinner. The meat in Czech Republic is very important, but more important is the beer. There are several restaurants where you can eat for almost nothing. I suggest you should try them all! I enjoyed every bite of it!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Brno?

It was very easy for me, because you can choose to stay at a Campus. I would suggest to do that. I was in Vinarska A1, and that's the Campus where all the internationals stay. You live there with all the Erasmus students so you make a lot of friends in no-time. It's also very cheap. You pay 125 euro's a month.

How much does it cost to live in Brno?

Not much. I was travelling a lot and i went to a lot of parties. You can stay there for almost nothing if you like. I think my cost were around 350 euro's a month.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

The English language is, but the Czech language isn't. Is a very hard language because it doesn't sound like anything unless you come from Russia or Slovakia, then maybe you will understand a bit. But it doesn't matter, because most of the people can speak at least a little bit English.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Brno from your city?

By plane. From Eindhoven (in the Netherlands) goes a flight from Wizzair. Those are around 10 or 20 euros.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Brno?

There a some clubs. I always went to Charlies (it's an underground bar), to Fledda (its a big club) to TwoFaces (its a normal club with pool), or Utopia (its a pool/sishabar). There is also a beautiful fountain where you can drink etc.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Brno?

I suggest you should go to the city and just eat. But my favourite is Starobrno. Its a beer factory near the campus and they have delicious local food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I don't know.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Brno in the future?

I don't think you know Brno, but i would suggest just try! Its the best choice I've ever made, and i would definitely do it again. Try something you never tried before!