Erasmus Experience in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic by Mairy

Source

Source

Why did you choose to go to Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic?

I chose Hradec Kralove, because of an Erasmus placement offer. I didn't really know anything about the city before that.

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

The maximum Erasmus scholarship is for 12 months, but I chose to use the program for 8 months. I think that the amount of the scolarship is possible to change every year, so for 2014-2015 and for Chech Republic, the program gives 530 euros per month. Only the 80% of the total amount is given while the student is abroad (the rest 20% afterwards), so do the maths!; -)

What is the student lifestyle like in Hradec Kralove?

It is actually a very quiet city, small and easy to explore. There are many other students and they organise events, but you have to keep your eyes open, so as not to miss them.

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

Yes, I would recomend the city! As for the University, I really don't know because I came here for work, not for studies.

What is the food like?

I haven't tasted much of local food yet, but I can tell you one thing: the beer rocks!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Hradec Kralove?

No, because the office helped me with the accomodation. If you go to a real estate office though, you will have to pay something extra for their services.

How much does it cost to live in Hradec Kralove?

Not much, because the pubs and the restaurants are not expensive (one meal with beer costs less than 5euros). The prices in supermarket are in general like Greece, except for the milk, the eggs, the cheese and other products which are very very cheap (thank God, nothing like Greece in that case)! Also, the rents are fair enough, if you find roommates.

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

For me, no. Not at all. I mean, you can learn the basic stuff, but the rest is a chaos, as the greek language is very different. I don't know about the University, sorry guys. Also, Chech people do not speak English (or they just avoid it). However, they are in general willing to help.

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

Ok, let's see: from my city to Athens by dad's car, from Athens to Prague by plane (finding the cheapest ticket of course) and then from Prague to Hradec by train.

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

In a pub, for beer. There are also some clubs, if you like.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Hradec Kralove?

Sorry, I don't remember the names, but most restaurants in the center of old town are really good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is a museum, the historical center, but in general, the whole city is a cultural site!

r

Source

Source

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

Keep your eyes open and taste everything! Erasmus is a great opportunity! Have fun! :-)

Source