Erasmus Experience in Ostrava, Czech Republic by Nico

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

I chose Ostrava because I needed to go to a different country other than Portugal or Italy. Furthermore, I wanted to know a different culture that wasn't Southern European. To be honest, it was an adventure to go to Ostrava, since I never heard anything about this city. However, going there was the best experience ever.

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

I was there for 6 months. However, I didn't have enough money to live there. Fortunately, I had been working during the summer to spend money in Ostrava, but the money that the government offers isn't enough; I had to pay for my accommodation.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Ostrava?

It's the best! After lectures, you can go with your friends to have fun in the pubs near your college or you can do sports if you are in Kollege Poruba. There are other entertainments in the city as well.

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

Actually, I recommend moving out to study abroad because it's the best way to grow up. From my point of view, it doesn't matter where. Moreover, I would like to say that Ostrava has several advantages. For example, it's near Poland and Slovakia, so you can visit Krakow, Bratislava, and other cities near Ostrava. Nevertheless, it also has disadvantages: it's far from Prague and there are factories, but in 3 hours you can be in Prague, the most beautiful city that I have ever seen.

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What is the food like?

Here, you must try the Czech beer and the pork grill, but I don't remember any dish in particular. I tried delicious food and not so delicious food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Ostrava?

No, it was easy thanks to an student union, but I found some nice places surfing the Internet as well.

How much does it cost to live in Ostrava?

Renting a flat or a room in a dorm is cheaper than in Spain.

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

I don't know because I learnt English and Czech on my own. However, I must admit that Czech is difficult, although sometimes I enjoyed speaking in Czech when the situation required it.

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

The cheapest way to go to Ostrava from my city, Alicante, was to go to Brno first. Then, it's better to take a train towards Ostrava. However, as it was eliminated, I had to go from Valencia to Barcelona by bus, from Barcelona to Prague by plane and, finally, from Prague to Ostrava by train.

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

There are lots of places to enjoy and go out at night. It depends on the type of music you love. My favourite club was Café de la Ostrava and Bogota pub. Also, I liked the Hobbit pubs where they make their beer.

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

I liked Korona Pizza, which is near the train station called Poruba Bozovna, but can't recall other restaurants, I'm sorry.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are museums and galleries. Added to this, an amazing festival, called Majales, takes place in Ostrava.

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

To go there, yo must be an open-minded person who is eager to enjoy the city.