Erasmus Experience in Prague, Czech Republic

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

It was my third option. Why? Because the cost of living is cheaper than in Spain.

Prague was my third option

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How long was the scholarship? How much money did you receive?

There are 3 types of scholarships (4 if during the previous year you had been an intern):

• Erasmus grant. In my case it was 120 euros a month for 9 months.
• Ministry grant, 190 euros a month for 8 months.
• Grant from the Czech Republic. 200 euros in total. You don't need to request it, you're given it automatically in January and May.
• If you benefited from the MEC (ministry of education and culture) grant in the previous year, they give you 230 euros a month.

Prague by night

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Then there are also grants from your bank, your home university... although this does depend on your university.

The amount also depends on your university. In my case, the University of Valencia, one payment was in December (70%) and another in July/June (30%).

I myself received 8000 euros.

Students in Prague

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What's student life like in Prague?

Class sizes range from 3 students, to, in my case, 20. This also depends on what you want to study. But you can usually find clases with few people in them.

Classes are taught in English, and if not they are in Czech and the teachers provide English books so you can study on your own and you are given the option of having personalised tutoring.

Exams are almost always oral exams otherwise, you are presented with a scientific article which you have to respond to in front of your classmates. Another option are they written exams, but are used less by teachers. Out of 16, only 2 were written exams.

In general, passing is easy. Although this does depend on your destination university. The University of Valencia is difficult and for me, going to Prague was like a holiday.

Charles University in Prague

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

Yes.

Another university building

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How's the country's food?

The typical food is very greasy, but this is rich. I recommend you try if only once. The dumplings, Goulash...

Goulash is a traditional dish

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There's loads of beer and it's very cheap. There are many bars which even make their own beer.

Prague is famous for its beer

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How did you find accommodation?

My accommodation was assigned to me by the university (if you indicated you wanted it in the learning agreement).

Ahh! One word of advice; also I've told you that you get a place in the university residence, this site is not fully allocated, and the rooms are filled until they are full. So if you get there and find that all the rooms have already been allocated, they will send you to another university (worse) until that one is full. If you get there to find both full you will have to look for a flat (this was not the case for me, but people told me that the university helps you look for one, you won't find anything for less than 250 euros).

The universities can offer accommodation, but it's not guaranteed

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How are the accommodation prices? And the prices in general?

I was in the Hostivar residence, and I was paying 123 euros a month, with water, light and heating bills included. So this was really good.

The student residence Hostivar

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How's the language? Did you do a language course in the university?

Czech is very difficult. It's a Slavic language and completely different to Spanish. The university offers a course which can be validated with a 5 credit, free option subject.

I went there on the first day and left. Really if you're not interested in learning don't bother.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Prague from your home city?

By plane.

What places do you recommend for a night out in Prague?

The city centre is full of nightclubs, which are open every day. In the residences there is a party almost every day.

What about eating out in Prague? Can you tell us your favourite places?

A restaurant which can be found on the tram 22 stop at Stepanska: Pivovar.

'Pivo' means beer.

Pivovar

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The inside of Pivobar

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What about for a cultural visit?

All of Prague is amazing. Don't leave without exploring it from beginning to end.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Prague?

Enjoy the experience!

Your experience in Prague will be unforgettable!

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