Erasmus experience in Prague, Czech Republic

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

I wanted to go somewhere I wouldn't just go on vacation. Prague offered everything I was looking for in a study abroad, city life, nightlife, ease of traveling and a unique culture. The university I attended was a business school as well.

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

I didn't recieve any money, as an America, I was not on Erasmus.

What is the student lifestyle like in Prague?

Drinking, partying, traveling, sleeping, and a little school...in that order. We would be out until 6am almost every night and then in the afternoon we would explore the city and party at night. A lot of people travel almost every weekend.

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

Yes and yes. it was the best experience of my life. It may have been the people in the program who made it so great, but I think VSE exchange program attracts a lot of kids who just want to have fun.

What is the food like?

Aquired taste. It is almost impossible to be a vegetarian there. My favorite foods were beef goulah, garlic soup and street food from Wenceslas Square. As bas as it sounds, the fried cheese with mayo is unbelieveable, especially after a night of drinking.

How did you find your accommodation?

Student dorms were definitely built in the communist era. They were awful. But that made them more fun. We bonded over how bad they were and were able to party freely in them without worrying about thier condition.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

Accomodation is beyond cheap. Everything else is relatively inexpensive for the most part. Subway Sandwich is expensive if you don't have an ISIC card.

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

Don't expect to learn any Czech. Its a pretty pointless language for foreigners and its VERY difficult. For example the word "ctvrt" which means like a quarter of the city (Jewish Quarter for example). Try to pronounce that. The Elementry Czech class is offered at the university and is essencially impossible to fail.

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

Tram - especially the number 9. Kaufland - Dorms - VSE - Main Train Station - Downtown - Across the river.

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

There are a ton of good clubs. Lavka only if they are having an event, Sasazu, yes club, radost, cross club. Duplex is a MAJOR rip off. Pub crawls are a lot of fun.

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

Polo! Street Food! Radost! Lavka!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The castle and the park, beer gardens. National museum.

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

Have fun, let lose. Live by the motto "Why Not?!"