Erasmus Experience in Prague, Czech Republic by PetitPatapon

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

It was my only choice if I wanted to study abroad.

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

The scholarship is for 9 months. I had received 80% of it in November, and the other 20% I’ll get it when I’m back to France. Divided by month, it is 250€/month. Which makes about 6900CZK.

What is the student lifestyle like in Prague?

There are a lot of different organizations such as Student Zone, Erasmus in Prague... But we often forget the work of our own faculty organisation, and I think it's too bad.

With the Isic card you get many discounts, and the most valuable to me is the transportation discount. For 3 months (bus, tram, metro) it costs 720CZK for students with Isic. You also get -20% of discount in Burger King.

The way I lived my Erasmus experience was about having lectures, working for my exams, meeting a lot of cool people, sightseeing a lot and of course partying.

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

Yes I would. Charles University has so many Erasmus students every year, and this is a good reason.

What is the food like?

To me not so good, but the beer is awesome. It's very salty or spicy compared with what I am use to eat.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Prague?

It costed me one week in a hostel (Sir Tobey's), about 13€ a night. I'm now sharing a huge flat with two other Erasmus students for the price of 10500CZK per month.

How much does it cost to live in Prague?

Well, it's like everywhere: if you don't control how much you spend then you spend a lot. I feel like I consume more because it's cheaper than France.

A restaurant is 4-8€, you can find local shops that are cheaper than the usual H&M, C&A, Footlocker... I buy all my food and needs for 60€/month. I recommend you Kaufland.

It's a capital, so many things are for tourists, and so expensive. But if you adapt your living into local customs, it'll be less expensive.

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

Of course you'll find language course in every faculty of each university. But Czech language is really hard for me. I think it is easier for German, Russian and Bulgarian speakers. All you need to know for your arrival here it's the basic language: Dobry den (Hello), Dekuje (thank you)...

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

The cheaper way is always by bus. But it takes 15 or 16 hours. I went by plane and it costed me more or less 100€. While travelling in Prague, I recommend you the bus. You can book your tickets at Student Agency, and the bus has TV (movies, books, musics) on each seat, comfortable seats, you can borrow headphones, and free wifi.

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

My favorite club is Roxy (electro and commercial music). But of course you have to try Chapeau Rouge, la Bodeguita (latin), Mecca (RnB housse), Harley's (rock)...

There are also a lot of pubs and you should try all of them! If you want to take a hot chocolate I would recommend you CafeModi in Karlovo Namesti, it's the best place I know.

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

I don't go out in restaurants so much. But I went to The Pub and it's awesome. If you're looking for a kebab go to Vaclavske Namesti and near the Costa Coffee it's the best of Prague.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The castle, Eiffel tour, Letna park, Vysehrad castle, Charles bridge, John Lennon's wall, Old town, Josefov, Wenceslas square...

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

Take your warm clothes. It's a normal November weather and suddenly everything is freezed and it's bout -4ºC.