Erasmus Experience in Prague, Czech Republic by Rocio

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

Because I wanted to prove myself in a country whose language I didn't have a clue of and to experience something very different from Spain.

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

I receive around 350€/month during five months (although my stay is of ten months).

What is the student lifestyle like in Prague?

A-ma-zing. You always have something to do, something to see, something to experience; there's always a new plan: tourism, friends... and beer!

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

Definitely. Student environment in Prague is unbeatable.

What is the food like?

Poor. Fish? Quality meat? Nowhere. But instead you have that delicious Goulash...

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Prague?

I found accommodation via Facebook: there are many groups and agencies in Facebook that help you find flat and flatmates. You write a post asking for help et voilà! - warning! Commission alert! - Though you may be as unfortunate as me to have to pay a commission because you run into an evil agency, there are as well groups through which you contact directly the landlord or the person interested, so that you don't have to pay more. E. g. : Flatshare in Prague.

How much does it cost to live in Prague?

I live with 550€/month (including rent, food and leisure), and I live very well: I still have money enough to pay a gym, to do some tourism... Prague is indeed the perfect destination for small budgets.

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

Czech language is very funny to learn but highly difficult to master. Although young people speak English very well, it will be an adventure to go to the supermarket and talk to the checker. But don't worry, because you will get use to this and you will find it very entertaining.

Charles University offers Czech courses in all its faculties - and you will receive credits for them! Although they are pretty basic, they are enough for the survival.

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

From Madrid, I travel by plane. Iberia has some offers for Erasmus students that may be interesting to consider.

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

Roxy, Mecca, Harleys, Roxbury, Crossclub...

And if you are more into pubs, go to the neighbourhood of Zizkov, which has the biggest amount of pubs per inhabitant in all Europe! Specially recommended, Ananas Bananas.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The great point about Prague is not only how beautiful it is - don't miss the view of the river when snowing! - but also how easy it is to travel to many other places for very cheap prices. In this way, you are not only going to enjoy the great city of Prague, but also Brno, Olomouc, Plzen, Bratislava, Vienne, Budapest, Berlin...