One Erasmus: Very Different Universities ****************************************************************************************** * One Erasmus: Very Different Universities ****************************************************************************************** It’s the end of the winter semester at Charles University in Prague and whether you’re hea pitching up for another semester, I’m sure you’ve all achieved something: a love for Pragu photography and cheap beer obsession, and dumpling-induced weight gain (this includes myse the biggest beer hater walking the Earth and have left a serial chugger). And your univers I spent time talking to Erasmus students from institutions across Europe on their learning experience at Charles University and more interestingly: how different was it? With the advice, experiences and reflections of my fellow Erasmus comrades, I’ve compiled sides, contrasts and big “do’s and don’ts” of university life in the Czech Republic! *========================================================================================= * 1 NEVER CALL A CZECH LECTURER BY THEIR FIRST NAME *========================================================================================= Many British students including myself have made this mistake when writing emails and verb their teachers on a friendly basis. Outside of Britain and in the Czech Republic, this is seen as quite disrespectful, unusual and ignorant of student-teacher boundaries. At my hom England, it’s perfectly normal to call your lecturer by using their first name but I was f expressions when I told other Erasmus students this. Adapt to new social university custom avoid offense! *========================================================================================= * 2 DRINKING AT UNI IS OK *========================================================================================= Whilst calling your teacher by their first name is unsocial, having a beer after the end o and Czech lecturers have joined many students in their end-of-term celebrations – one even celebrate the end of our last presentation class! I think this is different however: whils US are famed for limitless binge drinking at university, the Czech Republic along with oth as France and Italy know their limits and generally have a healthier, moderate and social alcohol consumption. *========================================================================================= * 3 GET CLUED UP ON THE MARKING SYSTEM *========================================================================================= The marking system varies vastly across universities individually, but there tends to be a In the Czech Republic, you are graded on a 1/2/3/4 basis and sometimes on a pass/fail only I have spoken to are having a slight nightmare with trying to “translate” these grades for universities, so it’s worth asking your lecturer or Erasmus co-ordinator for help and as t is, don’t leave it until the last minute. On the up-side, enjoy the simplicity and logic o European grading system instead of all this 1.2 (or whatever) nonsense. *========================================================================================= * 4 ….AND THE EXAM STRUCTURE *========================================================================================= Most Erasmus students were surprised when they had to register and choose the dates for th as at home many of them are instructed on what date and time their exams are (with no exce excuses for no-shows except death). At Charles University, you have to get off your high h yourself by registering on the SIS (Student Information System) website. Yes, do it yourse mean however that your exam period is flexible and can suit you by fitting around your tra socialising plans. Western Erasmus students told me most of their exams are in written mod and written coursework will compile their final grade. In central European universities, i to have oral or/and presentation-style exams as well as written essays and papers. You are to be examined along the way through mini-tests, class participation and homeworks instead concentrated, stress-inducing exam period once a year. At Charles University all modules a vary regarding marking and exams and some Erasmus students have been left confused by the strategies – there is no singular “system” like you’ll find in Western European universiti find a great deal of marking methods are dependant to the individual lecturer and the subj makes a change! *========================================================================================= * 5 TEXTING IS ALSO OK *========================================================================================= At schools and universities in Western Europe teachers have stricter policies on your happ texting and phoning in class in Britain is punishable by detention, extra work and humilia sent out or shouted at in front of a whole lecture hall) the Czech Republic has a more rel attitude. In fact, I don’t really see Czech students on their mobiles. Some have them on t may send a text during class, but they’re not married to their phones and will still pay a Erasmus students find that it is very relative to the teacher at their home universities, a more relaxed policy in the Czech Republic. Maybe it’s just down to respect that Czech st utilise this freedom? Or that the relaxed policy doesn’t encourage students to be rebellio of it. *========================================================================================= * 6 NO MORE DETENTION….YIPEE! *========================================================================================= Punishment in Czech universities and schools is definitely not as “authoritarian” as in Br where it is perfectly normal to be excluded, put in isolation or sentenced to lengthy dete having done your homework, dying your hair pink, swearing or sticking gum on the chair. Er have found that Charles University encourages independent study and if you don’t pay atten work then this is your prerogative…unlike in Britain, you are not having teachers nagging work in! Interestingly, I have never seen a teacher tell a student off during my Erasmus s there are less naughty slackers, which may be down to the fact Erasmus students chose to b and have less compulsory modules, so they’re not being forced to do anything. *========================================================================================= * 7 ...BUT NO SLACKING, KIDS! *========================================================================================= Don’t think you’re getting off lightly though – classes in the Czech Republic conduct regi than in Western Europe. Also, I hate to break it to you, but teachers have eyes. *========================================================================================= * 8 FINDING YOUR LECTURE ROOM IS NO LONGER A SEARCH FOR THE HOLY GRAIL *========================================================================================= When I first came to the Faculty of Arts at Charles University, I recoiled in shock. The r are logical. They’re chronological. So thank you Charles University from all Erasmus stude sending us on a wild goose chase and for relieving many lost foreign students from their e home university woes of finding room XYZ10 at 8:30 in the morning by having a simple and r floor-number format. I’m sure Erasmus students from campus universities will miss having f together rather than spread across the city however, but after all that Trdelník or Medovn pastries), we certainly need the exercise. *========================================================================================= * 9 SAY GOODBYE TO THE LATE MONSTER *========================================================================================= Most Erasmus students have found that slight lateness is not such an apocalyptic matter he depends on the teacher, so don’t push it) and lessons don’t always start on the dot. Charl classes are friendly and teachers are generally very understanding and pleasant, although of and expect contribution from everyone – this means putting your hand up and having your which require turning up to class. Nonetheless, keep on mind that Czech teachers and stude rule of so called “academic quarter” – you should never be later than 15 minutes for the c teacher doesn’t appear until that point, you might want to investigate if the class was no that day. *========================================================================================= * 10 TRAM & METRO JOURNIES WILL MAKE YOU LOSE THE WILL TO LIVE *========================================================================================= Crammed metros/ trams during your peaks of tiredness with someone’s dog at your feet early morning and someone’s smelly KFC under your nose late at night, not to mention the race to especially when only one is in operation. Still, Prague transport is extremely frequent an than the London underground…. make that most underground services, actually. They are also cancelled due to a protest or strike, both of which are the deepest trials and tribulation and Parisians. There are no unexplained cancellations, engineering faults and 45 minute de platform silence which would normally be filled a tannoy voice: “this train is cancelled d disruptive passengers/a chicken on the tracks” is also music to my ears. *========================================================================================= * 11 TRAM PRICES & HYGIENE WILL RESTORE THAT WILL *========================================================================================= Who the hell wants to get out a mortgage to travel on a smelly, late train filled with hob Nobody in the Czech Republic it seems. Erasmus students all commented on the welcoming fai travel prices, so there’s no need to be out of pocket to travel to lectures, around the ci surrounding areas. What’s more, there’s flexibility. Only travelling for 15 minutes, half There are tickets for all time frames available, ranging from less than 50 cent to a few E or 3 month pass is pittance too, so there’s no excuse to not have a ticket. Remember to va as the ticket inspectors (as many students have encountered!) can be a little scary and qu peeps have not read the signs and been landed with a fine. Also note that unlike Western E buy a ticket on the bus, tram or Metro, so this needs to be done prior. It takes some time particularly if your home university is rural, but the Czech transport has the Erasmus sea *========================================================================================= * 12 EVEN ESSAY WRITING IS AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE *========================================================================================= Erasmus students all adore the integrated and international environment at Charles Univers city, enjoying the many languages being spoken down the corridors and in the social areas. library and teaching staff are multilingual and very supportive (but as most Erasmus stude a bit of Czech does go a long way!) and we’ve all been surprised at the ease and fluency o and lecturing staff. A number of Erasmus students informed me of their surprise at the cho you can submit coursework in too – in one of my modules, I was given the choice of Czech, French or German, so it’s worth asking your lecturer. Make the most of our multinational u won’t be able to write your essay in five languages elsewhere! *========================================================================================= * 13 LECTURES PAST YOUR DINNER TIME *========================================================================================= For some Erasmus students, class when its pitch dark outside is madness – many commented t never have class before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. at home, however the time and duration of tend to be country-specific but rather relative to the university you attend. At Charles U of us have class up until 8 p.m. and as early as 8 a.m. – they also tend to last in betwee 2 hours, enough to get some of us inevitably moaning. God help us when we have full time j *========================================================================================= * 14 SMALLER CLASSES FOR THE TEACHER’S PETS *========================================================================================= Erasmus students from popular, city and large campus universities are accustomed to impers containing hundreds of students and classes with up to 30 or 40. All students I spoke to p smaller, more close-knit classes at Charles University which usually contain as little as meaning that individuals have greater attention from teachers to have their questions answ styles met (plus there’s more chance of having a laugh with your teacher = brownie points) you can get to know your fellow classmates better and all Erasmus students feel the benefi please beware that classes in Czech language are as big as we are used from our home unive University is after all the biggest Czech university with over 50.000 students. And there classes for 50 students – particularly by high demanded subjects such as History. *========================================================================================= * 15 YOU MAY END UP A MOVIE STAR *========================================================================================= What’s the best thing about university in Prague? If its not the beer or the sights, it’s – the city is a hotspot for action films, horror, historical and mystical settings, so don if you see cameras following a James Bond lookalike pelting it down Charles Bridge (this i – James Bond: Casino Royale has been shot close to Prague, along with many other cinema hi adverts and fashion shows) or trailers carrying hordes of make-up and serving hot soup to in the city centre. When I asked students what cool things they have seen and done in Prag wouldn’t of at home, this was the number one response that made me giggle: only Erasmus st to run across the set or stand for ages waving towards the camera range. 5 seconds of fame it was worth it. And yes, you can also register by one of the numerous extras casting agen active in Prague to get a real job in a film. *========================================================================================= * 16 BE A REAL LIFE SIMPSON *========================================================================================= Prague sells DUFF BEER. Nowhere else seems to. Life is so much better as a Simpson. That i *========================================================================================= * 17 ENJOY THE VARIETY OF ERASMUS TEACHERS *========================================================================================= Erasmus students have found teachers to be less strict and more inconsistent across the bo approaches to teaching and marking than at their home universities, but some have taken th more diverse teaching style and most have agreed it’s just different to what they’re used *========================================================================================= * 18 SAY AHOJ TO INDIVIDUALISTIC LEARNING AND BETTER GRADES *========================================================================================= Charles University has a rich and specialised choice of modules that allow Erasmus student pick and mix program that suits their core interests, passions and strengths. There’s flex easy to attain a grade that reflects your input and skills more accurately and lecturers h with you sitting in on classes that catch your eye – without taking the exam and adding to *========================================================================================= * 19 GOD BLESS THE MENZA *========================================================================================= Cheap, speedy, yummy and plenty of choice. Charles University has numerous menzas (cafeter faculties and student accommodation buildings to choose from, so they’re convenient and mo they’re super cheap, serve decent portion sizes, and there’s Wifi. You’ll find everyone th guests, lecturers, local residents, workers and you can pay by cash or on your top-up stud card. The menu has regular fixtures but changes daily and you can even check out what’s av order online so it’s hot and ready when your tummy starts to rumble. The food is fresh and cooked comfort – choose from full-blown meals, traditional Czech dinners, hot or cold, sal trays of desserts. As a vegetarian, I was warned that I’m going to have hell in the Czech simply not true – there’s nutritious salads, pasta or potato dishes, nutty cheesy rolls, f cakes, so you won’t go hungry. German, central European and Eastern European universities whilst other Western, Southern and Northern European universities tend to have on-site res university canteens. From my experience in chain-dominated Britain, you won’t find the qua of fresh, handmade meals at university outlets that you see in the Czech menza, and it cer as affordable. *========================================================================================= * 20 BEER IN THE MENZA *========================================================================================= …And to save the best until last: there’s an assortment of refrigerated beers at the menza find booze in most university food outlets in Europe and the US but again, I think this pe healthy Czech attitude towards alcohol consumption. Some Erasmus students are used to it f universities but a lot find it shocking. Still, you’ll find everyone from lecturers to jan lunchtime bev. Take advantage! Not only does this hit the Erasmus spot, but it’s cheaper t local pub. For the hungover, the non-drinkers and the thirsty, there’s water, juices, fizz array of teas and coffees, including cartons of iced! *========================================================================================= * 21 …BUT NO SPOON FEEDING *========================================================================================= Remember to put your cutlery and plates away after you’ve finished! Most Erasmus students there’s a do-it-yourself expectation at Charles University which applies at the menza and Some exchange students see this as being treated rightly like the responsible adults we al some, this requires a level of effort they aren’t quite used to at home. Off your bums, ev *========================================================================================= * 22 GET USED TO SWEARING AT COMPUTERS *========================================================================================= Passwords, slow internet and university websites are still driving you up the wall and for notice the little British flag in the corner of the screen staring at you in the face. And of Erasmus students who don’t speak Czech, these technical catastrophes are even more fist down that damned passphrase, learn “copy” and “paste” in Czech and pop along to the Charle team – they speak English and are genuinely empathetic towards your smash-the-monitor stat *========================================================================================= * 23 AND TO SPEAKING SOME LOCAL LINGO *========================================================================================= The Erasmus students wish to offer future Charles University students one piece of advice: Czech phrasebook out of your bag. It’s lonely and it will make your life a great deal simp supermarket cashier will be a lot friendlier and you don’t want to end up lost in a foreig unable to communicate (as a lot of us have done). Set yourself up to the challenge – peopl your efforts, so don’t be embarrassed! *========================================================================================= * 24 GET OVER OVEN-LESS LIVING *========================================================================================= Some of Charles University accommodation facilities do not have ovens or microwaves in the is particularly the case of Hostivař Hall of Residence) and most of the occupants have not a major difference between Czech student living and their home university residences. Větr also used to house Erasmus students, do have these facilities and generally bigger kitchen small kitchens and double-occupancy rooms are very typical of US, Central and Eastern Euro and for some, it took some time getting used to. But we’ve got over it; we’re more self su we’ve learnt how to adapt to new environments and countries. We’re more inventive with our curries, soups and fry-ups over the hob – and skint year abroad students will end up survi anyway. Moreover, we have more excuses to get out and make the most of the cheap, local cu never feel guilty about McDonalds or dumplings again. *========================================================================================= * 25 BUT HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE *========================================================================================= You’ll have a love-hate relationship with the noisy, funny students on your corridor and y bunch of lifelong friends. Nothing could replace Erasmus or the charm and cheapness of Pra differences. Poppy Gerrard-Abbott is an Erasmus student studying BA write for the iForum to build on her journalism skills Czech culture and life in Prague through attending loc Poppy saw the iForum as an exciting opportunity to pur experience that has brought some exciting opportunitie such placements to future students.