Slice of Advice – Erasmus in Charles University in Prague ****************************************************************************************** * Slice of Advice – Erasmus in Charles University in Prague ****************************************************************************************** The opportunity to undertake an Erasmus in Prague cannot be justified by any amount of wor the heart of central Europe, the Czech Republic is the ultimate portal to the rest of Euro cost and time effective means of travel, and is host to the distinguished Charles Universi Having arrived in Prague in late September and narrowly missing the mid-autumn sunshine, t didn’t fail to sweep me away with its quaint and whimsical streets that wind their way amo architecture from many periods varying from Romanesque style, to Gothic and the Baroque er the Art Noveau style of the late 19th century. A welcoming opportunity that Charles University offers to its students, is the chance to b of their many historical buildings that are peppered across Prague city; the newer buildin minicampuses are situated slightly aside of the centre (Charles University does not have a The Law Faculty building for example (my host faculty), is steeped in historical significa occupation of the SS in the first half of 1940s, used it to control the wide surroundings Uprising of the Prague People in 1945. The practicalities and realities of setting up a new life no matter where you go is daunti least. However a few ‘heads up’ from someone what has been through the ropes of it, might interest to those intent on embarking on the cultural, social and personal voyage that Cha in Prague promises. The ‘dormitory life living’ is a simplistic and affordable means of living and undoubtedly advantageous economically and for making friends. The shared rooms and ‘walk in wardrobe’ bathrooms require getting accustomed to, but are always a hub of activity and thriving wit bursting for adventure and travel on every occasion. Erasmus students in Prague can select Hostivař, Trója, Větrník and Hvězda halls of residence in their Erasmus online application state any preference, the European Office (main Erasmus Office of Charles University) will one of the above mentioned residences based on their study field, so that students of one preferably housed together.  In terms of the practicalities of setting up a life in a new country, it can be a bit over Attaining your ID or ISIC card from Charles University will allow you purchase the student for the period you require it while studying in Prague, and allow you to safely avoid incu When first arriving, keep in mind that if you are travelling by public transport to your a are obliged to purchase an extra ticket if you are in possession of large luggage. You may to avail of the taxi service offered outside the airport as it more convenient if you have baggage (please, beware of taxi drivers offering their services directly to you in the arr belonging to the official airport taxi service, to get the fair price and best service). Setting up a Czech account can be beneficial in terms of saving money on conversion and av transaction costs from your home bank. Some students attained a worldwide bank card which send and spend money in over 90 countries, receive a good conversion rate and avoid transa proved extremely convenient and economical especially for those interested in travelling a countries outside the Euro-zone during their year abroad. Likewise, purchasing a Czech sim cost-effective in this regard to avoid roaming charges. It is vital to immerse yourself in as many activities the University offers in the first f is the pathway to meeting new people with similar interests and perhaps engaging in some e activities that will decorate your résumé a bit more. In my host faculty, Charles Universi Society, organised mixers and boat parties at the beginning of term that proved invaluable the transition from being a foreigner to becoming an Erasmus student. Bear in mind that an international exchange and you will most likely befriend more international students than events. If you would prefer to meet more Czech students, some societies offer a ‘buddy’ sy are paired with a local Czech student who can familiarise you with the city and introduce rest outside the well carved tourist path. There is also a ‘tandem’ language exchange serv several of the international societies, if you would like to learn Czech on one-to-one bas student free of charge. As the weeks fly by, an influx of friends, family and visitors are sure to grace your door arrive, perhaps for the first time to Prague, you are not exploring the city with them as as a local flaunting the city, that has become your home. Be it immersing them among the hustle and bustle of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle or in infamous trdelník pastry that are available on every street corner, there isn’t short of s such a vibrant and spirited city. The Zoo and Letná Park with their magnificent views are is any element of sunshine. Perhaps the most challenging aspect of an Erasmus in Prague is being unfamiliar with the C Unlike other European countries, the level of English that the older generation possess is lower in standard and that’s if they even have any English at all – for most of them Russi language to learn at school before the year 1989. The option to take a module in basic Cze to me and it is something I would thoroughly recommend. Another challenging element of adopting a new life in Prague, is learning how to understan currency with ease. It is hugely inflated in comparison to the Euro or Sterling. However t ‘practice makes perfect’ is the mantra that will help see you through this hurdle. The winters in Prague can be harsh with the temperature often dropping to an incredible -1 season for someone coming from Ireland (the locals would laugh and tell you they remember -20° and that for them, the extremely hot summer last year was more difficult to endure wi reaching 40° for several weeks in row). However, the arrival of March sees a drastic chang and sitting outside with a cold beer for less than one euro, admiring the scenery that res of the Vltava River becomes a typical element of your daily routine. Erasmus students take advantage of the warmer part of the year for travelling around. Ther interesting places to go just a few hours away from Prague. Having visited an array of sur countries throughout the two semesters, a few places topped the ‘must-see’ charts. Budapes came out on top, boasting cheap living, roof top thermal baths looking out over the city a It is undeniably an all-rounder for the student traveler. Its wide-planned streets and Art architecture contribute to its ironically intimate vibe. Krakow and Berlin both offered al European cultures and accommodate the student traveler extensively by their party hostels, pub-crawls. Prague is the epitome of a city that accommodates everyone’s interest. Its low cost of liv lower incomes of the locals than what is standard in Western Europe) means that it can off in terms of experience, travel and embarking upon a fruitful Erasmus of memories and fondn chose to complete your Erasmus in Charles University in Prague, expect to leave with conta over the world, a broader international education, empty pockets… but an irrefutable longi Aoife Brady is an Irish International Law student on Erasmus in Charles University. She en foreign students studying abroad. She also has a keen interest in travel and is looking to