Erasmus with a child ****************************************************************************************** * Erasmus with a child ****************************************************************************************** To leave your home, family and friends, the university you know well and your familiar env definitely not an easy thing for any of our exchange students. On top of that, if you alre and must also consider what is going to happen with them during your semester or year abro they are going to be during the time you attend classes, the participation in the Erasmus exchange) programme becomes even more complicated. During the academic year 2012-13, the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University is Schüler from European university Viadrina (Frankfurt an der Oder), who is currently in Pra year-old son Karl. I-Forum approached Judith to share her experiences of having a child wh abroad. Judith, since you study European Studies and are interested in the European Union and main European countries, you were probably very keen to study abroad for a while. How difficult it to leave your home and come to a completely foreign city with your young son? Since I started my Masters in European Studies it was clear to me that I wanted to study a time. I got pregnant in my first semester, yet my wish to study abroad still persisted. In my child has never been an obstacle, rather just an extra challenge in realising my plans. I was sure that I wanted to go to the Czech Republic, as I was always interested in Centra countries (because of their history, culture, politics, language, etc.) and the historical relations between Germany and Czech Republic. Within my studies, I also focused on minorit Central European countries and I wanted to deepen my understanding surrounding this topic. I had learnt Czech during my Bachelor studies and I wanted to improve my language skills. I chose Prague for several reasons. First of all, I was really attracted to the city itsel travelled to Prague a few times, I had fallen in love with it right from the start and I a wish to live there for a while. I was also interested in how it feels to study at Charles university with such a long and important history. Furthermore, I already knew some people living in Prague and I hoped that they could help our stay, especially at the beginning. It turned out in the end that this was almost unnec still good to know that there is someone to ask in the case of an emergency. From the beginning, it was clear that my boyfriend (Karl´s father) would not be able to co Therefore, the most important thing for me to consider before applying was if he agreed wi turned out that he did agree and we hoped to see each other as often as possible, so the r distance between Berlin and Prague was another advantage for me. After I got the confirmation from my home university that I was selected to study at Charl the Erasmus program, the funding became the biggest issue. I realised that childcare servi for children under the age of 3 are much more expensive than in Germany. Luckily, I manage financial support from the German state and a special funding for students with children p Erasmus program and DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst). What did you have to organise for the move, both back at home and here in Prague? How long arrange everything? I started to arrange everything for our stay from the moment I was informed that I had bee within the Erasmus program. This was at the beginning of 2012, so it took me around half a time I had to apply for the funding, arrange both the accommodation and the childcare in P about other things such as health insurance etc. I did a lot of research by myself but also used personal contacts to find a suitable “škol and realistic accommodation. Luckily, I was quickly informed by the International Office o Social Sciences and the European Office that we could apply for family accommodation in Hv Unfortunately, the Halls of Residence were unable to confirm our reservation before summer searching for a flat in the meantime. I focused mainly, however, on looking for a place in In summer 2012, I also travelled to Prague to visit several childcare institutions in adva wanted this aspect to be organised in person. We arrived in Prague four weeks before the s have enough time for the adjustment period into the nursery. What services does your home university provide for students with children? Is there, for campus nursery or special accommodation for students with children? Do the students with c other, for example with babysitting? At my home university there is no campus nursery, however short-term childcare is provided of an emergency. I guess it is also possible (e.g. for visiting professors) to arrange reg services in a state nursery in Frankfurt (Oder) or for a nurse to come to the rooms of the university also partly covers the costs for childcare services (up to 100 Euros each semes Furthermore, you can find two rooms equipped with toys, books, blankets, pillows, etc. whi use with their children there. There are also a few rest rooms which are equipped with a t can change nappies. I don´t know if there is any special accommodation for families as in more common to live in a private flat. This is what we do in Berlin. Basically, everything concerning family is organised by a special department for family ma personal consultation, the staff also organise several events where parents (both students their children can meet each other and be informed of special issues concerning family and In Prague, you live in Hvězda, in the so called “family hall of residence” where young fam students with children are housed. Have you been able to find friends or people to support living in Prague with your son? What does your typical day look like? Most of the families we have met are very kind, open, patient (for example when I try to e Czech) and willing to help me in any situation. We have already received two invitations f were really appreciated. Above all, I have the feeling that all the families try to suppor as much as possible, as all of them know how hard it is to reconcile student and family li living in Hvězda is a good way to get in touch with young families from a similar backgrou never lived in a university dormitory before so it is an interesting experience. Still, after this short period of time (Judith and Karl arrived to Prague 3 months ago), I that the families we have met at Hvězda have become real friends. I think this needs some is definitely an advantage though, especially for the children, as they always have someon with. What does our typical day look like? From Monday till Thursday we are out and about for pr entire day and nearly every minute is planned out. We get up early, have breakfast and lea around 8 in the morning. I then take Karl to nursery. We usually return home at around 6 i After dinner, I put Karl to bed and prepare my work for university. During the week, there is not much time to meet other families. The weekends, however, loo this time is completely reserved for activities with Karl. We either spend some time alone (sometimes with families from the dorm), mostly outside. At the beginning of the semester, go to Malá Strana or Anděl. The area close to Hvězda is also amazing, it is great for chil are playgrounds on pretty much every other corner. I also love Divoká Šárka, Obora Hvězda   Overall, there is a lot to explore for the both of us. Next semester I would like to joi activities with Karl, which I think could also be a good chance to meet some locals. You had already lived abroad before, as a German teacher in Tallin, Estonia and for severa Budapest, Hungary. If you compare your stays abroad back then with your stay in Prague now difficult it is to live (and study) abroad with a child? All in all, the crucial point which is different, is that I am not only responsible for my for my son. For example, I can not really afford to get ill. Also every decision that I ma on how Karl can handle it. As a result I cannot take as many classes as 'normal' students stress would also affect Karl. Furthermore, I have to be even more well structured and dis usual. When Karl is in nursery I prepare things for university, and if he is not I have to by myself which is more or less like a full-time job. There is not much time for anything not very flexible, as I cannot go out at night, visit museums and exhibitions, or even sim cinema with a friend. Neither am I able to travel that much within the Czech Republic or j organized by the International Club at the Faculty of Social Sciences. These are all thing in Estonia and Hungary. The possibility to meet new people, especially students, are rathe have to say from time to time makes me really sad. On the other hand, I realise my life wi a broader and deeper insight into Czech culture, concerning the educational system and val raising to name just two aspects. This is truly a great chance to get to know a country or another perspective and I could not experience anything like this in either Estonia or Hun You already knew some Czech before coming to Prague. We suppose that this was of an advant organising your arrival – do you think that it would have been possible to run all the pre any knowledge of the local language (since, for example, we do not house any other interna in the 'family hall of residence' Hvězda)? Basically,  I am convinced that it is possible to get along without any knowledge of the C course, it does depend on what one expects from the stay. Concerning childcare services, i a private nursery where the staff speak very good English, and also French or German, but slightly different with state nurserys. In general, some basic knowledge is extremely help because the staff at the dormitory do not speak very good English. Having said that, in my they are very patient and there is always someone around who is willing to help. I think i helpful for families without any knowledge of Czech in Hvězda to have somebody 'official' arrange things, at least in the beginning. (The European Office had an English speaking Er placement student in Hvězda Hall of Residence during the period of arrivals at the end of beginning of October 2012; sadly, it was not possible to cover the few earlier arrivals.) Thank you for the interview.