Studying abroad is a perfect opportunity to meet people from all over the world while expanding your academic growth. Studying there might be perfect for you. Here are 10 reasons to do your Erasmus in the Czech Republic!
1. Geographical location
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The Czech Republic is landlocked, but probably one of the best-connected European destinations. The country borders Poland to the north, Slovakia to the east, Germany to the west and Austria to the south. This geographical location allows you to travel frequently between the bordering countries, train connections are quite good.
2. Language
The official language is Czech, a language with certain similarities to Polish and Slovak. The Czech Republic has a huge cultural mix between the bordering countries, so the population tends to know some Polish, Slovak or German. If you're from these countries, you should have no problem communicating.
Czech is the language of instruction, a somewhat complex language if you are not familiar with the Slavic languages... Here are some basic Czech expressions that you may find useful:
Good morning = “Dobré ráno”
Goodbye/see you later = “Ahoj”
Please = “Prosím”
Thank you = “Thank you”
You are welcome = “Děkuji”
I don’t speak Czech = “Nemluvím česky”
I’m sorry = “Omlouvám se”
3. Education in the Czech Republic
Its Education has a good international reputation. The country is often full of university students, although the country is particularly noted for its high commitment to research. The Czech Republic is the perfect destination for science, engineering and medicine.
Linguistic diversity is another attractive aspect; people from neighbouring countries find it easy to communicate with each other. English is used in some courses at the country's leading universities, a perfect opportunity to improve your English.
4. Transport in the Czech Republic
Transportation is no different from that in other European countries. The country is well-connected by train, and you can easily travel to bordering countries by train.
Public transport
Public transport is well-connected and punctual. You can easily get around by tram and bus, and some major cities, such as Prague, the capital, also have a metro system.
Trains and buses
Trains and buses across the country provide excellent connections between the capital and other parts of the country, although they are particularly easy to travel abroad. The high-speed trains have been running for several years, allowing you to travel around the country in just a few hours.
5. Gastronomy in the Czech Republic
Its gastronomy has clear Slavic influences, we can find certain similarities with Slovak or Polish gastronomy. Here are some typical Czech dishes you should try:
- Bramboračka: a potato, vegetable and mushroom soup, usually seasoned with various spices depending on the region of the country.
- Koleno: roast pork knuckle seasoned with herbs and marinated in beer. Koleno is usually served with pickles or with typical Czech bread.
- Goulash: a typical Hungarian dish that has been adapted to Czech cuisine. Goulash is stewed meat with a sauce, which may vary depending on the area of the country, and is then placed in a loaf of bread without crumbs.
- Kolache: this Czech sweet is a sweet bread roll filled with fruit jam, which can be found in street stalls as well as in bars and restaurants. Kolache can also be savoury.
- Beer: Czech beer is of very good quality and is a source of pride for the country. The taste of Czech beer is very characteristic: it is mild but slightly bitter.
6. Cost of living in the Czech Republic
The cost of living here is not too high, although there are huge differences between Prague and areas further away from the capital. Even so, students have no problem studying in the Czech Republic and do not need to save a lot of money beforehand.
Are you certain you want to study in the Czech Republic? On Erasmus Play you can find accommodation in your destination city, all accommodations are verified, and the process is completely online.
7. Party in the Czech Republic
The country offers you endless possibilities for leisure and partying, the cultural offer (especially concerts and theatre plays) is also very attractive. You will find students from all over the world in this country, this will enable you to have a unique experience.
Prague, Brno, Ostrava and Pilsen, the four largest cities in the Czech Republic, are some of the cities with the best nightlife and party scene in the country.
8. Places to visit in the Czech Republic
This country is known for its fairytale palaces and castles. The country is also one of Europe's greatest exponents of Gothic and Baroque architecture, and the architecture is sure to amaze you. Discover some of the most visited places in the Czech Republic:
- Karlovy Vary
- Brno
- Prague
- Terezin concentration camp
- Trebic
- Ceske Budejovice
- Olomouc
- Svitavy
- Villa Tugendhat
9. Main monuments in the Czech Republic
It is one of the European countries with the most castles, you can't miss any of them. Here are some of the most visited monuments across the Czech Republic:
- Cesky Krumlov Castle
- Tyn Temple
- Prague Old Town
- Prague Castle
- Litomysl Palace
- Diana’s Viewpoint in Karlovy Vary
- Marienbad Spa
- Kromeriz Palace
10. Czech character
The Czechs have a peculiar character, very similar to that of the bordering Slavic countries: at first, they tend to be somewhat closed and even unfriendly. This is due to a different mentality, Czechs have a heightened sense of modesty and find it hard to gain confidence. Once they do, they are friendly and approachable.
Frequestly asked questions of Erasmus students in the Czech Republic
Do you have any doubts about your future Erasmus in the Czech Republic? In Erasmus Play we show you some of the most common questions:
How much does it cost to live in the Czech Republic?
It is a relatively inexpensive destination, given its geographical location and the number of tourists it receives every year. You can live well for around €800 per month in Prague and even less than €600 in other cities in the country.
How much does student accommodation in the Czech Republic cost?
Student accommodation in this country has an average price, you can find rooms in shared flats (the most popular option) for around €250-400. At Erasmus Play, you can compare the best accommodation in your destination city safely and 100% online.
How much is the scholarship to study in the Czech Republic?
The Erasmus grant for the Czech Republic does not have a fixed amount, it depends on several factors such as the university of destination, the university of origin and the grants of both countries (not all of them offer additional grants). At Erasmus Play, we recommend you contact the international relations of your faculty to get a more exact figure.
We hope we have solved your doubts about your Erasmus in the Czech Republic, please send us your comments to help other students who want to study in the Czech Republic!
