Tips, Tricks, and I Wish...

Ok everyone, here is a blog solely for my class. This one is for the students that want to study in the Czech Republic in the Future. It has been a life changing experience for me and I have loved every second of it. Hope this helps!

Packing and Traveling

Packing for this program was a pain in the butt. I had no idea how much or little I should bring, what I would need, or what the weather would be like. The one thing I wish I had brought with me would be a comfy sweatshirt or hoody. There have been so many times I just wanted to curl up in something warm that reminded me of home. Some things that I wished I had left at home were the extra cosmetics and lotions and things like that. I didn't wear much of it or use the majority of what I had so it’s just extra weight to carry around. While being here I have definitely come to appreciate light weight things and my anti-wrinkly spray. Being fashionable is over rated anyways. No one cares that you wear the same things over and over again.

Traveling has been my favorite part of this program. Just pick up and go anywhere I want has been a dream come true. Some things I have learned is that the incognito mode on your computer is your best friend. Seriously. That’s how you find the best prices for transportation. My advice is don’t go overboard with the planning. The biggest part of a trip is getting there. Have a bucket list of what you want to and go do it. If you make an itinerary things are bound to get messed up and it’s more stressful for you and anyone else. Go with the flow and sometimes getting lost is the best thing that will ever happen to you, that’s where the adventure happens J.

As a young woman traveling in foreign countries that usually don’t speak English as their first language I have learned a little thing about safety. Travel buddies are the best, not only do you have someone to watch your back but you have a friend to share in the adventure. When I left for the Czech my dad gave me a pocket knife to keep with me for safety (thanks daddy!) I take this thing with me whenever I can but I mostly use it for cooking rather than fending off bad guys. The biggest point I can make is pay attention to your surroundings, don’t wear big flashy “look I have money!” pieces of clothing or jewelry and try not to draw too much attention to yourself.

There are so many places and things to see while in Europe. Go wherever your heart desires, even if it wasn't on your list of things to see. I wasn't too thrilled to go to London and it turned out to be one of my favorite places. Just get out there and explore.

Social Life

I had no idea how or where to meet the local students that weren't apart of the ERASMUS Program (a European exchange program). After a few weeks one of our fearless leaders, Martin, kind of made his students come talk to us so we would have people to practice our Czech with so we would learn faster (that was the idea at least). The majority of my free time I spent with the other ERASMUS, Czech or American students either going out to the pubs, hanging at parks and just talking or just sitting on the steps of our dorms. The rest of my free time was spent sleeping. You think I’m joking but I’m not. I was either traveling, going on random adventures in Olomouc or trying to catch up on lost sleep. It is worth every second though. The best advice I can give for those considering this program is make as many friends from as many different places as you can. They will teach you so much about yourself and the world around you. I cannot tell you how many late night conversations I had about the differences between my country and others. I have made friends here that I won’t easily forget.

School Work

The school work here is extremely different compared to back home. Here I had a different professor almost every day, classes were usually at night and you have to listen very carefully because everyone speaks with an accent. Most of the professors I have had were very enthusiastic about their topic and loved to answer questions. Questions were also expected at the end of each lecture. It’s not like back home where if everyone shuts up you get out early. They will keep you and give you those awkward assessing eyes that just make you feel uncomfortable. Grading has been pretty simple, do the work and do it correctly you get a good grade. Not hard. I don’t study here as much as I did back home but I think that has something to do with the classes themselves. Our teachers are very good at what they do and they understand that our program has us traveling a lot. Plus we have Czech language class everyday so it kind of becomes ingrained to go over everything right before class. I can honestly say I have never stepped foot into the school library (I think there are actually three… Maybe?) It’s totally weird for me not being in the library all the time but I have never needed it and I found other places to study. Cafes are awesome by the way.

Money & Communications

When I left for the Czech I brought about $600 in Czech Crowns and that almost lasted until the end of my trip. I also brought my debit and credit card. Most of my money went towards food and travel. I was fairly frugal when it came to spending money and my roommate and I would split the cost of groceries so it wouldn't be nearly as much if I did it on my own. The fresh food here is a lot more affordable here than in the states so I mostly got fruits and veggies with some bread and meat for meals. I think I spent less than $600 for all of my transportation and less than $400 for accommodations. The group I traveled with did a lot of research before we went anywhere. It was kind of our thing to see how cheap we could travel.

As for calling home I used the FaceTime app on my iPad, the Whatsapp on my iPhone and skype on my Facebook. Those were pretty reliable for me and I would recommend them to other traveling overseas.

Tips and Other Comments

Bring a rain coat (you will thank yourself later), comfy, stable shoes (my favorite were my combat boots, you walk a lot of cobble-stoned streets) and something that reminds you of home. Bring some pictures of friends and family to hang in your room too!

Try to be as open minded as you possibly can when you travel. Remember that you are the foreigner, the intruder, and you are on their territory. Not everyone will speak English so don’t get frustrated just keep trying to find someone that will somewhat understand you. Make friends and do as many things as you possibly can. Two and a half months seems like loads of time but I promise it goes faster than you think. Have fun, explore and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime J.

Must Do Activities

1.       The salt mines in Krakow. Under no circumstances miss this part of the program. I thought I was going to hate this tour but it turned out to be one of my favorites! Oh, and lick the wall, don’t ask questions, just do it. You will understand when you get to that point.

2.       Go to the National party at Belmodo as soon as you get to Olomouc. These nights are when you get to hang with the other ERASMUS students and make memories you won’t forget (some you won’t remember in the first place..)

3.       Easter in the Czech Republic…. This is something you will want to experience. They have a special drink and even more special traditions. I warn you, if you take part in this celebration, girls you are just gonna have to go with it and guys should enjoy their power while they can because it will last for a very, very short period of time and the girls will come after you.

4.       The May Day celebration in the main square. Its actually the Burning of the Witches celebration but they still have the mayday pole and things like that. The square is filled with stalls selling homemade crafts from the surrounding towns, live music and loads of food (I was in Heaven!) try the sausages and the sweet sauerkraut. Delicious!

5.       Tram hopping. Olomouc is a lot bigger than they show you in orientation. Take an afternoon and just hop from tram to tram and see the city. You will discover a ton of cool places to shop, eat and just hang out at. It’s worth the time. Plus you can try and eavesdrop on conversations and see if you understand any Czech yet. I swear I almost did the happy dance in the middle of the tram when I understood a conversation going on next to me.