Although the new academic year at Palacký University Olomouc only started today, more than three hundred international exchange students have already completed the first week of intensive preparations thanks to Orientation Week organized by the Division for International Cooperation in cooperation with ESN UP Olomouc.
Last week, more than 300 international exchange students gathered in Olomouc to begin their five (or ten)-month-long study journey at our university. Orientation week started on Monday 16th September with a presentation not only of the Palacký University in Olomouc and its facilities but also of our UNESCO city and the Czech Republic as a culturally and historically rich country. The program included presentations from Akademik Sports Center, Welcome Office UP, ESN UP Olomouc, Sustainable University, and the Accommodation Office.
A presentation on the topic of Czech culture, history, politics, or stereotypes led by the head of the Office for Partnerships, Mgr. Teresa Kalousková, could not be omitted. At the end of the lecture, students could test their (newly) gained knowledge during a quiz and the three best ones could win a little prize.
On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, students coming from 5 different continents got the opportunity to learn the basics of the Czech language and to listen to practical information related not only to their studies at UP, but also to life outside the university in Olomouc.
The last item on the agenda of Orientation Week was a meeting with the Police of the Czech Republic, during which the students learned practical information regarding Czech laws or their rights and obligations in our country.
Like every semester, student volunteers from ESN UP Olomouc were a great help to us, as they showed their new "classmates" around university facilities and other practical places in Olomouc and prepared an unforgettable daily afternoon programme.
We would like to thank all lecturers and helpers for another successful Orientation Week and we wish all students as many pleasant and enriching experiences and newly established friendships as possible.