Next international student in our series of interviews is Kirara Iwasa. She came from Japan, from Faculty of Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University. She likes travelling, watching movies, cooking, foreign language learning, puzzles or learning about new cultures. Does she enjoy studying in Olomouc?
Why did you choose our university for your Erasmus study experience?
First of all, my university in Japan and Palacký University have a study partnership. I was interested in the differences in the classes between Japan and the Czech Republic and also, since I had never been to Europe before, I thought it would be a great opportunity to try new things and then I wanted to contribute to my home university with this study abroad experience.
Were your expectations different from the reality?
There weren’t such big differences. However, I had some difficulties because of the language, which was harder than I expected. Also, I was surprised that each faculty of the Palacký University is situated in a different building.
Can you compare your study experience in Olomouc with the experience from your home university?
The biggest difference is the number of international students and that for Erasmus students, there are classes taught in English. Also, I don’t have to take a tram when I need to go to the stadium. The classes at Palacký University are mainly organized in small groups which means there are many opportunities to actively participate during the class by doing couple or group work. Compared to my Japanese university, where I had a lot of exams, I have more assignments rather than exams here.
What were some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome as an Erasmus student?
To adapt to a completely new situation and the fact that almost all of the environment around me has changed. I had to make new friends from the very beginning and I had difficulties with not only English but also with Czech. Moreover, it was hard for me not to keep in touch with my family because of the 7-8hour time difference.
How do you spend your free time?
I often sleep because I like to do it. I also go on trips with my friends from time to time and talk on Skype with my family or friends in Japan.
What is the single most memorable experience you have had from your Erasmus life so far?
The day when I had to say goodbye to my friends. Even though we spent just a few months being together, it was so sad and difficult because they were like a family for me.
Have you changed because of your Erasmus experience?
Of course, I think that all my experience throughout this Erasmus stay has changed me a lot.
How can this experience benefit your future career?
I can’t say exactly at the moment but I am sure that I will definitely use this experience in the future.
Would you recommend the study at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc to your friends? Why?
Yes of course, that’s why I was chosen to study at Palacký University in the first place. :-)
If you had to describe your Erasmus experience in Olomouc using 5 words, which ones would you use?
Grateful / Proud/ Satisfied/ Trouble/ LOVE.
Archive
CZ: Edita Hendrychová a Patrik Svoboda / Petr Jinek / Lucie Kutheilová / Kristýna Navrátilová /
EN: Patrik Horváth / Lara Carrascosa Agustina & Alba Martinez Zorrilla / Francesco Serra /