Studying abroad can be a challenging thing but many would argue that more than that, it is an opportunity to become a self-dependant, open-minded and mature person. Mihailo Dudić, a Serbian student from the University of Niš, has recently finished his stay at the Faculty of Physical Culture PU and according to him, it was an unforgettable and life-changing experience. If you are still deciding whether studying or working abroad is something for you, go ahead and read what Mihailo wrote about his experiences in Olomouc.
Why did you choose our university for your Erasmus study experience?
I looked up Olomouc after I found out about the possibility to come here for an Erasmus stay, and from the first moment I knew that I wanted to go and experience life in this place. I saw the excellent level of education system and saw the opportunity to grow as an individual which this opportunity presents. I wanted to come for an exchange stay and Olomouc seemed to be the very best option.
Were your expectations different from reality?
I would absolutely say yes. At first I didn’t know what to expect, I was coming to a new country with a new language. I knew in advance that I would learn to speak better English because I would be forced to use it every day and that was true. But I didn’t know that there was so much more to see and experience than I imagined. From the people that I met and the cultures that I learned about, to places that I visited and the knowledge that I collected from great teachers. I would say that I grew so much as an individual, much more than I expected.
Can you compare your study experience in Olomouc with the experience from your home university?
Definitely yes, first it would be English – listening and speaking in English in every course made me learn the language very well. Secondly, and this is probably the best thing, was that the teachers gave us a chance to present our topics to other people, which I find extremely helpful. To speak in front of other people, and to have the responsibility for teaching somebody else is invaluable.
What was your favourite course and why?
I think that every course was very good and helpful. But due to my interest in this topic, I would say that the best course was Fitness and Wellness with Dr Michal Kudláček. It was a great experience with a great teacher, we learned about the most significant current health topics like diabetes, obesity, hypertension and so much more. Other than that, the Introduction to Adaptive Physical Activity was also a fantastic course with Dr Ondřej Ješina. He showed us unlimited potential in people with disabilities.
How did you spend your free time?
I spent my time travelling, working out, and spending time with other people from all over the world.
What were some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome as an Erasmus student?
Going into the unknown. Everything was new to me, it was totally out of my comfort zone. I was forced to depend on myself, but thanks to the amazing staff from the International Relations Office, who guided me and helped me a lot, it was much easier. I had to force myself to learn to speak English fast, because I was using it every day and even though I already could speak before, I felt it wasn’t enough, especially at the beginning of my stay.
At first coming alone was frightening, I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t know how it is all going to work out, but the other Erasmus students were very open and I was able to find new friends easily.
What is the single most memorable experience you have from your Erasmus life?
It would be hard to pick just one, but if I have to point out one thing, it would be the chance to speak and present in front of other people in the courses, which I mentioned before. Having the opportunity to become the teachers and create our own topics, being able to present, to speak in front of other people knowing that the knowledge that I was sharing may help someone, it was an amazing experience.
Have you changed because of your Erasmus experience?
Definitely yes. From improving my language level, to depending on myself, acquiring more knowledge, more experience, visiting more and more places. I could go on and on, but most importantly I am not the same person, I am proud of the journey and grateful that I chose going for an Erasmus to Olomouc, which I recommend to everybody.
How can this experience benefit your future career?
Great question, as I mentioned before, I am a much better person because of this experience. I learned a lot and I can implement this knowledge into my personal life and help other people to live better lives because of it.
In today’s world, we live in a place where there is a significant increase of obesity, more people are diagnosed with diabetes and other problems arise every day. With knowledge we can change that, and I definitely have much better knowledge of these issues thanks of this experience.
Would you recommend the exchange stay at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc to your friends? Why?
Absolutely, one hundred percent! Everybody should come and experience this, many people can benefit from it, they can meet interesting people, travel to various places and above all they can learn a lot.
Erasmus is an incredible opportunity for all the students and during my stay I did not see a bad side of it, there was none. If somebody is reading this and considering whether they should come to Olomouc or not, I encourage them to come. I believe that nobody would regret it.
In conclusion…
I would like to thank to all of the staff at the International Relations Office, and to all of the teachers, every one of them. I would like to express my gratitude to Michal Kudláček, an amazing person with so much knowledge, to Ondřej Ješina for letting me be a part of the APA team, to Jitka Martincová for helping me with the administration of the documents and of my stay, and especially to Tereza Halvová who helped me the most. Without her I would probably be completely lost in the documents and the whole process. I am grateful for this wonderful experience and I do not regret a single second of it. I would encourage new generations to come to Olomouc and experience the Erasmus life, while they have the chance.
This was an experience that will be with me forever.
