In autumn 2023, another of our international degree students has successfully finished his studies at the Faculty of Physical Culture and celebrated this splendid occasion during the graduation ceremony. Augustine Kyere from Ghana started his studies in the Physical Activity and Active Living programme in 2020 and after three years in Olomouc, he says that although there has been some surprises and he had to overcome challenges, it was the best place he could have chosen to do his master’s degree.
Why did you choose to study a master’s degree programme at our faculty?
Firstly, the programme satisfies my interest and my previous study area. The medium of instruction was English language and the teachers and contents of the programme attracted me when I read about them online at the faculty website. Together with the affordable tuition fees, these were good reasons for me.
Were your expectations different from reality?
My expectations were not different from the real situations as far as teachers and faculty members are concerned. Almost all the teachers were very nice in their teaching process with good attitudes of acceptance. I really appreciate that the faculty was understanding when I got in a little difficult situation and proved to be flexible and forthcoming towards the international students.
What surprised you when you started living in the Czech Republic?
I was surprised to see the teachers treat students based on the interests of the students concerning time for meetings for a class (lesson) and writing tests. Also, the first time I went to Tereza Havlová's office (the International Coordinator at the faculty) she asked me if I would take coffee, and gave me a pen and a book (jotter). In fact I was so happy with that. And Dr. Michal Kudlacek always offered me coffee anytime I went to his office, even though I did not take it but that was warm reception. These have been positive surprises and I appreciate these kinds of treatments.
What surprised me outside the school, was to see a lot of people staring at me and even some pointed fingers at me when I walked around in the street. Also, it was a surprise to realize that the cold weather can make you have severe pain in your fingers. Although I knew the Czech Republic has cold winter, I never imagined it could give you a burning sensation in your body!
Can you compare your study experience in Olomouc with the experience from your previous university?
Experience at Palacký University: The teachers were so open to receive me and discuss my problems academically or personally. They treated me very nicely, like a colleague. I was not forced to follow commands and I had the liberty to choose any teacher of my interest as a supervisor for the thesis.
Previous university: Some of my teachers were not open (not friendly) to me and would not want to deal with my problems. I was always compelled to follow command and I was attached to a supervisor for the thesis without my interests.
What was your favourite course and why? Did you have a favourite teacher?
I like all the courses studied, however, the ones I like most were Wellness and Fitness; Motor Control and Learning; Therapeutic Recreation; Monitoring of Physical activity; Methods of individual sports (Judo and Gymnastics); Lifestyle behaviour / Nutrition; Management in physical activity; and Sport pedagogy.
Really, I like all the teachers because almost every one of them treated me better. Especially, Prof. Josef Mitas helped me a lot to go through certain problems. Also Dr. Ondrej Jesina helped with a very nice bigger bag, helmet, sleeping mat, and other things during the 2022 expedition. Likewise, Tereza Havlová from the International Relations Office, she also helped me a lot by giving me guidelines in dealing with cumbersome processes during my studies. But Dr. Jana Hoffmannova was not happy with my class attendance, because I had a difficult situation when I had overlapping classes.
What were some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome as a foreign student?
Language barrier leading to misinterpretation of ideas being conveyed was one thing. Also getting the right information to do exactly what is expected becomes a problem. My skin colour gives other people misconceptions and to my disappointment, few people that I became friends with, and I helped them financially, promised to give it back to me but did not do so. They have just taken my money when I was being a kind friend.
How did you spend your free time during your studies?
On some occasions I went out with my former roommate Oscar to visit the lake site in Olomouc (I don't know the exact name of the place, but I called it a lake site) and also visited some few restaurants and bar. However, I spent most of my free time in my room (dormitory), cooking, eating, reading, doing homework, playing with my phone and laptop, and then sleeping.
What is the single most memorable experience you have from your student life at our faculty?
When I joined the expedition to Slovakia with other students, teachers, and people with disabilities. It was the first time that I took part in a trip like that with very nice people in my life. On top of that, it was my first time sitting in a canoe floating on water (river) during the expedition.
Have you changed because of this experience?
I think that there have been some changes but not much. Academically, my knowledge in the field of Physical Education is broadened. In terms of food, I got the taste of dumplings during the expedition in Slovakia and now it is a part of my menu at home. Socially, I am being extra careful in making friends. And in terms of physical activity level, there is a reduction in the time, frequency, intensity and the type of physical activity I perform (I have lower level of physical activity in Olomouc, compared to when I was in Ghana).
What are your plans after graduating Palacký University?
I would like to work in Czech and save money to a) set up a fitness centre in Kumasi – Ghana; b) do a coaching course in soccer (if possible); c) buy a building plot and build a house in Ghana for my family; d) additionally run my business in gold in Ghana.
Would you recommend the study at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc to your friends? Why or why not?
Yes. However, the recommendation would be based on the interests of my friends.
In conclusion…
In conclusion, Palacký University Olomouc, in particular the Faculty of Physical Culture have been so nice, welcoming, and overall the best place for my further studies in Physical Education (Physical Activity and Active Living).
