Meet Neil Martín García, a Spanish Erasmus student shares how a recommendation from a friend led him to Palacký University Olomouc — a decision that turned out to be one of the best of his life. From memorable classes and supportive teachers to unforgettable travels and friendships, he reflects on the ways this experience exceeded his expectations and shaped his personal and professional growth.
Why did you choose our university for your Erasmus study experience?
I have a friend who came here last year and I followed his life in Olomouc and sometimes I spoke with him and he strongly recommended me to come here, and independently of it, I felt that Czech Republic would be a good country to stay and get to know. And it completely exceeded my expectations.
Are you happy with your choice? Were your expectations different from the reality?
I always say that I couldn't have chosen better. I knew that the experience in Olomouc would be nice but not as much. I think that my experience here couldn't be better because of how I enjoyed it here, the people I met, the places I discovered here and in other countries I travelled to, everything I learnt and how I was helped and welcomed. It was unimaginable for me and for anyone who go to study to a different country.
Can you compare your study experience in Olomouc with the experience from your home university?
After two years studying in my home university, I can say that the experiences are completely different. In my home university I am used to going to a lot of classes every day, mostly having to pay attention to long theorical classes, being with about 90 people in the class and after nearly 4 months we have exams of so many topics, which is sometimes unnecessary.
In Olomouc, the study experience was completely different, I can say that I enjoyed going to class and studying, which is something I never expected to happen in my life. The timetable was reasonable, classes were practical and enjoyable and the atmosphere with my classmates and teachers was perfect. Then I had the luck to stay in Neředín dormitory, what meant to be right next to the faculty, just one minute walk. Another point which surprised me were the facilities. There are three different big buildings. The A and the B where the most of us stayed and they are very well equipped and new. The C building is being renovated and looks also very good.
What was your favourite course and why?
Disability sports was an incredible subject. All of us enjoyed a lot this subject because of all different things we did and learnt. Each class was different, we practised a lot of sports and activities for people with some disability so we learnt a lot while we enjoyed playing and having fun.
How did/do you spend your free time?
I enjoyed going to the Poděbrady lake, to the city centre, eating out or having a takeaway, playing football in the park of Nove Sady, going to the gym or running, being in the residence with my friends and girlfriend, going to the shopping centre and whatever else we thought of doing. We also travelled a lot to other countries during weekends.
Was the student support system (ESN, faculty ambassadors) helpful during your stay?
Yes. Honestly, I didn't need much help but when I needed it, they were always there to help. I was surprised of how quick they solved my problems and how easily we got everything we asked for.
What were some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome as an Erasmus student?
I think the fact of living outside of my country. It was my first time but thanks to the help, the people and the facilities it wasn't much difficult to overcome. Maybe also to speak in other language. I thought that sometimes it would be difficult to understand some things or to be understood but I think it didn't happen, maybe only in some unimportant situations.
What is the single most memorable experience you have from your Erasmus life?
It is really difficult to choose. I have a lot of memorable experiences after 10 months here. In general, I would say the people I met here and all the travels I was able to do.
Have you changed because of your Erasmus experience?
Completely. I would say that my life changed in a better way. This is because of everything I learnt here, the people I got to know and I talked with, the travels. And thanks to having an independent life where I had to manage everything.
How can this experience benefit your future career?
First of all, because I changed as a person, I have another mindset, more knowledge, more people I got to know and specially, the course I took part in, International Dimensions. I taught PE, English, Spanish and Geography in a School for three days and PE in a High School for two days, that helped me a lot to experience what it is like if I were working.
Would you recommend the exchange stay at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc to your friends? Why?
Completely. For those who ask me where to study I will say in Olomouc. First of all because here we were always helped in whatever we needed, then the city is so nice to stay in and all you can do and enjoy here, you can travel easily because of the geographic point Olomouc is and the things you can learn staying here. For me it was incredible.
Write three words that express the best things about your stay:
Insuperable, Incredible, Dream
Write three words that express the worst things about your stay:
I can’t think of any bad words, I was so lucky with my stay. Maybe the worst thing was being far from my house and family, but I managed well.
In conclusion…
I had a memorable experience here, for me it was perfect and I will miss it so much. I will always have an incredible memories of Olomouc and my life here. It is really difficult to think that my experience there ended because I was having the best year of my life but I am grateful to Olomouc for everything it gave me. I am sure that one day I will come back to see Olomouc again, thank you Olomouc, you changed my life.
