In this interview, a Portuguese Erasmus student Matilde, shares her experience at FTK, praising the practical and interactive teaching, excellent facilities, and strong support from professors and ESN. She highlights the vibrant student life in Olomouc, and describes Erasmus as a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience.
Why did you choose our university for your Erasmus study experience?
Palacký University Olomouc was my only option in the Czech Republic, and although it is not a common destination for Portuguese Erasmus students, I decided to choose this country because I did not know much about its culture and I was looking for something different. Besides this, as a bonus, it is located in the centre of Europe, which is ideal for travelling to many different places.
Are you happy with your choice? Were your expectations different from the reality?
I am extremely happy with my choice. Palacký University Olomouc exceed my expectations, particularly in terms of facilities and staff. I truly appreciated all my professors and their teaching methods, especially considering that most of them had an excellent level of English.
Besides this, all the Erasmus students were always supported, mainly through a faculty coordinator, but also through other staff members who were always available to help us with practical matters or simply to check how we were doing.
Additionally, and although I had nine subjects throughout the semester, I still had plenty of free time, which allowed me to participate in many different activities, including several events organised by the Erasmus Students Network (ESN) and to get to know a lot of different countries.
Can you compare your study experience in Olomouc with the experience from your home university?
The study experience in Olomouc was more practical and interactive when compared to my home university. Classes were generally smaller, which allowed closer contact with professors and a more dynamic learning environment. Moreover, there was a strong emphasis on applied learning and participation, which made the academic experience more engaging.
What was/is your favourite course and why?
Wheelchair Sports, for sure. Not only you learn a lot of new different things, but you also compete against your classmates and genuinely have fun during the lessons.
Furthermore, it is a course that humbles you, as it exposes you to some of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and it teaches you that almost anything can be adapted so that everyone can practice sports and enjoy a fulfilling and active life, even while using a wheelchair (for example).
How did/do you spend your free time?
During my Erasmus experience, I realised that whenever you have free time, if you want to, there is always something to do. This is not only because the ESN and the Faculty of Physical Culture organised many events throughout the semester, but also because you meet so many people that it is easy to just join a group and go for a drink on a pub or go watch an ice hockey game (which is a must in Olomouc, at least once) together.
Was the student support system (ESN, faculty ambassadors) helpful during your stay?
Yes, absolutely. Initially, I thought that activities would only be organised during the first one or two weeks to help Erasmus students settle in. However, they prepared a lot of different events throughout the semester, until the very last week, so you always have something to do. My favourite one was the National Presentations, where the students get to know about a lot of different cultures and also try typical food from the presenting countries.
What were some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome as an Erasmus student?
For me, the biggest challenges occurred during the first one or two weeks, when everything is new: the city, the language, the culture, the university, and at the same time, you are experiencing and trying to manage a lot of emotions. You feel anxious and overwhelmed because you do not know anyone, you are living by yourself, with strangers in a dormitory, sharing common spaces, including your room (if that is the case), and naturally you are missing home, your comfort zone and your comfort people. But it gets better! Once you settle in and find your (new) people, it can turn out to be the best experience of your life.
What is the single most memorable experience you have from your Erasmus life?
If I had to choose just one, it would definitely be the gatherings in the dormitory room with my favourite group of friends, that I am sure I made for life.
Have you changed because of your Erasmus experience?
I was one of those Erasmus students who ended up getting an Erasmus tattoo – my first tattoo ever (sorry mom!). I do not know if I can say that I changed, buy my Erasmus experience definitely showed me that I am capable of much more than I thought I was.
My tattoo symbolizes that whenever I doubt myself and my capabilities to overcome something, I will remember the fact that I once packed my entire life into two 20kg suitcases and moved alone to the other side of Europe, to a completely different country, with a very difficult language to understand… And I survived!
How can this experience benefit your future career?
For me, one of the most valuable aspects of the Erasmus experience is the opportunity to practice and improve English skills, which I believe is essential in today’s professional world.
Beyond language development, Erasmus is an experience that strongly contributes to both personal and academic growth. It helped me become more confident, adaptable and open-minded, while improving my ability to work with people from different cultural and social backgrounds, skills that are valued in professional environments and will benefit my future career.
Would you recommend the exchange stay at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc to your friends? Why?
Yes. Due to the quality of education, the supportive environment, the international atmosphere and the overall life experience, I would strongly recommend it.
Write three words that express the best things about your stay:
Experiences, People, Travelling
Write three words that express the worst things about your stay:
Overwhelming, Dormitory noise and (a Portuguese only word) Saudade
In conclusion…
Every experience — whether easy or challenging — teaches you something, so go on Erasmus!
