María is a Spanish student from the University of A Coruña, where she studies at the Faculty of Sports Science and Physical Activity. She is currently participating in the ERASMUS programme, expanding her academic and cultural experiences abroad. María is passionate about sports and practices athletics, specializing in high jump, although she enjoys all kinds of physical activities. In addition to her athletic interests, she also loves music and enjoys playing the piano in her free time. Learn more about her experience in Olomouc.
Why did you choose our university for your Erasmus study experience?
Initially, I wasn't familiar with Olomouc. However, a close friend of my Erasmus partner had studied here last year and highly recommended it to us. Based on that advice, we decided to come. We were drawn to its strategic location in Central Europe, which is perfect for traveling, the fact that courses are taught in English, and its reputation as a peaceful, affordable, and student-friendly city.
Are you happy with your choice? Were your expectations different from the reality?
I am incredibly happy. Honestly, the reality has far exceeded my expectations. I expected a good experience, but it has been much better than I imagined. The city is wonderfully quiet and safe, the people are amazing, and everything is very accessible and affordable. This Erasmus journey is teaching me lessons I never expected to learn, and I feel much more fulfilled than I thought I would be.
Can you compare your study experience in Olomouc with the experience from your home university?
Studying here is a completely different world. The Erasmus experience is culturally much richer; we are constantly learning new languages, discovering different cultures, and traveling to see the world. Back home, I would be in my usual routine with the same people. Academically, while the workload is more manageable here, which allows us to grow through life experiences, I find the assignments and exams to be much more practical. They are highly applicable to real-world situations, making the learning process feel more useful and effective than the more theoretical approach at my home university.
What was/is your favourite course and why?
So far, my favourite course has been Wellness and Fitness. It has truly helped me improve professional aspects that I plan to apply in my future career. During the course, we learned how to design tailored training routines based on initial body composition analysis and physical assessments. Seeing the favourable results of these customized plans has been very rewarding and has significantly improved my skills in creating professional fitness programs.
How did/do you spend your free time?
Beyond traveling across Europe, life in the dormitory is very social. We are constantly interacting with students of different nationalities. We often gather in our rooms to talk, visit the Olomouc Lake, or play sports like football and volleyball. We also enjoy going to the mall, eating out, or watching movies together. I also enjoy playing the piano at the residence and going to the gym. We make sure our free time is "well-invested time", it's always social and high quality, especially during our group plans.
Was the student support system (ESN, faculty ambassadors) helpful during your stay?
The support programs have been extremely helpful. Beyond organizing sports activities, parties, and providing discounts, the ESN and faculty ambassadors were always there to guide us. Whenever we felt lost or had a question, they assisted us with great kindness and efficiency.
What were some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome as an Erasmus student?
The biggest challenge was the initial decision to move so far from home and facing the distance from my loved ones. However, the transition was much easier because I came with a close friend and quickly met wonderful people here who made the weight of that distance disappear.
What is the single most memorable experience you have from your Erasmus life?
Without a doubt, it is the incredible bond I’ve formed with my four roommates. I never expected to connect so deeply with them or for our cohabitation to be so harmonious. At first, being so similar yet so different seemed like it might be an obstacle, but it turned out to be our greatest strength. Every shared experience and every trip has created a bond that will last forever; we will never forget each other.
Have you changed because of your Erasmus experience?
I haven’t changed my core personality, but I have certainly improved in many ways. I am now more patient, more open-minded, and more social. Living abroad and sharing a space with others has improved my cultural awareness and my ability to adapt. Being so far from home has made me a much more optimistic, cheerful, and grateful person.
How can this experience benefit your future career?
This experience provides a vital life perspective that is hard to gain, especially at our age. Moving to a country where you know nothing, not the language, the lifestyle, or the people, forces you to adapt and opens your mind immensely. This resilience will favor my future career development; in difficult professional moments, I will remember that I have already successfully navigated much bigger challenges.
Would you recommend the exchange stay at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc to your friends? Why?
I will always recommend this experience to anyone who asks. I hesitated a lot before deciding to come, but I am so glad I did. It is one of the best experiences of my life. It’s an opportunity to live independently, see the world, and meet incredible people whom I will always remember with deep affection.
Write three words that express the best things about your stay:
Community (Group), Life-learning and Travel.
Write three words that express the worst things about your stay:
Distance, Homesickness and Cold.
In conclusion...
In conclusion, my Erasmus experience in Olomouc has been a transformative journey that went far beyond academics. It taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to truly discover who you are and what you are capable of. I am leaving with a broader mind, a stronger sense of independence, and a heart full of memories with people who started as strangers and ended up as a second family.