Exchange Report

To prepare in the best possible way, I recommend that future exchange students should demonstrate basic knowledge of Czech culture as well as clear motivation for choosing VŠE as their exchange destination, as this shows genuine interest and helps ensure a successful exchange experience. It is also recommended to attend all the info sessions they provide and to register for courses early, as popular classes fill up quickly. Students should be aware that the academic system at VŠE differs from WU, as courses usually last the entire semester and most of them include both a midterm exam and a final exam. An additional important tip is to look for accommodation early, especially for students who do not plan to live in a dormitory provided by VŠE.

My accommodation search experience was easy-going, as I chose to stay in a student dormitory. As an exchange student at VŠE, exchange students are guaranteed a place in the dormitories and only need to register within the given deadline. My dormitory was located in Prague 3, where most of the VŠE dormitories are situated, creating a campus-like environment with several dorms in close proximity, outdoor sports areas, and nearby parks. The area is very safe and well connected by public transportation, by tram it takes approximately 15–20 minutes to reach the university and public transport in Prague is highly reliable. Grocery stores in the area were large and easily accessible, although they required a walk of around 10–15 minutes or a trip with the tram 2 stops.

The campus infrastructure at VŠE differs noticeably from that of WU. The university is smaller in size, but still hosts a large number of students, which means that, especially during peak hours, there can be a lot of “traffic” inside the buildings. The canteen offers good food at very reasonable prices and is well used by students. Overall, the academic culture at VŠE is very positive and Czech students are friendly and helpful. Regarding teaching style and course structure, there is no single standard, as these aspects depend strongly on the individual professor and the specific course. But I would say that, from the difficulty (it really depends on the professor) it is similar to WU.

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Everyday life in the host country was very comfortable and enjoyable. Public transport in Prague is highly reliable, well organized, and easy to use, making it simple to move around the city at any time. In addition, Prague is a very safe city, and I always felt comfortable both during the day and at night. There are many social and leisure activities available for exchange students, especially through Erasmus organizations, both from VŠE itself and external groups such as OhMyPrague. The city also offers a wide range of events (really everything that interest you), including ice hockey and football matche. VŠE also organizes a dedicated ball for exchange students. Overall, there is something for everyone. Sports options are also plentiful: the dormitory area offers outdoor sports facilities, and students additionally have access to a gym at the university.

Overall, my exchange experience was wonderful and truly memorable, mainly because of the friendships I made during my stay. Living in the dormitory played a big role in this, as it was very lively and made it easy to meet people from all over the world. Prague is, in my opinion, an excellent city for an exchange semester, as the city is vibrant and full of life at all times, whether during the week or on weekends. Czech people know how to enjoy life, which adds a special atmosphere to everyday life. I am very grateful for this experience and will never forget it.