What followed was a journey marked by academic growth, new friendships, cultural discoveries and career opportunities. Now pursuing a master's degree in Mechatronics after completing her bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, she reflects on adapting to life in the Czech Republic, experiencing her first winter, and finding a community she is proud to call her second home.
What was the hardest Czech word for you to pronounce?
Honestly, any word with the letter 'ř' in it. However, my other Czech friends have shared that I pronounce it a lot better than most non-native speakers, so I took that as a win.
What made you choose VSB-TUO for your university studies?
Essentially, my search for a university came down to two main factors: whether it offered the degree I wanted and how affordable it would be long-term. VSB-TUO gave me both, and I appreciated how well affiliated it was with companies within my field of study, which was Mechanical Engineering for my bachelor's and Mechatronics for my masters.
How would you describe your experience studying here? What did you enjoy the most about your degree programme?
Overall, I would say it has been a lovely journey. Of course, the "uni" experience is a bit different for international students because classes are quite small, where you may be the only student or, more likely, fewer than 5, compared to the Czech students, who are a lot.
However, it also promoted a good teacher-to-student ratio so you could ask all the questions you needed. I think my favourite part of the degree programme during my bachelor's was how much the lecturers/professors are so eager to help, be it in the form of consultations or just general encouragement before exams. It felt like they really wanted you to achieve the best possible outcome, which was the case based on my experience.
Was the style of teaching or the university environment different from what you were used to back home? If so, in what way?
Hmm, for this one I can't say much, considering I started my bachelor's here and don't have anything to compare it to. But perhaps the emphasis on the oral part of examinations. I was used to just the written part of the exam, and I don't think I was prepared for how thoroughly they also examine you here.
How did you find the support from the professors and the International Office?
Top tier for sure; no complaints. I arrived a bit late into the semester, but my professors were very accommodating and supportive. They gave me ample time to prepare for the exams, even if it meant taking the exams after my classmates had already taken them. Once again, they also offered consultations on any unclear topics. The International office was also the most helpful place as well. From my integration into the university to visa renewal procedures, they were always available to provide any assistance where I needed it.
Do you remember your very first days in Ostrava? What were your first impressions of the city and the campus?
Absolutely! My first day in Ostrava caught me off guard for sure. I arrived at Ostrava airport, and after comparing the prices of local taxis, the staff at a car rental company in the airport offered to take me to the dorms for half the price. They even offered their phone if I wanted to call someone to ensure I arrived safely, and also checked in with the reception at the dorms first to see if I had the right destination. Not only that, but they helped carry my bags to and from the car and even offered to keep driving me in case I had gotten the address wrong. The whole experience felt like a dream because I had my guard up being in a new foreign land where I knew no one. I would say my first impression was that the people were quite nice and helpful. Even checking into the dorms was a very simple and straightforward process.
Arriving right at the start of winter, it was freezing and felt vastly different from home—an atmosphere that's hard to put into words, but unmistakable the moment you step outside. But of course, as days went on, I can definitely give props to the public transportation system.
Everything is usually always on time.
What surprised you the most about the Czech Republic or Czech culture when you first arrived?
I would definitely say the language. I was not expecting to find out that most people in Ostrava do not speak English when you are outside the university environment. But at the same time, they are also quite open to the use of Google Translate and warm up to you a lot more when you try to speak the language. I think, as for Czech culture, I think how prompt most Czech people are was quite the adjustment. 9 am really means 9 am on the dot, for example. As of late, though, I also found out that most Czechs have an interesting sense of dark humour.
How did you cope with the Czech weather?
I hated it at first! It was a big jump from the usual 30 degrees plus I used to back home to 0 degrees and snow. However, it was also my first experience with snow, so I love watching it fall when I'm indoors, not so much when I have to get to a class at 7 am and it's falling. But now I have gotten somewhat used to it, but I will always prefer the spring weather for sure, minus the constant rain
How did you like living in Ostrava? Do you have any favourite places in the city or around the region?
I really like it. I am not really a fan of big cities, so Ostrava was the right combination of city life and nature. I also like how things are spaced out in a rational manner, so you have enough breathing room.
Although Ostrava doesn't have much to do compared to places like Prague, I genuinely enjoy living here. I just need to work on my Czech language a bit more. As for my favourite place in Ostrava, I would definitely say the riverside area going towards the Castle. I love it especially during Spring when all the flowers and trees come to life. And this past summer I got a chance to attend the Colours of Ostrava music festival, and I must say it was phenomenal!
The Poruba campus is quite unique because everything is in one place. How did you enjoy campus life and the dormitories?
Definitely saved me a lot of time, especially if I was running late for class, which unfortunately was pretty often at first. However, I do feel the dormitories are a bit pricey from a student perspective relative to the amenities included. It would be great if residents had some perks included in the housing fee. But generally, the dormitories are quite good, especially if you are living in buildings A or B.
Did you find it easy to make friends, both with Czech students and other international students?
I would say yes for other international students. Especially with Erasmus students, it was quite easy to make friends. With the Czech students, it was a bit harder, as most aren't so confident with their English. Most feel self-conscious about speaking it perfectly, so they tend to be quite shy at first – and Czech, of course, isn't the easiest language to pick up overnight. But over time, I have made pretty awesome friends, both Czech and from other nationalities.
How do you think your time at VSB-TUO has helped you grow, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I would say my time management has improved significantly. Also, I realised that I can now thrive in environments others would have buckled under. Professionally, I had the opportunity to work with one of the companies VSB-TUO has a collaboration with, which has boosted my career prospects as well as my experience in the industry.
What are your plans now? Are you staying in the Czech Republic, or are you taking your skills back home or elsewhere?
I plan on finishing my master's degree, of course and eventually gaining more experience in the field here before I can consider taking my obtained skills back home when the time is right.
What advice would you give to other African students who are considering coming to study at VSB-TUO?
My favourite question! I would say that at first it is very intimidating leaving the comfort of home for a completely new world. But I say do it scared anyway. Your story can unfold in ways you would never have imagined. I know mine did, and I am so grateful every day that I took this leap of faith even in the midst of uncertainty.
Text: Barbora Urbanovská