I ended up in Olomouc in 2007 completely by chance and medicine wasn’t even the original plan. Somehow, one unexpected decision led to another, and before I knew it, I was studying Medicine at Palacký University. Looking back, it truly feels like destiny had far greater plans than I could have imagined. What was meant to be just a degree turned into six unforgettable years. Olomouc offered the perfect environment for studying: focused, supportive, and calm enough to grow, yet vibrant enough to feel alive. I learned the Czech language (slowly and with plenty of funny mistakes), embraced the culture, and built friendships that still mean the world to me. Thanks to the strong academic foundation in Olomouc, I was able to complete an Erasmus exchange in Sweden in my final year, followed by elective placements at Oxford and Cambridge. Those opportunities began with the start I had in Czechia. It shaped my life in ways I never expected and if I had the chance, I would absolutely do it all over again.

Prabu Singh

I came to Czechia from Hong Kong in 2010, inspired by the film Kolya and its poetic depiction of Prague. I started my journey at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno, followed by studies at HAMU in Prague, and FUD UJEP in Usti nad Labem. I am currently completing my second PhD at the University of West Bohemia. Czech higher education impressed me with its respect for independent artistic voices and the freedom to experiment across disciplines. The mentorship, focused training, and openness to technology-driven and interdisciplinary work allowed me to integrate my Hong Kongese heritage with European musical traditions. Today, as a lecturer and composer, I continue to perform internationally while contributing to Czech cultural life. Czechia has become my home, offering both artistic freedom and a supportive community, and I encourage future students to come with curiosity, patience, and openness to fully embrace the opportunities here.

Barry Wan

I chose to study social work in Czechia because I wanted to deepen my critical understanding of structural inequality while stepping outside my own cultural comfort zone. As a scholar and practitioner, this journey has been both academic and deeply personal. What shaped me most was the supportive student care system and the presence of advisors who respected my research focus on gender justice. Inclusion here was not merely policy language—it was reflected in everyday academic life, dialogue, and mentorship. I was encouraged to present at international seminars and publish my research, which strengthened my confidence as both a researcher and an advocate. Living and studying in Czechia taught me that social work is not only about helping others; it is also about interrogating power, understanding oneself, and contributing to systemic change. My advice: choose a program that challenges you intellectually and supports you as a whole person.

Kath Khangpiboon