GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE EXPERIENCE REPORT
E-mail: elise.chungg@gmail.com
Study Program: Personeelwetenschappen (Human Resource studies)
Exchange semester: Fall semester 2015
Academic year: 2015/2016
Host University: Masaryk University, Brno
Country: Czech Republic
I GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL AND CITY
Masaryk is one of the three universities in Brno. It’s the biggest university and Masaryk has a
lot of faculties. Each of them has its own building and is located in different parts of the city, so
there is no campus. The faculties all have their own canteen and library. I was in the faculty of
Social Sciences and that is (in my opinion) in one of the best locations. It was only a one-minute
walk from the city center. Brno is twice as big as Tilburg, but I doubt you will see much of it
outside the center and the dormitories. Brno itself is a great student city. Yes, it is less beautiful
than Prague, but that means also less tourists. The prices are lower and you can spend it in all
the nice restaurants and bars that Brno has. I also recommend visiting Brno lake and the caves
in Blansko, go to the ballet, watch an ice hockey game and go to Jump park for a sporty
afternoon. More importantly, you have to travel! Brno is so well located in central Europe. By
bus, in 2 hours you are in Vienna, to Prague it’s 2,5 hours, Bratislava is 1,5 hours away and to
go to Budapest is 5 hours (round trip only 25 euros! Imagine spending that amount of money
in the Netherlands just to go from Tilburg to Den Helder).
II PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Information before you left
I received several e-mails with instructions and pre-arrival information. All was sent far in
advance, so you had enough time to take actions/apply/submit any documents. Thus, I didn’t
have any difficulties. When I had any questions, I just send an e-mail. Both home university and
host university responded quickly.
Visa procedure and arrival
My arrival was well organized. In the pre-arrival information e-mail, it was said that you can
apply for a buddy and/or just a pick up. So that’s what I did. My buddy picked me up from the
airport and drove me to the dormitories. Then he showed me around in the city center, explained
me how transportation works, and where to find my faculty. Most of the buddies from the ISC
(international student club) are very nice and willing to help you.
Orientation/Introduction activities
Masaryk has an orientation week in the week before the classes start. It was organized by the
ISC. Everyday there was at least one activity. I’d recommend joining ISC and the activities as
it is a quick and fun way to meet other international students. There were activities like an
international dinner, city game, small excursions, and parties!
Housing
You will receive an e-mail with details on how to arrange your accommodation. Masaryk
universities has 3 dormitories for exchange students, but most of them live in Vinarska. (Tip:
Choose building A1 (A2 is half Czech, half-Erasmus) and a refurbished room!! Also, choose a
room on the ground floor, 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th, since it has a balcony. So choose a room
without a “S” in front of the room number (e.g. S113), because those have no balcony) Also,
next to the dormitories, there is a canteen. So if you don’t feel like cooking, you can eat there.
That’s what most students do. Vinarska is the best place and I loved living there! Every time
you get out of the door, you will see familiar faces. You will have a roommate, who sleeps 2
meters away from you. This might sound like an invasion of privacy, but you will get used to it.
Together you will share a bathroom and a small kitchen. (Tip: Choose a non-Dutch speaker
as roommate. You will have more privacy when you, for example, do Skype calls).
Living Costs
Before going on Erasmus, I had saved some money to finance my exchange period. Luckily,
Brno is very cheap compared to Tilburg (/the Netherlands in general). However, I think that is
the reason why I had spent so much. All those small amounts can add up quite well... Housing
was around 135 euros. You can have a meal (a warm plate of food and soup) for approximately
2 euros. When you eat out, a very good(!) meal + drinks will cost you only 7 euros. Unlimited
transportation (bus and tram) in Brno was 26 euros for 3 months. I didn’t need any books,
because my study material consisted of articles. I spend most of my money on traveling. (Tip:
use the Student Agency busses to travel to Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest. It’s better
than trains, cheaper, flexible, you will have your own TV screen, headphones are provided and
there will be a host(ess) who brings you free coffee/tea/hot chocolate!) Spending money on
traveling = money well spend!!
Academic Calendar
I arrived in Brno the weekend before the orientation week started. During the orientation week,
there are no classes. So I arrived September 11, orientation week started September 14 and
the first classes were on September 21. The first two weeks, you can “try out” the courses. If
you don’t like it, you may change it. (Tip: if you do so, you have to change your Learning
Agreement, don’t forget that!!). My last class was the week before Christmas break. In January
I had an exam and other deadlines for final essays. There was also a so-called “reading week”
where I didn’t have any class. Additionally, I had two bank holidays (so two days off).
The International Office
There is an International Office, but I’ve only been there once to get some documents signed.
Radka is the coordinator and responsible for incoming exchange students. You will receive all
information about your exchange from her. And if you have any questions, just e-mail her and
she will help you out!
Exchange promotion
Every week, there were country presentations organized. So that was the chance to present
your country, but not specifically Tilburg University. I think that happens mostly when you talk
with other students.
Social Activities
The International Student Club (ISC) organized all social activity for exchange students.
There are weekly board games, quiz nights, country presentations, parties and they also
organize some trips. I did not have a lot of contact with local students. I only worked once with
three Czech students on a group paper. Most of the time I was with other exchange students.
I think that’s normal, because you live with them. During my exchange, I was able to travel to
a lot of places: I’ve been to Krakow, Warsaw, Prague, Dresden, Vienna, Budapest and
Istanbul. During your exchange, you will see that you have so much time to do trips. Every
weekend you are free. You don’t have the obligations and responsibilities you have at home.
Make use of it! See the world!
Culture and Language
I didn’t experience any culture shock, but I did notice that people in the Czech Republic are
different. They keep more to themselves. In general, I don’t think they are very friendly. They
were kind of rude actually. You are in the Czech Republic, Czech is the official language, so
they will only speak in Czech. It’s even like this at the police station… Luckily, the younger
generation is different. It’s more likely that they speak at least a little bit of English. At university
I didn’t have any language problems. However, in everyday life I did. For example, in the
supermarket: It happened to me multiple times that an employee just walked away without
saying anything when I tried to ask something. Dutch people are different. They are more willing
to help, and most of us speak English quite well. Also, I think Dutch people smile more in public.
Finally, I didn’t follow any language courses during my exchange. After being in the Czech
Republic for five months, I know only a few words. So in the end, I don’t think I have learned a
lot about Czech Republic’s culture. At least not from the “inside”/the locals, because I was
almost always with exchange students.
Personal Development
My exchange in Brno was definitely one of the best times in my life. It has opened my eyes: the
world is such a great place! I’ve met so many people from all over the world. I lived with them
and caught a glimpse of their culture and habits. I don’t think I had any bad experiences. The
best experience was unquestionably meeting people and becoming such good friends in just a
few months. I will never forget the trips we did, the conversations, sharing every single moment
of joy, ohhh the fun we had...  I wouldn’t change anything! Although I think I am the same
person as before I went on exchange, I do think I improved as a human-being. The exchange
has made me a more open person. It taught me to just enjoy life and not to worry so much. I
am able to trust myself. I can manage on my own. Furthermore, this exchange experience has
influenced my ideas about my future career possibilities. I would love to work in a diverse
organization, I would love to work abroad!
III ACADEMIC INFORMATION
As a bachelor student I was only allowed to take bachelor courses. The courses I did were
taught in English, but they also offer some courses in German. I would say that the academic
level at Tilburg University is higher. However, the work load at Masaryk university was higher
for me, but I do think it really depends on the courses you take. The teaching methods I’ve
experienced are a mix of group work, seminars and lectures. Every faculty has its own library
with public computers. There is plenty of workspace where you can sit to do group work or
study by yourself. It is also possible to go to libraries from other faculties. (Tip: faculty of
philosophy/arts has the most beautiful library and the faculty of medicine is the only library that
is open 24/7!). Moreover, the teaching staff was very approachable. There is no strict hierarchy.
One of my professors even came up with the idea to have some beers with the whole class in
the pub after the last lecture. I’ve heard from other students about this, going for lunch or drinks
with their professor. So I think it’s not an uncommon thing to happen. Finally, I definitely
recommend taking the course “Visiting of Schools”. It’s nice to visit Czech schools (primary
school, middle school and high school) and see how the students there are taught English.
Course
Prerequisites
Exam
ECT
S
5
Comments
Pdf:PdZZ_VS
Visiting of Schools
None
Final
report
about the visits
FSS:PSY280
Political Psychology
and Intergroup conflict
FSS:SOC254
Chapters in Cultural
Sociology
None
In class final
exam
3
3 assignments
Introduction in
sociology
Final essay
12
None
Final
group
essay
(interviews
have to be
conducted)
4
Weekly
responds
papers. A lot of work!!
You really have to work
for those 12 ECTs
Midterm (take home
exam), essay about 3
movies,
in
class
presentation
FSS:ZUR393i
Intercultural
Communication
Practical course
Tips for the future students:
Yes yes yes, you should go on an exchange! If you are still doubting whether to go or not…
You have this great opportunity to go and you are crazy if you don’t take it! Some might think
it’s only for extravert people, but that’s not true. An exchange period is good + fun for everyone.
Additionally, I think it’s really good to be on your own. Of course it’s scary at first, because you
don’t know anyone. However, you will see how easy it is to make (really good) friends. Just
have an open mind and attitude. It doesn’t matter where you go, it’s the people that make the
experience. So I do recommend Masaryk University in Brno, but once you’ve decided to go on
an exchange, it doesn’t matter where you go. You will enjoy it anyways! The exchange really
taught me to enjoy life. People are so kind. Don't be afraid of talking to strangers, they might
become your friend! When things get wrong, don't worry. You can rely on yourself and you are
able to achieve more than you think. Get out of that comfort zone! Go on exchange!! Here is a
final tip: start on time with all the (digital) paperwork. It saves you stress for later when you still
need some signatures and the deadlines are getting close.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. I’d love to tell you all about my exchange
period in Brno!
A picture is worth a thousand words