David Van Gelder Adjar
Edward Deming once said, “Quality is the degree of excellence at an acceptable price”, and it is evident that UCT Prague truly embodies this quote. As a small public university, one would expect little to modest research output, but the history of the university as well as present gains suggest a university working hard to bring novel research into being while trying to maintain its high standards. In 2015, I had the distinct privilege of being accepted to this university. Uncertainty riddled my expectations for this world-class, yet unsung, institution.
During my time here, I have learned that quality is more important than quantity. The ability of professors to make complex subjects simple and easy to understand, yet practical, is a value I cherish deeply. I would say that my academic performance at this university is at the standard it is now due to the hard work and dedication of my professors. Our theoretical learning, reinforced with corresponding laboratory work, aids students in conceptualizing what they learn for better understanding. This type of learning environment prepares students for whatever path they decide to take in the future, be it in the commercial sector or at an academic institution.
In the past few years, UCT Prague has risen steadily in world rankings. Last year it placed 355th in the world-famous QS University rankings, making it the second-best-placed university in the Czech Republic. Current rankings saw the university move 13 places to 342nd, maintaining its position as the second-best-placed university in the country, only behind Charles University. The reason for this rise is the exceptional faculty-to-student ratio. It is evident that the university’s approach to a “teaching and student involved” research style is working, and I believe it will keep serving the university well.
The university tries its best to make the educational and social atmosphere welcoming. However, there are still areas in which improvements would be very welcome. Representation of and for international students is an area in need of major improvement. The symbiotic relationship between the university and its international community, however small, is of crucial importance to the growth and development of the institution. For a long time, international students have felt like passengers in a “space they should call home”, and it is high time this is addressed. The ability of the university to attract foreign students is high on the agenda of the current administration and the importance of international students in achieving this feat cannot be understated.
It will be disingenuous on my part to act as if nothing has changed. Of course, in the last five years that I have been here, changes have been made and steps taken. From improvements in the translation of school-wide emails to accessibility to some information, as well as the budding relationship with the International Relations Department and the Career and Counselling Centre. The clear evidence of this is the increasing number of both full-time foreign students at all levels of education and the number of students opting to join us for a semester or two under the various ERASMUS and exchange programmes.
These improvements are welcome; however, in the larger scope of things, there is still a lot to be done. Improvement in the representation of international students in the various senates in the university as well as more collaboration with the administration would be a great start to bridging the current gaps. Also, involvement in career fairs as well as more opportunities for interaction and integration between foreign and Czech students would also go a long way to foster the togetherness and warm feeling intended by the school’s administration.
UCT Prague has a bright future. It has the staff, the facilities, and a well-thought-out strategy for becoming a top university in Europe and the world over. Despite a few creases to be ironed out, I am confident that the university will, in the near future, be the best university in the Czech Republic and a truly international university in every sense of the word.