Emma Betts
Hello! My name is Emma, and I am going to be a second-year Bachelor’s student at UCT Prague. I am originally from the United States and so far I have loved my experience here! Studying and living in Prague has been so different compared to back home, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
There are so many reasons that I chose to come to UCT Prague, but the main one is that I wanted to explore the world and what it has to offer, while still being able to follow my passion for chemistry. I have always been interested in science and in highschool, I had amazing teachers that further inspired me to focus on chemistry. UCT stood out to me because of the central location of the campus and the impressive course schedule. Also that the bachelors programme is a three year degree compared to four years back at home!
My first year at university definitely took some adjusting to, from the long lectures to the emphasis on self-study instead of assignments, there were some challenges that I had to overcome. I quickly found my group of friends and together, along with lots of advice from FISO (Full-time International Students Organization), we got over all the obstacles and hard midterms that came our way! Along with this, advocating for yourself will get you a long way. If you are confused or need help or are stuck in a situation you don’t know how to navigate, reach out and ask! There is a high probability you are not the first student with this question, and professors and other students are always happy to help.
Living in the Czech Republic as someone who does not speak Czech was definitely hard at first. Even though I grew up going to visit family in England and traveling around parts of Europe, there was never really much of a language barrier. While most people are friendly and helpful, it can still be intimidating to go into a new shop or talk to new people. These challenges are what make life more fun and exciting while also allowing you to learn and appreciate a culture that is different from your own. After a little time, you get into a routine, finding your favorite coffee shops and study spots. Even now, I am still discovering new places to eat and hang out at! Prague is such a beautiful city and being able to get around easily while also being able to see the flourishing history around every corner, is another perk of coming to UCT Prague. The parks and different neighborhoods are so wonderful to wander around, especially in the summer when the sun doesn’t set until late.
FISO has been so helpful in answering both academic and every day questions, and that is what has inspired me to take an active role in FISO for the upcoming year. It will allow me to pass on the help I received, from the confusing questions about classes to the requirements for renewing visas. I think community is a very important part of having a good university experience, so I want to ensure that future students have a warm welcome when they come to UCT.
Overall, studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have made. I have met the most amazing people and had so much fun creating memories that will last a lifetime. Even though the course itself is tough, it is so rewarding to see your hard work pay off and then be able to go out and explore a new city!