Mwange Claire Beauty Munungwe

What made you choose UCT Prague in the first place?

After 5 years of practice in the field of pharmacy, I was looking to niche down my career trajectory and was leaning towards management of projects and supply chains. This was met with both a desire and an opportunity to pursue an international education. Around July 2022, through a very dear friend of mine, I came across the program of Sectoral Management and, to my advantage, it offered a specialization in logistics and supply chains. This was it, a double major, as I like to refer to it.

I was set, I applied to the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague from the other (over 15 universities) I was eligible for and hoped the school would choose me as I had chosen it. After a thorough admission process, which surprisingly included exams, I was picked to study in the School of Business.

On 12.09.2023, my journey began as a student at the University. It was my first time in the Czech Republic and over 8,000 miles from home, with no friends or family here, only my 64 kg of luggage and faith that this would be a great experience. To this day, I am glad I undertook this journey.

Is there anything at UCT Prague that surprised you – in a good or a bad way?

I have had good and not-so-good surprises.

The good surprises included the small class sizes that allowed me to interact directly with teachers and almost all classmates. I had been used to bigger class sizes in my previous university. Another positive surprise is the open-door communication of staff at my university; both the teaching and administrative staff are very supportive and easy to reach and communicate with.

The not-so-good surprise is the bulk of course material and immense academic pressure. Because of the relatively short length of semesters, the program felt overwhelmingly busy at some points of the semester.

What could make life easier for international students at UCT?

In my opinion and based on my recently completed thesis, international students may benefit from more strategic linkages to services like health, insurance and visa processing by the University. Not sure about the feasibility of this, but if the school would play a more active role in facilitating these services, it would be of great help.

What do you enjoy most about living in Prague? And what drives you crazy?

The two things I enjoy the most about living in Prague are the transport system and the many parks I can visit, especially in summer, and just enjoy a breeze in nature. I really love the experience.

What drives me crazy: I would rather not say it here, but feel free to ask me when we meet in person. Lol.

What was your first impression when you arrived in Prague?

I will share my first thought after I had just landed. At Prague Airport there is a sign about maintaining quiet hours in the city. And I thought to myself, as a night owl, I will surely enjoy studying here with the mandatory silence there.

Have you picked up any Czech habits or words you use regularly now?

Shopping without a basket while holding everything in my hands or picking up a box in the store and using it as a basket. In my early days, every time I walked into Albert or other supermarkets, I would first get a basket, but now I am happy to just hold everything in my hands like many other Czech people do in the store. I don't know, but maybe it helps minimize impulse buying or not, but I picked it up from here.

What's the most 'Czech' experience you've had so far?

I once attended a Roman Catholic Mass in the Czech language in Kunratice. I was so lost but amazed at how everything was done in comparison to my home country. In my country we have a lot of singing, clapping and traditional instruments. My experience here was a more "quiet" one. Little or no clapping with a few songs.

I would not be doing justice if I did not mention some of my favorite dishes I have tried here in Prague. Top on the list are chlebíčky and koláče. I have also enjoyed some knedlíky and potato pancakes.

Have you experienced any funny misunderstandings due to culture or language?

A cashier in a shop asked me: "Přejete si tašku?" (Would you like a bag?)

And I said, "Oh no" (I meant it as a slang expression meaning "Oh no, I'm okay"). But to the Czech person it sounded like “Ano” (yes), and she added a bag for me. I was shocked and only after about two weeks I did finally put the pieces together.

No = Ne and Yes = Ano