Each semester, we have a chance to welcome some exchange students from outside the EU, such as Canada. There are currently three students from this North American country and Cassidy Stromberg from Canada is one of them. Her home university is the University of Alberta in Edmonton and she is studying Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation.
Why did you choose our university for your Erasmus study experience?
To be honest, our faculty has an exchange agreement with Palacký University and I have always wanted to do an international exchange. The location and affordability is why I picked Olomouc but I discovered so many more reasons once I came here.
Were your expectations different from the reality?
I didn’t have many expectations coming here. However, I was surprised at the laid-back atmosphere of the city. People are usually out and about socializing and recreating. I love this atmosphere and it is in contrast to many Canadian cities where people are often just rushing to get to places.
Can you compare your study experience in Olomouc with the experience from your home university?
I was not expecting the teaching/learning style to be so different from my University. At Palacký, I know all of my professors and the classes are very practical. I still learn a lot in the classes because I am enjoying myself and want to learn more. It’s nice to be able to study what I enjoy doing without the constant stress.
What were some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome as an Erasmus student?
The biggest challenge for me was maintaining healthy habits and some normalcy that I have from home. It is hard to uphold these things when you are not familiar with the city or services. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges was actually getting the visa to come here though!
How did you spend your free time?
I have spent a lot of my free time travelling in Czech and to neighbouring countries. In Olomouc, I mostly hang out with other Erasmus students. Often eating in menza, going walking and running, playing sports and going out to eat.
What is the single most memorable experience you have from your Erasmus life?
That is a very hard question... I’d say the ski alpinism course is one of the best experiences I’ve had from Erasmus. It is something I have always wanted to try and it was so amazing to have the opportunity to learn how to backcountry ski safely.
Have you changed because of your Erasmus experience?
Yes, I think I have learned not to focus so much on working really hard at one thing. Most people I’ve met do a variety of activities for no reason other than to enjoy them. I think I could learn a lot from this as I often get caught up in only focusing on grades and training. Meeting so many people from different cultures and countries has also changed my perceptions of places and given me a whole host of friends to go and visit!
How can this experience benefit your future career?
I think this experience will benefit my future career because it will show that I was able to adapt to different circumstances. Completing this exchange despite being unfamiliar with Czech culture or education could be a testament to character. Also, the skills I’ve learned from respecting and communicating with other people will certainly serve me throughout my career.
Would you recommend the study at the Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc to your friends? Why?
Absolutely! It is such a great experience for meeting new friends from around the world, experiencing a different education style and getting to travel inexpensively to other places. I think this experience could only benefit you as a student.
If you had to describe your Erasmus experience in Olomouc using 5 words, which ones would you use?
Eye-opening, social, opportunities, travel, freedom.
