Student experiences

Olomouc is small enough to feel safe, but international enough to feel connected.

Maria came to Olomouc in 2023 to continue her studies in molecular biology. At first, she expected a quiet university town, but she quickly discovered an active international community, supportive teachers and many opportunities to meet people from different fields. “The first weeks were challenging, especially because everything was new, but the university environment helped me feel welcome,” she says. Today, she describes Olomouc as calm, beautiful and inspiring. Her advice for future students is simple: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and say yes to new experiences.

When I arrived, I knew nobody and barely spoke a word of Czech. Five years later, this city has taught me that science is global, but home is something you build, slowly, with the people around you. I will leave with a doctorate – and a second family.

Priya is in the fifth and final year of her PhD in pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine, where she researches novel small-molecule cancer therapeutics in collaboration with the University Hospital. Alongside her lab work she mentors first-year international students through the university buddy programme, co-founded an Indian cultural society, and recently helped organise a week-long science communication festival aimed at local high schools. She plans to defend her thesis next spring and return briefly to Bengaluru before starting a postdoc in Vienna.

Every street here tells a story.

Akira chose Olomouc for its strong CS program and the city's quiet pace. He spends weekends hiking in the Jeseníky mountains with his lab mates.

Olomouc taught me to slow down and read.

Lukas crossed the border from Vienna to study Moravian history. Most afternoons he can be found in the reading rooms of the Research Library, surrounded by old maps and ledgers.

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