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author
Bernadeta Baroková
Bernadeta
Baroková
faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
academic year of the stay
2022/2023
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author
Bernadeta
faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
academic year of the stay
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2022/2023
Central European University
traineeship
study stay
short-term mobility
other
How does Bernadeta rate their stay?
university
city
accommodation
financial demands
about university
What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
Central European University is modern and multicultural. There is no majority of Austrian students, so almost everyone is considered an international student. Also, they treat you equally. CEU is a liberal, free, inclusive and professional, high-quality institution. The equipment is modern, and the services are generous.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your "adoptive" university? What made it special? What were the premises where you studied and the university facilities like?
The academic year consists of three terms - Autumn, Winter, and Spring. During the Spring term, there are not that many courses (in comparison with the previous terms) - many students work on their thesis or have internships. Exams are usually done as final papers, or written assignments (open-book exams). You have to choose at least 50% of credits from your "Department" (in my case - Public Policy), and the other 50% from other departments. The variety of selection of courses is huge, and interesting, with current topics covered, with a focus on our CEE region. You can choose the courses as Audit courses - you do not receive credits, and usually, the amount of work is less (you have to agree with the instructor whether it is possible to take the course as Audit). There are different timetables, courses have 2, 4 or 8 ETCS (and differ in requirements and its difficulty).
What is student life like at university?
Life is very vibrant and active. There are many student associations you can join (hiking, biking, bouldering,...). You can also choose language courses (paid or free - depending on the language). There are also many special lectures, seminars, and leisure activities (sports day, meditation, yoga, singing,..) or events and parties. You are treated equally as full-time students so you have access to all activities.
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
English is the main language of instruction. C1 level is required. For a daily life, German is useful.
about the city
What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
The city is quite calm but also has a nice vibe during the sunny days (especially during spring and summer). People spend their time outside a lot - there are many opportunities to go to parks, along the Danube, to do sports outside. I recommend museums (Albertina, Mumok, natural, historical, Jewish), parks, Donauinsel, Alte Donau, Donau kanal, swimming in the Danube, Kahlenberg, third wave coffee places, Burg kino, Prater.
about finances
In your experience, how far does the scholarship go? What percentage of your expenses did it cover? What is your opinion on prices in the country in general?
The rent is quite similar to the rent prices in Prague. Also, the rent has got more expensive during my stay. A large part of the grant goes to the rent directly. Prices in groceries are very similar to Czech prices - I would even say that some products are cheaper, plus given the huge variety of products. I love the selection of bio, vegan, and vegetarian options - they are also cheaper than in Czechia/Slovakia. The products in the grocery DM are cheaper too. The only thing more expensive here is beer and wine. Food in the restaurants is more or less the same. I recommend to have a part-time job or use savings.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
I recommend the app "Too good to Go" - you can buy food/vegetables/bread from supermarkets or restaurants there at a discounted price, large "surprise" bags. I love the Bio Denns Markt (only bio products). You can save money by bringing your bike here - the infrastructure here is great. I used public transport only a few times. I also bought many things on Willhaben (something like "bazoš")
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about accommodation
What type of accommodation did you choose? Would you recommend it to others? If not, what type of accommodation do you think is best based on your experience (dormitory, private apartment, private dormitory, shared room, etc.)?
I chose private accommodation. I found it on WG-Gesucht (a website used by locals). I struggled with finding it despite of the fact that I started looking early on. In the end, it was a great experience, I was lucky with my flatmates. They were great (it was 6 of us in a huge flat with a great location). I recommend speaking German when looking for accommodation.
about experiences
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
I tried to travel around Vienna, mostly on my bike. I recommend having a bike in Vienna. It is a great way of transportation to discover the city, get around it, and get to know it. I did some bike tours to nearby places.
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
German is really useful in daily communication, it helps you in everyday interactions with locals. English was the only language of instruction at the university.
final rating
Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
My experience at the CEU was really unique. I have met many new and interesting people, and I have had amazing lectures that helped me in pursuing my knowledge. Also, I got to know about many interesting opportunities for a future job. I loved the support from the CEU, I felt welcomed here, and everyone was friendly and ready to help. Vienna was not a love at first sight, maybe second:) when I got to know the city, its streets, and my friends from the university.
live-saving tips
If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
my bike (I did pack it) :)
Before leaving, I would like to know that...
nothing on my mind I would have liked to know that before leaving :)
What surprised me most was that...
the high quality of classes and instructors; the calmness of the city; and amazed by my flatmates that were just great
The hardest thing for me was...
to leave my job I had in Prague
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