Brno is a wonderful student city; it’s full of opportunities because of its lively atmosphere, fun events, beautiful cityscape, and proximity to other cool places. If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a student here, then keep reading to learn about the experiences of international students from Greece, Ireland, Japan, and Azerbaijan.
Firstly, since you came here, has there been something that shocked or surprised you?
Despoina, Greece: Hospitality of people and how open they are to making new friends.
Eimear, Ireland: The pace of lifestyle is a lot different back home. I’ve definitely noticed that there is a lot less consumerism and western culture influence in Brno when compared to Ireland.
Hikari, Japan: The people in Brno are similar to people in Tokyo because they do not smile often, and they are quiet in public transport. That is kind of similar to Japanese culture.
Nabi, Azerbaijan: It’s a quiet city when compared to other places where I’ve lived. The most shocking thing is that the restaurants are closing at 9 or 10 PM.
Is there any particular thing related to living and studying here that is different from your home country?
Despoina: The beer is very cheap and very tasty. Also, you can find yourself on a mountain or in a forest within minutes from the city center.
Eimear: We don’t take our shoes off at the door. In general, what is different, it’s the food, the language.
Hikari: The tram system is very convenient. In Japan, we have trains, but no trams.
Nabi: The weather and air are pretty clean and refreshing here. I think, in general, transport is more developed here. Also, there are more discounts for students, that’s something that’s missing in my country.
Are there any noticeable similarities between Czechia and your home country that you did not expect to see here?
Despoina: Hospitality, openness of people, good tasting food in both the Czech Republic and Greece, despite having different food.
Eimear: Not really, but that doesn’t mean that everything has been like a huge shock. But, I suppose, some shops. I didn’t expect to see some brands.
Hikari: The experience with people is similar to Tokyo, as I’ve said already. So, it’s comfortable for me to live in Brno.
Nabi: What I find similar between the Czech Republic and Azerbaijan is people’s hospitality. I didn’t expect to encounter it here because other people have told me that Czechs seem cold and not open to others.
Is there anything that you especially love about Brno or Czechia?
Despoina: It feels like home. Ever since I came to this city, despite not knowing anyone, at this point two months after being here, I have connections and I know the city. And so, I just feel like I’m at home, and I love that.
Eimear: My experience in Brno has been quite hospitable and friendly. I think it’s because there are so many international students here. Also, I just love Brno in general. For example, I went to Prague, and I didn’t like it there much.
Hikari: I love that Czech cuisine is so mixed with food from neighboring countries, like Poland. One friend even told me that there is no truly traditional Czech food. But I love the fried cheese. I have never seen it in Japan, but here it’s in almost every restaurant. It’s almost like the unofficial traditional Czech food.
Nabi: I love the weather! And the nature. There are a lot of trees like you can see mountains in my home country, but you can’t see so much of green color in the city. So, that’s what I really love about Brno.
Do you have any recommendations for other foreign students about what to do / try / see in Brno?
Despoina: Drink a lot of beer, haha! Check out the swing and the Lindy hop community of Brno, try out making music with the locals, try making food with the locals. Halušky is also a must, despite not being Czech food, but a traditional Slovak dish. And check out the trains to travel to the cities that are within a radius of 1 1/2 hours. Or just walk through every little street in Brno.
Eimear: Definitely make use of the fact that you are in such a good spot to visit, for example, Vienna, Budapest, other places. And in Brno, I would say to sign up for a local buddy because it’s really helpful and really great way to meet new people.
Hikari: There are so many bars you can go to in Brno. That’s a very nice thing about the city. I also recommend visiting Ostrava. It’s a very nice city surrounded by beautiful countryside – many trees, many animals.
Nabi: On my second day in the city, I randomly walked around the city. I didn’t know if I’m in the center of the city or if I’m on the outside of the city, but it was so much fun!
What do you think you are probably going to miss the most about the Czech Republic?
Despoina: How open the people are, how many events there are, how alive the city is in different directions – dancing, singing, movies, everything.
Eimear: I will miss living in Central Europe because obviously Ireland is so isolated from the rest of the continent. So, I will miss how interconnected everything here is with all these other countries.
Hikari: I think I will miss my friends the most, and the trams too.
Nabi: I haven’t really thought about it yet, I need to spend more time here.
As you can see, Brno is a city where everyone can find their own place that reminds them of home and brings them a sense of familiarity. All while being surrounded by many possibilities to try new things that the Czech Republic and its culture have to offer. The city is like a mosaic that we all contribute to depending on what are our interests, studies, experiences, etc. So, if you are coming here, then Brno is here to welcome you and make your study stay warm and unforgettable!
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