At the beginning of September, over 700 international students came to Brno, both within the Erasmus+ programme and for English-taught degree programmes. The largest groups came from Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy. To help the newcomers adapt as quickly as possible, the Centre for International Cooperation (CZS) together with ESN, an international student organization, prepared the Orientation Week. „The aim of Orientation Week is to introduce students to what awaits them during the upcoming semester or their entire study programme, present the services that MU offers, and provide them with important information they need to know right from the start. We also give them the opportunity to learn more about the Czech Republic and what MU and the city of Brno have to offer to help them integrate. They also get the chance to connect with other students through social activities and workshops, and even meet local students during speedfriending,” explains Martin Vašek, Head of the CZS Welcome Office.
Orientation Week kicked off on Sunday, September 7, with a city tour and continued on Monday with an official welcome and registration at the Faculty of Economics and Administration. The students were eager to begin their studies responsibly. Many arrived early in the morning, ready to pick up their materials and get their first information. While waiting for the programme to start, they enjoyed a photo booth and refreshments, including traditional Czech treats such as chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches) and svatební koláčky (wedding pastries).
The opening speech was delivered by Petr Suchý, Vice-rector for Internationalisation and External Relations of Masaryk University, who praised the courage of international students for leaving familiar surroundings to study in a foreign country. Presentations by CZS coordinators followed. Newcomers learned not only how the academic year and exam period are structured, but also, for example, when public holidays take place in the Czech Republic and how to get a šalinkarta (public transport pass).
The following days were filled with various workshops, sample Czech language lessons, and other activities organized by the CZS. The informal part of the programme was provided by ESN MUNI Brno. „Without their volunteer support, Orientation Week would not have been possible,” emphasizes Martin Vašek. ESN will continue to accompany international students throughout the semester with organized trips, parties, and other joint activities.
Not all students took part in Orientation Week. About 60 more made use of the so-called “short Orientation Week,” arriving only on Friday, a new option offered by CZS this year. „Although they missed the main Orientation Week activities, they still had the chance to explore Brno through free entries to local landmarks and to start the semester equipped with all the necessary information,” adds Martin Vašek.