I chose to study at the University of Economics, Prague (Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze – VŠE) for both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Economics & Management because, coming from Mongolia - a post-socialist, developing country - I was seeking a strong academic foundation within a European context and wanted to understand how a post-Soviet society successfully transitioned into a functioning market economy within the European Union. Spending 16 years in Czechia allowed me not only to study, but to truly experience institutional and economic transformation in practice. Czech university education equipped me with systems thinking, strategic analysis, and practical management tools that helped me enter the selection processes of international firms such as Accenture and Deloitte. This perspective shaped my path as a university lecturer, lead expert, and facilitator for international development projects with UNDP, The Asia Foundation, WWF, and ADB, as well as a consultant in the private sector and mentor to young professionals and women entrepreneurs in Mongolia. I am also a co-initiator, co-translator, and co-editor of the Czech bestseller The End of Procrastination into Mongolian, further strengthening the bridge between our two countries.

Munkhtuya Tseveenbayar

I arrived in Czechia with a clear goal: to master Cybersecurity and take that expertise back home. However, the reality of living here quickly reshaped my ambitions. Within just three months, I transitioned from a student to a professional at an influential company - an opportunity that would have been a distant dream in my home country. Beyond the technical skills, Czechia pushed me out of my comfort zone. Immersing myself in a new culture and building a diverse network molded my personality in ways I never anticipated. I found a country where the professional opportunities in my field are vast and the community is incredibly welcoming. What started as a temporary academic journey has evolved into a career-defining experience. My advice to future students? Don't just study the curriculum; embrace the massive professional landscape this country offers. The doors are open - you just have to walk through them.

Kenan Fejzić

I came to Czechia from Hong Kong in 2010, inspired by the film Kolya and its poetic depiction of Prague. I started my journey at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno, followed by studies at HAMU in Prague, and FUD UJEP in Usti nad Labem. I am currently completing my second PhD at the University of West Bohemia. Czech higher education impressed me with its respect for independent artistic voices and the freedom to experiment across disciplines. The mentorship, focused training, and openness to technology-driven and interdisciplinary work allowed me to integrate my Hong Kongese heritage with European musical traditions. Today, as a lecturer and composer, I continue to perform internationally while contributing to Czech cultural life. Czechia has become my home, offering both artistic freedom and a supportive community, and I encourage future students to come with curiosity, patience, and openness to fully embrace the opportunities here.

Barry Wan

I ended up in Olomouc in 2007 completely by chance and medicine wasn’t even the original plan. Somehow, one unexpected decision led to another, and before I knew it, I was studying Medicine at Palacký University. Looking back, it truly feels like destiny had far greater plans than I could have imagined. What was meant to be just a degree turned into six unforgettable years. Olomouc offered the perfect environment for studying: focused, supportive, and calm enough to grow, yet vibrant enough to feel alive. I learned the Czech language (slowly and with plenty of funny mistakes), embraced the culture, and built friendships that still mean the world to me. Thanks to the strong academic foundation in Olomouc, I was able to complete an Erasmus exchange in Sweden in my final year, followed by elective placements at Oxford and Cambridge. Those opportunities began with the start I had in Czechia. It shaped my life in ways I never expected and if I had the chance, I would absolutely do it all over again.

Prabu Singh

I have been fascinated by the cultural and historical heritage of Czechia since childhood. Growing up, I travelled extensively with my family, which sparked my curiosity about Central Europe and ultimately led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and EU Studies at Metropolitan University Prague. During my studies, I began an internship at the Embassy of Bulgaria in Prague, where I witnessed firsthand the importance of strengthening relations between Bulgaria and Czechia - two Slavic nations with deep historical ties. This experience shaped my understanding of diplomacy and the vital role of bridging perspectives between states. After graduation, I chose to remain in Czechia and explore the corporate sector, joining SAP in Prague. This step expanded my outlook beyond public institutions and into global business environments. My journey then led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Culture, Communication and Globalization with a sustainability focus at Aalborg University, which then led me to the carbon sector and the growing importance of the green and blue economy. I spent five years in Czechia which shaped me both personally and professionally. It strengthened my commitment to international cooperation and gave me the opportunity to build a multidisciplinary career across diplomacy, corporate strategy, and sustainability. My advice to future students: embrace a multidisciplinary approach. It will broaden your horizons, sharpen your mindset, and empower you to build meaningful international networks.

Reneta Georgieva

I chose to study social work in Czechia because I wanted to deepen my critical understanding of structural inequality while stepping outside my own cultural comfort zone. As a scholar and practitioner, this journey has been both academic and deeply personal. What shaped me most was the supportive student care system and the presence of advisors who respected my research focus on gender justice. Inclusion here was not merely policy language—it was reflected in everyday academic life, dialogue, and mentorship. I was encouraged to present at international seminars and publish my research, which strengthened my confidence as both a researcher and an advocate. Living and studying in Czechia taught me that social work is not only about helping others; it is also about interrogating power, understanding oneself, and contributing to systemic change. My advice: choose a program that challenges you intellectually and supports you as a whole person.

Kath Khangpiboon