When deciding to study in the Czech Republic, students are facing a problem of misinformation and outright falsehoods that they may get without knowing a real situation in the country. Too many students mistakenly believe that study abroad is just a luxury that they can neither afford nor benefit from. Below are some of the most common myths students believe about studying abroad and, more importantly, the facts that debunk them.
#1: How can I study in the Czech Republic without knowing the Czech language?
There are many study programs in the Czech Republic that require no czech language skills, and are offered in English. Many Czech public universities offer their study programs in English. There are plenty of private universities where the courses are taught in English. However, you shouldn't let lack of skills in a language stop you from studying in a particular country, such as the Czech Republic. Study programs in English-speaking countries are far more competitive and more expensive than those in countries where other native languages dominate. This is in part because so many students share the common misconception that their monolingualism restricts their choices to English-speaking countries.
#2: I don't have enough money to study abroad.
Studying abroad often costs the same or even less than spending the same time at your home country. Especially if you study in a country that has a lower cost of living than at home, your day-to-day living expenses may be far lower than those you are accustomed to. Czech Republic is considered a low cost european country with affordable tuition fees (for private education) and low costs of living. Public university studies in czech language for all students are still available free of charge!!!
#3: I can always travel later once I have a job and am earning money.
Easier said than done. Once you are locked into a job and responsibilities, it's very difficult to get away for any length of time. You may have a difficult time getting the time off from work and you probably won't be able to afford unpaid vacation time because you will have locked yourself into long-term financial responsibilities: a car, rent payments or a mortgage, credit cards, and family responsibilities, for example. In addition, traveling as a tourist is a much different experience than living as an integrated part of a foreign culture. The two experiences are incomparably different. As a tourist, you will typically be seen as an outsider. When you live in a foreign culture and participate in its day-to-day life, you become an immersed and daily participant in the culture.
#4: Only language majors study abroad.
Study abroad programs are open to students of all majors, and in fact, more social sciences, business, humanities, and arts majors study abroad than foreign language majors. You certainly could add a language major to your studies as a result of your study abroad units, but you will also very likely be able to earn units for other majors as well as to fulfill general education requirements at your university.
#5: Study in the Czech republic is not for everyone.
No matter what your major, gender, ethnic background, or interests, studying in a foreign country can benefit you personally, academically, and professionally. There are a myriad of study programs available in the Czech Republic. There are sure to be several that suit your needs and interests.
#6: Study abroad is a luxury.
Some students (and their parents) believe that studying abroad is not really studying. Quite the contrary! It's true that the academic setting will probably be different than what you are used to, but that doesn't make it any less valuable. In addition to the formal instruction you receive, numerous learning experiences will happen outside the classroom - experiences you would never get at your home college or university. The entire experience abroad will change your life as well as enhance your resume and employment potential. In fact, international experience is increasingly important for those seeking a job in an global economy that relies on good relations and the ability to communicate with diverse peoples around the world.
If you talk to anybody who has ever studied in the Czech Republic, they will likely tell you that any worries or concerns they had before they departed melted away once they arrived in in the Czech Republic. They will confirm to you that their experience was well worth any extra expense or time it may have taken and that the benefits they have experienced as a result are more numerous and lasting than they ever could have imagined.