I quietly strolled down the winding path, listening to the soft lapping of the waves against the river bank. I had a clear view of the swans from here, their feathery bodies, white as snow, gleaming in the sunlight. Is this what heaven looks like? The stillness in the air compelled me to reflect on my days here. Coming to Czechia to study medicine has been among my essential decisions. A hazy dream turned into reality before I could even fully process it. One question I get asked a lot is, 'Why Czechia?' And my answer is always, 'Where do I even start?'
High school is already stressful enough as it is, and is required to settle, once and for all, what I wanted to do for the rest of my life and where I wanted to study was nothing less than a tremendous undertaking. There are several reasons why Czechia, a serious contender on my list, took the trophy.
1. The quality of education
Czechia is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, which offer a diverse range of programmes. Whether it's the sciences you prefer or the intricacies and contemporary aspects of public history, Czech universities have got you covered. To top it all off, each programme boasts a well-integrated curriculum taught by highly-skilled professors, a winning combination.
2. Diverse community
Growing up in Dubai, I was surrounded by people from different parts of the world, which has strongly impacted me. I believe diversity exposes us to new ideologies and perspectives, creating a learning environment everyone can benefit. Learning about the supportive and welcoming international community here was one of the most significant factors that sealed the deal for me.
3. Endless opportunities
Choosing a medical university with a high research output was of the utmost importance to me. I wanted to be a part of something that plays such a decisive role in changing the face of the future. I didn't have to do a lot of digging once I started looking at the universities in Czechia, though. The extensive scientific base here was hard to miss.
4. Travelling
You must have heard this a hundred times, but I can't emphasize this enough. The best part about studying in Czechia is its exact location. Situated in the heart of Europe, you can travel easily to any surrounding European country. It has proven to be pretty advantageous, especially for me, as studying medicine does come with its fair share of stress, and travelling is one of the excuses I like to use to escape the shackles of my anxieties, at least for a little while.
So, do you think your heart is set on Czechia yet?