UHK Alumni Stories by Tomas Hercik

Tomáš - Czech Republic

herciktomas1 — 2021-12-08 11:24:35 UTC

Hello guys! My name is Tomáš Herčík and I am 32 years old. Some of you know me as a helper of Martina Eliášová and some of you as a coordinator in International Office of the Philosophical Faculty UHK. Well, I still work as a coordinator there :) I am alumnus of UHK myself, I´ve studied the Political Science - Latin American Studies at the Philosophical Faculty. I come from a small village in Krkonoše originally, but I´ve been living in Hradec Králové for almost ten years now and I´ve been connected to UHK for whole time. Despite being Czech and living in the Czech Republic, I consider myself as a member of strong international community at UHK and I look forward to reading stories of international students, who had the opportunity to study here. Please, feel free to share your experiences, memories, maybe opportunities, which has study stay at UHK given to you? :)

Rafaela - Brazil

2021-12-14 14:31:42 UTC

Hello everyone! I am Rafaela Gonçalves, I'm 23y, Business Bachelor and I'm from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the year of 2020 I had the chance to realize one of my biggest dreams that was to study abroad and CZ was the country welcomed me for that! I had such a wonderful experience with people from university, as well as the other international students and local people. I lived memorable experiences such as meeting very different culture, people and playing in the snow for the first time. I can't wait to visit CZ again in near future. Feel free for dropping a comment down below, if you wish! ^-^

Marcos Bernal - México

2021-12-14 23:52:47 UTC

Hello everyone!!!, my name is Marcos Bernal, I´36 years old. I had the opportunity to do a short stay at the University of Hradec Králové in March 2018. It has been one of the most significant experiences in my life. It has helped me a lot as part of the academic experience in prestigious universities, now I am a PhD student at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

Esperanza-Mexico

2021-12-15 03:07:02 UTC

Hello there! My name is Esperanza I’m 27 years old, and I studied three years ago at UHK. Definitely a life changing experience. It was the opportunity to get to know myself as student in a way different scholar system, also I discovered, I was able to get new friends spread all over the world, friends that remain in my life nowadays. Words are not enough to describe my happiest days at UHK. I’m grateful, and will always will.

Marcela Ñañez- Colombia

2021-12-15 04:50:47 UTC

Hiiii everyone!
I am Marcela and I'm from Colombia. I'm 21 years old and studying in Czech Republic has changed my life forever. Thanks to the University of Hradec Králové and their scholarships for non european students I have known a lot of people from over the world and I'm really happy for that, I also travel a lot and my academic experience there was made between the things you learn at school and also the cultural heritage you learn from others and those could make you an universal thinker.
I'll be never the same person I was before my UHK experience, my days there were just the happiest of my life. Forever grateful with you guys <3

Rocío - Nicaragua.

2021-12-15 17:50:23 UTC

Ahoj :) My name is Rocío Canales, I am from Nicaragua and I’m 24 years old. I studied at UHK in 2019-2020. For me study abroad was the best experience ever, I fell in love with Czech Republic with their people and their culture and it changed me at all, now I feel more prepared as professional, cultural, academically lifestyle. This opportunity for me was a dream came true, I could travel to many countries, met people around the world, also we went to ski for first time with my faculty, it was amazing! The University is completely successful due the changed it did to me, now mi work skills improved as professional and as student, definitely it was a 100/10. I talk to all my friends and family about my experience because for sure it is worth to mention, at the beginning go to a new continent sounded scared but thanks this and the scholarship they gave me to live and study I am grateful for live what I lived and for those beautiful memories, in a few words: thank u.

Joicy Díaz-Perú

2021-12-18 22:04:22 UTC

Hi guys!!!! I'm Joicy from Perú, political science student.
I have had the opportunity to spend a year there (2020-2021) and thanks to the scholarship UHK gave me I was able to travel to many countries and get to know Europe.
Studying at the University of Hradec Králové has been a wonderful experience, which has allowed me to meet beautiful people, from all over the world and live experiences that I never thought what would happen.
I danced polka, I ate Vepřo knedlo zelo, I got to know the tradition of the Easter whip, I went skiing in the mountains, I walked through its streets full of beautiful architecture, I really lived the Czech culture I laughed, cried, loved, I was too happy.
Without a doubt it has been one of the best experiences of my life and I think this would not have happened without the help of Tomáš my coordinator and the people of UHK for which I am very grateful.
Definitely a part of my heart stays in Czech Republic and I hope to visit it soon.
With much love Joi💕

Alejandro Tarcaya - Bolivia

2021-12-20 00:10:22 UTC

Hi guys! I am Alejandro from Bolivia, I studied at the Philosophical Faculty of UHK in a short-time period (2018-2019).
I could tell you a lot of things that I experienced in my time there, but I'll just mention some of them, because believe me, I couldn't finish all the good things that I lived in my exchange.
For example, I took advantage of the amazing location of Czech Republic and I was able to travel to almost all Europe, a lot of places into Czech Republic and also Hradec králové which is an amazing city.
In addition, I met friends from all over the world, I played soccer with some of them, we traveled together, we had fun in some parties, grills, and unnumerously activities that happened day to day.
If all this seems little, I also have to mention the activities, lectures, and travels that the UHK organized periodically. For example one of my favorites was going to ski and see my professors doing it.
To sum up, I had one of the happiest moments in my life thanks to the UHK :) and I'm infinitily grateful for it.
Best regards Ale :D

2021-12-23 14:02:55 UTC

Hello, my name is Miguel Ángel Ordóñez. I live in Mexico. Studying at the University of Hradec Kralove has been and will be one of the best experiences of my life with excellent classes and very good teachers, in addition, the fraternal student atmosphere is undoubtedly one of the best things since you know many friends from different countries and without a doubt the Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful countries that exists

siulmaryg — 2021-12-27 22:57:45 UTC

Hello! I'm Siulmary (Siul) from Venezuela and I am 24 years old. I study Modern Languages at the University of Los Andes (Venezuela) and I studied at UHK for two semesters of 2020-2021, in the field of Sociology.

My stay in the Czech Republic was definitely one of the best experiences of my life, maybe the most challenging one. It contributed to my academic life and, most importantly, it represented a profitable personal experience. The places I visited, the people I met and the knowledge I acquired during this period shaped my worldview and made me a more curious and empathetic individual.

In addition to that, being involved in a rather multicultural atmosphere as I did while I lived in Hradec Králové, allowed me to 'visit' (culturally speaking) so many places around the world. Furthermore, I got to know two very special people there (Linda and Michelle from Venezuela, too) who supported me in many ways and who became one of my closest friends.

I find that being conscious of diversity and embracing it is one of the most important and wisest things to do in life and I could accomplish that personal goal. Different is just an opportunity for all of us to understand the world. It is, undoubtedly, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Very warm regards,

Siul

MARIA ANTONIETA -CHILE

maraguilerar — 2022-01-14 13:16:00 UTC

Hi guys!!! Im Anto from chile i studied political science in philosophical faculty of UHK beetween 2016 - 2017 and it was the most incredible i ever did... i meet the best friends of my life and i got the nicest memories from my exchange... Hradec Kralove is a small city near to prague so is so easy to take the train and travel around central europe ... also the university gave to me tools to see the world with other eyes, be more open and curious. Im now working in the town all of my city and everyday i think about hradec kralove, their infraestructure, the transport system wich is so efficent, their comunnity and their school system, tryng to improve my own town. Gratefull for ever of Martina and my friends Cae, Ernesto, Nelson, Thais, Katy, Marta... always in my hearth

Kevin - Bolivia

2022-01-14 13:52:25 UTC

Hello everybody, my name is Kevin, I was part of UHK in 2016. As well as most of you, I remembered that time with hapiness because I had a wonderful experience thanks to all those friends that I met in Hradec Králové. I believe that there are not enough words to describe my stay there, so I am just going to say that it was the best experience that I have ever had in my life.

My history at UHK.

2022-01-14 14:52:55 UTC

Hello everyone, my name is Tumar and I’m from Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 ❤️ I came for the winter semester at the University of Hradec Kralove in 2019. I am very glad that I had the opportunity to study in the Czech Republic. As soon as I arrived I and other students were met by our buddies. They helped with our suitcases and helped us get to the dormitory safe and sound. I made friends with many good people. The teachers, Czech students and dorm staff were very friendly. The students seemed to have known each other for many years. We tried to support and help each other. During the period of study, it was not boring, the university arranged interesting events, competitions and games.

I liked studying according to the European system, because in Kazakhstan (my country; Central Asia) the education system is different.

Another advantage, the exchange program makes it possible to travel. I visited different countries, learned and saw a lot of things. In general, I liked Hradec Kralove and decided to stay for one more semester. So I did. But unfortunately due to the global communication problem of COVID-19, I had to leave the Czech Republic as my country closed its borders. I'm very sad that it all ended this way. However, when I remember all the good moments passed during the entire period of study, a smile appears on my face.

Manuel Castillo - Chile

2022-01-14 15:18:00 UTC

Hello there! name's Manuel Castillo (the one with long hair lol) i studied political science in philosophical faculty of UHK 2017, During my time in Hradec i learned a lot about different ways of life, history and more. also i met a lot of amazing people from latam and europe and until this day we keep in touch.

Since UHK i got my degree in Political Science and now I'm working on a communication agency, my job consist in checking the lower chamber and the senate and how laws are being discuss.

to finish, i will always be grateful for the amazing opportunity UHK offers to everyone because this experience change my life literally for ever, words may not describe it all but hey the journey was unique.

Until next time!

Ricardo - México

rykardo_doz — 2022-01-14 18:16:10 UTC

Hello there! I am Ricardo from Mexico. I was studying political sciencie from september 2015 to june 2016 at the UHK. Let me told you that this chance to study in Czech Republic was amazing! First, I met people from all over the world, I made many friends that i still in touch with them up to now. The teachers were kind and polite in classrooms. Martina Eliásová was very attentive and helpful when I had questions or doubts. The city is quiet and it has many activities to do. One day I will be back to visit and live as a tourist or student a new adventure.

Betina de Paula - Brazil

betinabilibio — 2022-01-14 21:06:59 UTC

Hello! My name is Betina and I have moved from Brazil to Czech Republic to study Political Science and Sociology at the Philosophical Faculty at UHK in 2020. At first, the plan was to stay for one single semester but as it turned out I was still very eager to get to know more of Czech Republic, Hradec Králové and Europe. There, I learned a lot more about Central Europe and its history and most of all, I have met incredible people during my stay. It has definitely changed me forever and I am very grateful for everything, specially for the opportunity of being there at UHK.

Thank you and warm wishes,

Betina.

Edmilson Delgado Junior - 🇨🇻 Kabu Verdi

edyhejunior23 — 2022-01-14 22:51:58 UTC

My name is Edmilson Delgado and I was lucky to get the opportunity to spend a semestre in Czech Republic🇨🇿 at Hradec Králové university in 2017.
I am from Cape Verde🇨🇻 and I was accepted to participate on the exchange program between the University Jean Piaget of Cape Verde and Hradec Králové university.

I was 19 years old back then, and as you can imagine, the energy was at its highest level of my teenages. I have gotten to know many people from all over the world. I was able to make many friends and I still have contact with some of them until today. I got to know that borders are just an illusion when you can learn from others without being in their country. i am very greafull for this opportunity and I would love to do it again.
Thank you guys who made that experience worth it to the maximum. 🇨🇿🇨🇻

FIDELIA IKE-JAHKA - NIGERIA

2022-01-15 11:05:30 UTC

My name is Fidelia Ike- Jahka Chimmarunma from Nigeria a current student of University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state Nigeria.
I was an exchange students of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic from August- February, 2015. It was an amazing experience of my life time. Nice people i must say.
I studied for a semester where i did political science. I made good friends which we still keep in touch today.
I love the city and would wish to come for another program

Laura - Venezuela

2022-01-16 03:24:10 UTC

Ahoj! My name is Laura and I’m from the beautiful city of Merida in Venezuela. I had the amazing opportunity of studying Political Science at UHK during 2017-2018. For me, this semester in Hradec Králové represented many firsts: 1st time of traveling abroad, 1st time getting to know other cultures at first hand, 1st time being my own for so long, 1st time of meeting people from all over the world, 1st time skiing… It is one of my most precious memories.

In UHK I felt in place and since I could choose my lectures according to my interests, I truly enjoyed each class I attended –and the schedule was the best, it allowed me to travel while studying! I still have my notebooks from that semester and I cherish them with my heart. In some way or another, each subject I studied helped me grow both personally and professionally.

You see, I was studying Modern Languages and International Organizations in Venezuela while I did this semester abroad so not only the Political Science classes were helpful for me, being able to meet people from different cultures than mine was one of the highlights of this experience and it allowed me to put into practice the knowledge I had as an intercultural communicator.

I feel proud when I tell someone I studied in UHK and I consider it one of the greatest achievements in my life so I encourage anyone that might be thinking of applying to go for it! –and I congratulate all UHK alumni for choosing to study here, we’re the lucky ones!

Nashle! :)

Juan Pablo P. - Colombia

2022-01-22 03:15:32 UTC

Hello everyone! I am Juan Pablo, from Medellín, Colombia. I had the chance to study at UHK for the 2018 winter semester. To be in the Czech Republic and the lovely city of Hradec Králové was definitely an impacting and life lasting experience in all fronts. Almost no one could stay in this amazing place without getting struck with awe by its beauty, great history, sense of companionship, and passion. The hardest would certainly be to withdraw yourself from the amazing sharing and learning which almost everyone and everything offer.

People from all over… even those who were from Latin America (which you are supposed to know better given their cultural and geographical proximity) taught me vastly about life. It was then an incredible opportunity to see how we all differ and connect. Trips, food, places, storytelling and building, the whole package was included. Also in the special moments during Christmas and New Year’s Eve the warmth of this companion and sharing felt unique.

Other aspect that I appreciated during my stay was the courses. The Philosophical Faculty offered an incredible spectrum of them with professors from the Czech Republic and also from many well-known Universities around the world. Thanks to it I decided to study a new subject for my bachelor’s monograph as well as to learn from other philosophical and political traditions.

To have stayed in Hradec Králové and its University, the heart of Europe and its surroundings, even for such a short time period (which indeed feels now in memory like a very long one), deeply changed me. For this and more, I cherish the memories and experiences that many helped me to collect. I encourage those who have the chance to be there and still hesitate to finally do it.

Best wishes from Colombia,

Juan Pablo

Maria Camila - Colombia

2022-01-22 03:21:41 UTC

Hello there! My name is Maria Camila and I am from Medellín-Colombia. I had the amazing opportunity of going to UHK during the winter semester of 2018 – 2019. My experience in the Czech Republic was filled with different kinds of knowledge, since I enjoyed a lot the trips and the company of people from all over the world, and I gained new academical perspectives that accompany my interests and my passions till this very day.

Regarding the trips, I have always loved the fact of walking around beautiful cities, and while I was at UHK I took my chance to travel to various cities inside the country and to visit other countries as well (The idea that Czech Republic is the heart of Europe is really accurate). I must say that I remember Prague with a lot of sweet emotions, given that I tried to appreciate every corner of the place and I also created beautiful memories such as spending New Year’s Eve in there.

On the other hand, the social movement in Hradec Králové is quite intense and exciting. This gave me the opportunity to get to know different cultural backgrounds and a huge diversity of ways to approach life.

Since I came back, I started to do some research in several areas of study that attracted me in a strong way during my stay at UHK. I even got the inspiration about the topic for my undergraduate monograph from a couple of very nice courses that were offered during the exchange.

All I can say is that this experience has had an overwhelmingly positive impact in my academical and personal life. I’m very thankful and happy to be a proud alumnus!

Estefania Fonseca - México

2022-01-24 19:31:43 UTC

Hello everyone! My name is Estefy and I´m from Pachuca, Hidalgo. I studied at UHK during the 2020 winter semester. As all of you may know, the pandemic was starting by that time, nevertheless, it didn´t stop me from getting to know amazing people and living some of the greatest experiencies of my academic life.

Studying at UHK is a bit different than in Mexico, and it may seem challenging, it really is. But together with your professors, coordinator and in general the whole community of the UHK, it´s going to feel like home. They give you amazing support and each every tool you may need. The topics of the classes are very interesting and they open your mind to different cultures and ways of thinking. Having a multicultural class where you can listen to people from different parts of the world, is definetely going to change your perspective about everything!

Hradec Kralove is te perfect place to make friends, and above all, get to know yourself, and in general, the Czech Republic is a place full of magic and history where you can create memories that will last in your heart, forever.

I´m looking forward to coming back soon!
Thank you so much UHK and thank you Tomas,

With much love from Mexico.

Laura Unás- Colombia

2022-01-27 16:18:07 UTC

Hello! My name is Laura and I am from Cali, Colombia. I studied at the UHK during the 2020 summer semester and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Despite the pandemic, I had the chance to travel around the Czech Republic and some central european countries, as well as meet a lot of exchange students from different cultures, which helped me to expand my horizon.

On the other hand, people at the UHK were extremely kind and willing to help us with everything we needed. Being far away from home was not that difficult thanks to all of their support and the warm company of my roomates, who were like a family to me.

I would definately encourage everyone to take the chance and study at the UHK. Hradec Králové is a very beautiful and peaceful town, just one hour away from Prague. People are reserved but kind and the university's staff will make sure to make you feel like home. I feel homesick every time I remember my life at the Czech Republic and I am looking forward to visit it again!

Sincerely,
Laura

2022-02-14 12:29:46 UTC

Hello! I am Susanna from Ghana. I had the privilege to study at UHK in 2015. It was an amazing time since that was my first time in the Europe. Despite the cultural differences and language, I had a wonderful time at the university and with my colleagues. I had the opportunity to travel by train and bus to some European countries. My buddy and Martina Eliasova were very kind and always ready to assist me.
I was mostly at the UHK library where I encountered welcoming employees who were delighted to assist anyone. The lecturers tried their very best to help us especially the foreign students to understand what they taught us. I enjoyed learning Czech language because the lecturer was fantastic. I also enjoyed the country presentations which were insightful. In fact, I made wonderful friends and the trans-cultural experience was great. Although, I encountered a few instances of racial discrimination, I think Czech Republic and UHK is a place every student should endeavour to experience. I will surely visit this amazing country one day.
'Long live Czech Republic, Long live UHK'