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I have always wondered what it would be like to live in a foreign country, even just for a while. Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, my wish came true and I had the opportunity to spend three weeks at the University of Helsinki in Finland while still in secondary school. It was not only my first experience with such a long stay abroad, but also my first real glimpse into the world of science outside the Czech Republic. At the same time, it confirmed to me that this is how I truly want to live one day—not just as a trial run.
Every day I commuted to the university, where I worked in a lab on a project focused on cancer medications. It was an absolutely incredible experience. I got to work with professional equipment, learn new techniques, and—most importantly—become part of a real scientific team where everyone took my work seriously.
Aside from that, I also explored Finland itself. I was fascinated by how kind and helpful people were, and how easy it was to communicate in English.
My stay in Finland gave me so much—not only knowledge, but also independence, self-confidence, and friendships with people from all over the world. It was an experience I’d love to repeat again right away.
We asked...
01
Why would you recommend your classmates to participate in the Erasmus+ programme and what advice would you have for them?
Erasmus+ is one of the best experiences you can have as a student. It truly opens your eyes—not just through travel, but also through contact with foreigners, new languages, and opportunities. You’ll learn to be responsible, independent, and most of all, you’ll realise how much you can grow when you step outside your comfort zone. My advice? Don’t be afraid and go as soon as you can!
02
What were the biggest challenges you overcame during your stay?
The biggest challenge for me was adapting to the environment. In Finland, it gets dark very early in winter, and the temperatures are quite low—which was a big change for me. Another major lesson was managing my budget, as prices in Finland are higher than in the Czech Republic, so I had to plan out every crown (or rather euro!). But it was thanks to these challenges that I learned a lot about myself and how to handle everyday life abroad.
03
How did this experience affect you in terms of personal development?
Staying in Finland taught me to be more independent and to believe in myself more. For the first time, I was living completely on my own in a foreign country, dealing with everyday things like cooking, shopping, and managing my time. Most importantly, I realised that I can handle much more than I thought. Today I know that being alone isn’t a bad thing—it actually helps you become more aware of yourself and the world around you.