Anezka Dvorackova

Short-term mobility

• Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Gymnasium • Cham • Germany •

In March 2026 I spent four weeks in Cham, Germany, at Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Gymnasium, as part of a short-term Erasmus+ mobility.

I only found out that a family had been found for me in Germany in mid-February that year, and the exact date of my departure only five days before leaving, so the whole thing was very last-minute. I wanted to spend as long as possible abroad, so I sacrificed our spring holidays for it, but I definitely do not regret it.

Although I was only a short distance from the border, I very quickly felt the difference between Czechia and Germany. Apart from the higher standard of living in Germany, people there are also kinder. I was surprised by how easily I was accepted, not only by my host family but also by classmates and teachers at school. My biggest fear was that someone would laugh at my German, but that never happened, not even once.

The whole Erasmus experience was very positive for me, and the only thing I regret is that I could not spend more time there.

We asked...

Why would you recommend the Erasmus+ programme to your classmates and what advice would you give them?

I would definitely recommend Erasmus to absolutely everyone, since it is a great opportunity to spend some time abroad for free, improve your language skills, step outside your comfort zone, discover a different culture, and make new friends. As for advice, I would definitely recommend not being afraid to start conversations.

What were your first impressions upon arrival to your family and school?

My first impression of the family was mainly that I was surprised by how wealthy they were. Their three-storey house with very luxurious furnishings rather surprised me. Nevertheless, from the very start the whole family of four came across as very kind, and I really liked their openness. At school I was also struck by the somewhat more modern facilities, and I was pleasantly surprised by how interested my classmates were in talking to me.

How would you describe your typical day?

My mornings began with breakfast together with my host family. Then came the journey to school by bus. At school I usually had between six and nine lessons. After school I would either explore the sights of Cham or go home and explore the surroundings of our village. I really enjoyed the shared dinners and the evenings that followed, whether we just talked as a family or played board games.