Students talk about their Erasmus experience in Prague ****************************************************************************************** * ****************************************************************************************** Pille-Riin from Estonia, student at PTF in WS 2019 "It's really hard to put into words how much I enjoyed my time in Prague and in the Protes Faculty. I think what struck me the most right away was how much you can feel at home in s and big thanks for that goes to the people in the International Department of Protestant T They really made us students feel incredibly welcome, showed us around and helped us with needed. For that I thank you! Not to mention all the other wonderful people I had the chan my studies. And of course, Prague as a city itself is one of my favorite places in the world and I fee I had the chance to live there for few months - the people, culture, restaurants, parks, e student networks, museums, different parts of the town, public transport, parties, student so on and so on... Prague and Czech Republic really is one of the best places where one co Erasmus exchange semester or a year. A huge chunk of my heart will probably stay there forever and I look forward to visiting P the future... and who knows, maybe another round of studying?" Mart Jan from Netherlands, student at PTF in 2017 “Studying in Prague was one of the best decisions of my life. The city is amazingly beauti still has a place in my heart and probably forever will have. The people at the Internatio of Protestant Faculty are really friendly: they help you the best they can and show you so nicest places in Prague and its surroundings. They even organize a yearly reunion with all international students! The things I learned here include the exciting history of Central Europe. When I left the thought the Czech Republic was Eastern Europe, because Western Europe ended in Germany. Bu and excursions during my stay, my eyes were opened for Bohemia and it neighbours. Another characteristic of the Protestant Faculty is the personal attention for every stude is quite small and therefore the classes are as well. That really helps to feel welcome as student. We even got invited to visit a professor at their place, which is quite unheard o Netherlands! The group of international students in my year was quite diverse: there were Germans, the Finns and Hungarians. We had lots of spare time to talk with each other about our countrie know not only the Czech Republic, but almost all of the Europe!” Anne from Germany, student at PTF in WS 2019 “I love thinking back about my Erasmus in Prague. It was such a blessing and joy. An exper enjoy sharing about and I can highly RECOMMEND. I had never been to Prague before I came there for my Erasmus studies. Not knowing what to love with the beauty of the city, the culture, the art, the nature, the architecture and t it all. Getting to know Prague and settling in went really well with starting at the faculty. We, Erasmus students, were welcomed with open arms and we were supported with everything we ne the opportunity to grow into the COMMUNITY which consisted of us Erasmus students and also from the International Department. I really appreciate the personal contact with the professors and the individual SUPPORT wh us. I also have to mention a great location of the faculty and the opportunity to ENJOY am drinks just around the corner from there. I can’t wait to come back to visit!” George from UK, student at PTF in 2018-2019 “I first came to Prague in June 2010 on a family trip. We were blown away by the magnifice surroundings and the complex history. Eight years later I came to study theology here and I had the best year imaginable. Prague history and the fantastic nature of the sites pays tribute to that – from the tomb where t of Heydrich camped out, to Jan Hus’ Bethlehem Chapel, to the beauty of the Strahov Monaste is the perfect student city – cheap (by Western European standards), easy, amazing transpo architecture, fantastic pubs and nightlife and with many highly worthwhile places to visit itself, the surroundings and for miles around. The International Department at the faculty could not have been more welcoming and friendl organized an orientation programme for us, with a Czech language course in the mornings an afternoons. My fellow Erasmus students met regularly to visit new places in Prague and cat what else but a beer (the national treasure). The teachers and lecturers have been great a to know you and are more than keen to help develop your knowledge with stimulating and enj from the Bohemian Reformation to visiting to see first hand the effects of ‘Nationalism, S Environmental Destruction’ in Most, Northern Bohemia. This block seminar was part of the m Association of the Friends of the Protestant Theological Faculty, which I’m a part of sinc Doing things beyond my usual experiences and the surprises that have come with this have b year’s greatest pleasure. At my home university I study Philosophy and Theology thus under interests. However, through the faculty I attended a course on Archaeology in Israel and t gave me the opportunity to go to Israel for two weeks through a trip sponsored by the Czec Education and the EU. The mission was to excavate an Iron Age Temple just outside Jerusale greater insight into the formation of religion in the First Temple Period. This was the mo and unique experience and I really must thank to all the organizers for this opportunity. A few weeks into my year I took up a job tutoring a local child English in Prague. This ha rewarding in getting to know a Czech family who I have formed a close friendship with. Experiencing many performances at Prague’s Opera houses and loving them was also one of th results of this year. This underlines another brilliant thing about Prague: the number of that are specifically laid on and subsidised for students. All in all I have had the most fantastic time here with great classes; a brilliant city to other places to explore; a great relaxed and easy lifestyle; and constantly learning, expe things and building up foreign experiences which have in turn built up my confidence in ta challenges, experiences and opportunities. I would like to thank everyone at the Internati of the faculty for helping me to enjoy the best year abroad possible as well as my departm Durham for arranging it. Long may it continue.” Alex from Italy, student at PTF in WS 2019 “I chose Prague and the Protestant Theological Faculty to be my Erasmus destination for se First, I wanted to discover a new country, get closer to different culture and live in ama picturesque city. Czech Republic with its capital city Prague fit to this frame more than I found the curriculum of PTF to be very interesting and promising. And finally, I was hop new things – this even overcomes my expectations! During my Erasmus I had a chance to meet people from all over the world, to visit many loc Mělník and Brno, to Vyhlídka Máj and České Švýcarsko), to travel cheaply and to try local this, Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen. It offers so much: small running, breath-taking views, history and many discos for enjoyable moments. Nevertheless, I admit, that my experience would be half so great without the kindness and of the PTF and the International coordinators. They made me feel like at home, always welc to help with any question and problem. Every time I remember my Erasmus in Prague, I start to smile.” Jana from Germany, student at PTF in WS 2019 “I literally loved studying in Prague! The Protestant Theology Faculty is a very special p familiar atmosphere and friendly open-minded people. The international office put so much into us internationals to make us feel welcome. During the semester they were a great help for us and took us to cool places. The international office even got me a flat as I strugg The teachers are nice, and the courses are great. Because there is a small number of stude a lot during the courses and the teachers lead active discussions with you. Choosing the c other faculties) was uncomplicated and you are pretty much free to choose whatever. So eve social work at my home university, I took theology courses which I liked a lot. Also, Prague is a great city to study in – it’s beautiful, full of opportunities, with man clubs and pubs. I enjoyed discovering this city and its culture. There is something for ev I can totally recommend studying in Prague and studying at the PTF. I had such a great tim ask for a better semester abroad!” Lars from Denmark, student at PTF in WS 2013 “Before my Erasmus stay, I had been in Prague twice, and I knew right away that it was not to see more of this amazing city, which contained what I was interested in: history, relig The International Department and also the teachers accepted me with kindness and open arms the faculty became very quickly my second home in Prague. During the first two weeks, I studied Czech language along with the other international st of that we went on tours within Prague and saw the most famous sights. We learned about th city, and we had delicious Czech food at the traditional restaurants. We made also trips outside Prague. We visited for example a Říp Mountain, which is especia the country's history and founding. Studying at the faculty was exciting. Especially I enjoyed a course called ‘Bohemian Refor Jan Hus, as a main protagonist. The semester gave me so much, which I couldn’t get in Denmark at my study – developing my knowledge, making new friends… I love Prague and thanks to the Association of Friends of the PTF who organize the annual year, I still feel to be a part of the faculty.” Helen from UK, student at PTF in WS 2013-SS 2014 “Moving to Prague was a very different experience to anything I had done before. Before th been on a plane before, and had never spent more than a week outside the UK. This meant th abroad year was a massive change in my life. It meant (and means!) a lot to me, and gave m do many things for the first time. I started to love Prague and its culture very quickly. I enjoyed going to the cinemas, res coffee shops in Prague, and the nightlife is really relaxed and inclusive - I think that i relaxed than the UK. Now that I’ve graduated from my studies, I have been returning to Pra keep going to my old haunts (Café Modi, near the Faculty, is one!). The Faculty was a perfect choice for me: the staff and students are very close, and throug there’s a general sense of warmth and welcome, regardless of where you come from or what k you might have studied before. Before going to the Faculty, I’d never been to a place wher to make friends. I’d expected to mostly be friends with other international students, but friends from the Faculty was actually a Czech student. At my home university, I did study theology, but mainly studied religious studies from a s perspective. The Faculty in Prague gave me the opportunity to study completely different t Ethics, Introduction to Medical Ethics, Introduction to Archaeology/Archaeological Theory, Bible. There are plenty of other subjects to choose from, and you might also be able to ta from other faculties, depending on what your home university allows. The Faculty offers mo German and English. In terms of study and student-teacher dynamics, things were academically rigorous, but mor home university. When I was at the Faculty I was able to earn extra credits by agreeing an presentation with my tutors - I would never have been able to do this back home, and it wa discuss deadlines and essay length with tutors. Most of our assessment was done by present regular presentations helped build my confidence, and improved my public speaking skills a Although my study abroad year came to an end, my experience with Prague did not. This is b been back to Prague since my studies, including yearly reunion conferences, and because I to visit Prague and my old friends who are still there. In a way, I now love Prague even m was a student there - I am always thinking of when I can go back. Beware: if you decide to this might happen to you, too! Prague never really lets go of you, once you’ve lived there give anything to have another year in Prague at the Protestant Theological Faculty!” Ioannis from Greece, student at PTF in 2015-2016 “I count myself very fortunate to have been able to spend a year as a visiting postgraduat University of Thessaloniki’s Department of Pastoral and Social Theology in the Protestant Faculty, Charles University, Czech Republic. Studying in Prague can be interesting for many reasons. As the ‘City of a Thousand Spires’ of Europe’s architectural gems. From Gothic and Baroque to Renaissance and Art Nouveau sty has been an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, Charles University belongs to European universities and Protestant Theological Faculty provides high level of education. staff are very friendly and helpful. The International Department will guide you in the be very first moment. Unquestionably, Erasmus is a unique experience. It can change your life completely. Living new people, studying new things is something unforgettable. What I can’t forget to mention is the reunion at the faculty which the International Depar every year! I join these meetings regularly since I finished my Erasmus in Prague. It’s al back, to see old friends, make a new ones and to be back again in this wonderful city.” Julia from Germany, student at PTF in WS 2019 “Living and studying in Prague for six months has been a very special and wonderful experi From the very beginning, I was positively surprised how much care the International Depart us international students. From getting the right health insurance and the public transpor finding the perfect accommodation in Prague - they genuinely cared for us and helped us wi question we faced. But even more than that, they offered multiple opportunities to experie the Czech Republic together. We visited all of the well-known places in Prague and learned lots about its culture and h the valuable insights of locals. The most I enjoyed a trip to Karlštejn castle beautifully on the rolling hills on the Czech countryside. Seeing such amazing places in a wonderful c other international students, learning from locals, enjoying traditional Czech food and be wonderful experience. I can highly recommend every student to study at the Protestant Theo in Prague!” Vincent from Ireland, student at PTF in SS 2012 “The six months spent in the beautiful city of Prague are cherished memories. When I first January I encountered a winter wonderland. The warm greeting I received from my fellow stu faculty helped to ease any worries about my choice to study abroad. Charles University and the Protestant Theological Faculty, both near to the Old Town, are and close to all the local bars, restaurants and museums. The lecturers were friendly and Theological debates encouraged students to engage in the seminar and to cultivate our stud enjoyed learning about the early reformer and martyr, Jan Hus. Prague has many wonderful medieval streets and stunning architecture to be admired and enj much to do as an Erasmus student, especially at the weekends. One memorable weekend involv to Poland, another was heading off to Berlin and taking in the sights of this historical c There are too many things to mention, but what I will say is you will never be bored in Pr great breweries, restaurants, museums, walking tours and baroque churches where beautiful played most days. I would encourage anyone thinking of studying abroad for the year to choose Prague because fabulous university for learning, and this wonderful medieval city is centrally located in affords you the opportunity to visit other countries and gain a greater understanding of t importance of the wonderful region of Central Europe.” Vera from Finland, student at PTF in SS 2019 „As someone who passionately enjoys culture and history, I fell absolutely in love with Pr is so rich in things to see and to experience that I could only scratch the surface during there. The faculty is small but there’s a good selection of courses that cover many interesting t no difficulty finding enough courses that fit my needs. I also really liked the teaching s courses, which relied heavily on discussions and debates on numerous topics. Not to mentio given the opportunity to study the Czech language for the entire semester. Learning at lea of the language really helped me settle in and get more familiar with Prague. I was happy for example what advertisement posters say and to be able to order a coffee in Czech (in m place called The Globe – bookstore and café that became my regular place to spend time in) The faculty staff cared about us very well and I always felt like I could ask for help if I was especially grateful that we were guided through a lot of the bureaucracy. We were he student IDs, travel cards and registering for courses. I enjoyed to explore the city of Prague and to take part on trips organized by the faculty example a pastor who lives in a small town close to Prague, we went to the beautiful chate guided tour there, and we even had a wine tasting! There was also a trip to the former con Terezín which obviously was a much more sombre experience but absolutely memorable. We wer around Prague and taken to the places which are not in any travel guides and only locals k With all these experiences and information I gained I was able to guide my friends who vis very well. They were very impressed by all the things I could show them and the informatio facts I told them. And finally I add a great tip: if you have even a slight inclination towards music, join t Chorus! It is a high quality group with a great leader and you’ll get to perform in all ki events. The Chorus members even get really cheap tickets to different operas and ballets. space is in the walking distance from PTF!” Jakob from Germany, student at PTF in 2019-2020 “My experience with studying abroad in Prague was very good. I met many new friends there and teaching shaped my thoughts, views and opinions quite a bit. The International department organised several activities to connect us to the faculty and students. Also the matriculation process was very well prepared, helping us to get to know The teaching was from the beginning very well organized and the lecturers were really frie addition it was possible to visit seminars from different faculties. The studying was pret responsibility trough preparing the weekly meetings. This often led to critical and discou seminar meetings, which I liked very much. I made many friends within local Czech students, I sang in the faculty choir and joined so and student meetings at the faculty in the evenings. Sadly, my second semester in Prague was interrupted by the Corona pandemic. Even during th when the situation was unclear, I felt comfortable and therefore continued my studies in P big thanks to the International Office at this point again. The staff is really nice and c me very much in this tricky situation and obviously also before. I would really recommend to everyone to do Erasmus in Prague. It is hard to express everyt short entry, as the richness of this city is overwhelming. I enjoyed very much going to th galleries in Prague, especially because as a student I had a reduced entrance fee or somet even free for me. Besides it is also possible to go to the National Theatre or Opera throu University with a reduced entry fee. I really loved my stay in the Czech Republic and look forward to my next visit!” Bruna from Italy, student at PTF in SS 2019 “Whenever I think of my time in Prague, I can only recall positive memories. Being an Eras in this city truly made a difference in my academic career, and it was overall an incredib experience for my soul. My study plan was varied, but well-structured and my lecturers were all experts in their r Some of the classes I took include: Aramaic reading, New Testament history and weekly Czec terms of class size, we were a relatively small group and that allowed for much better int very refreshing to be part of a demographically diverse class, where I could get involved different ages and walks of life. I have met some truly remarkable characters with whom I friends today. Besides my regular courses, I got the amazing opportunity to spend two weeks working at an site in Israel as part of a research project organised by PTF and Tel Aviv University. I f honoured to be given the chance to experience first-hand the work of an archaeologist, bei the subject! This was only possible thanks to the great people working at the faculty, who and another Erasmus student to partake in this wonderful experience. We spent fourteen unf digging, laughing and travelling the country. We also got the possibility to attend specia and conferences with our great Israeli hosts. Our team was international and I personally about Israeli - as well as Central European culture from my Czech and Slovak teammates, wh knowledgeable and genuine people. Besides Israel, Prague was - simply put - one the most beautiful European capitals I have centre is just so spacious and lively, and feels very safe. I will never forget the sense seeing so many young people populating the streets on a summer night, walking along the Vl having a good time. The architecture is stunning (go check out the Reading Room at the Nat the Hall at the CU Law Faculty!) from the medieval art to Art Nouveau. The public transpor best and most affordable in the world. In terms of entertainment and free time, there truly is something for every taste. Cultura either free or discounted for students, and the list of music bars and restaurants is pret own includes: pizza at Kmotra, pub quiz at The Globe, jazz session at the Jazz Dock, pastr and coffee at Coffee and Riot! There are lots of parks (my favourite is Vyšehrad) where yo Czechs are truly outdoorsy people, so you will likely get involved in some kayaking or hik some point of your stay! Speaking of Czech people, I cannot be thankful enough to the PTF staff for making me feel from day one. Besides my lecturers, special thanks go to the International Office people. full week of orientation which included several tours of the city and university services, trips during the semester, and went above and beyond to give us all the practical informat support any time we needed. The fact that the entire experience was so personable is what my Erasmus so special. The faculty is small and you really feel looked after. So if you ar studying at Protestant Theological Faculty, do not think twice and just apply! You will no Michael from Norway, student at PTF in 1997-1998 “I remember that I found the offer to study at PTF at the Kirchentag in Germany. Of course one of the most interesting things in Prague is the city itself, which is a real The PTF in Prague had and has several unique offers. There is the possibility to select co English and German. International students can also study Czech language and to visit Czec lectures. There is a close contact between teachers and students, as most of the seminars are based discussion. Therefore students can talk with their lecturers about any subjects they are i all this takes place in very open and attentive atmosphere. The International Department organizes activities as trips or events not only for foreign invite Czech students too. It creates very diverse group of people. There is a wide alumni network with meetings every year. The Association of Friends of PTF organizes the regular meetings with diverse program every year both at the faculty and als Prague. Now, when it’s been more than twenty years since I studied in Prague, I can tell that my t the biggest influence on my religious life and theology. What is typical for studying theology at PTF then and now is that it’s very open minded. S encouraged to make their own, theological and social views and opinions on any discussed m PTF is every theological subject put into the practice. I’m still in touch with Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren and my fellow students. Two o godfathers connected to the faculty and I’m visiting Prague at least once a year. I can very highly recommend to everyone to study at PTF in Prague. Every theological stude Europe should spend at least one semester at the faculty behind the former Iron Curtain an absolutely best place for this. I can make you sure this experience will change your life! Maja from Germany, student at PTF in WS 2019 “The Erasmus in Prague was the nicest semester ever! It helped me to expand my horizon not academically but surely also culturally in so many ways. Since I had not seen a lot of Eastern Europe by then, I decided that Prague was the right I got there with almost no expectations of how much fun my experience would be and also of friends from all around the globe I would gain. The International Department of Protestant Theological Faculty offered us a phenomenal ori which we got the chance to explore the ‘real Prague’ with locals and furthermore other imp hot spots in the Czech Republic. Before we started with our actual classes, we got a great overview on Czech language, history, food, humor, behavior and lifestyle. Since I am somet student when it comes to deadlines, organizational matters and administration processes, e a foreign country, I found it immensely helpful that our coordinators did not only take us parks and restaurants during the Orientation Fortnight, but also took us to get signed up cards, to get to know the public transportation system and to show us different libraries of importance for our studies. After participating in the orientation program one felt rea definitely prepared to pick up own individual life as an Erasmus student in Prague. In gen with its’ familiar atmosphere and caring International Department offered us a space in wh like being at home from our first day onward. After adjusting to the culture during the orientation program and meeting the fellow stude faculty, my own journey in and through Prague began by taking part in several Erasmus even you will get in touch with even more people from all around the globe, very quickly. For e best friends from my stay in Prague on a random boat trip and since then we were inseparab many adventures. Even if you are a rather shy personality or if you are scared to be exclu to your faculty, you will definitely be able to meet friends and expand your horizon in th glimpse, since it has countless communicative and open-mined internationals. In my free time, I especially enjoyed the city’s wonderful and urbane cultural offers from to art exhibitions, over farmers markets to vintage pop-up stores or the typical Prague ni is never a boring day or night in this city. My most favorite were probably the tons of be exhibitions I got to see during my time, which were never that accessible to me in Germany is rather small and only has two good art galleries. Beyond the countless art pieces I got other places like clubs, parks, bars or great restaurants. All in all, I can honestly only say great things about my time abroad, as not only the cit beautiful and offering, but also the experience of being an international student at PTF w one. I will definitely come back to visit Prague as well as friends and faculty coordinato smile on my face and I can only recommend you to do an Erasmus at PTF as well.” Jakob from Germany, student at PTF in 2017-2018 “There were two main reasons, why I wanted to go to Prague to do my Erasmus in Theology an things turned out to be more than fulfilled. One of these is the theology itself. When I was looking for a place to stay abroad, I was one which has the interesting theological heritage. And Prague, with Hussitism, seemed to that. Finally it actually turned out to be even more interesting, than I expected. The Protestant Theological Faculty really combines a lot of different theological approach Munich, where I studied before, was everything influenced by Cultural Protestantism, in Pr a wide variety of thinking. I visited a seminar about Eastern Orthodox Theology, and about Reformation. Besides, I attended a lecture about Karl Barth, read a book about Liberation heard about the connection between the Czech Brethren and the Mennonites. All in all, the to put together a really good mix of courses for international students. And the great thi was, that the lecturers were not only teaching about different topics because they had to, was really positive about the things they taught. The other reason I wanted to study in Prague was that I already really liked Czech Republi there several times. It is a beautiful country with a lot of things to do. Of course, Prag endless possibilities. Not only as it is quite cheap, but mainly because there are so many activities, festivals, monasteries, bars etc., that even a year is not enough to visit the is not the only jewel in the Czech Republic. There is a breath taking countryside as well. of Prague there are hills, cliffs and rivers. I went to see many places by train. I visited many beautiful towns and villages, baroque c and a lot of solitary forests, silent hills and blue rivers. I remember a great stay in a Radonice near Kadaň. I just went there by train one day, hoping to find a place to stay ov luckily, there was a pub which also had a room for rent. I didn’t bring anything to eat, s offered me a lunch, even though they normally don’t do that. I stayed there for two nights hiking, visited Kadaň and after two days, I went back. Last but not least there was also something, about which I honestly didn’t think a lot bef but what turned out to be really great. I am referring to the people I met. The Internatio tried and very much succeeded to form a group of the different people from different count on Erasmus together. They offered us very helpful first two weeks of trips in Prague and s combined with an intensive Czech course. They even organized more trips for us during the at courses together with other fellow Erasmus students, we quickly ended up to be a very t friends. But there were not only international students I was a friend with. By taking part in the I also met a lot of great Czech people. It was really this choir which opened up for me th Czech students at the faculty. Not only did we meet to sing every week and had a few beers we were also singing on the Christmas party of the faculty, did a trip together and built lasted even after my time in Prague. Based on my great experiences from my Erasmus stay at PTF, I can only tell that if you wan Erasmus with interesting studies and great leisure activities, Prague is the place to go!” Rahel from Germany, student at PTF in WS 2018 “My Erasmus in Prague could not have been a happier time! I felt comfortable in Prague very quickly after my arrival. It is invaluable precious how Department cared about us. They organized an Orientation week for us with many trips. Ther able to spend lots of time together, and we happened to be a group of great friends very q The schedule of my studying was quite full, but I wouldn’t want to have it different way, the diversity of my courses so much! It was an amazing variety from learning about Czech h studies, which made my semester incredibly rich. I still think a lot about the things I’ve few months, which were gone so quickly! Faculty was actually a place where I spend so much time just sitting in the blue soft chai reading, thinking and always chatting with students or teachers walking by. Besides studying I found myself enjoying Prague as it was. This beautiful city enchanted m very first week. Old, bearing tradition and history, it was lively and alternative yet cal exciting and new yet familiar. When my friends from home visited me, I could show them the touristy part of Prague, which but also the little hidden places I’ve collected from students, roommates or teachers, suc and delicious restaurants and cafés. Speaking about that, the food is one of the very main studying in Prague is an absolutely must-do! But there is much more than that. There are g hills, in parks and castles. Or you can just strolling through little streets and ‘getting town where you can feel the heart beat of something great. There are so many amazing memories I have of studying in Prague. The people I got to know this town where I could have my personal secret places to go to and rest, this all summed experience. I was so happy with the international students who formed a family for me, and really nice Czech students. Prague gives you so many opportunities to meet people. I got to know many other internatio Anglican Church where I attended to the services, to carol-singing and the church coffee h followed every time after the service. I can wholeheartedly recommend doing an Erasmus semester in Prague, to entrust in the Facu for the quality of your stay and to just jump in the life of this amazing place in the wor Jonathan from Germany, student at PTF in 2007-2008 “Studying in Prague was very exciting for me. I enjoyed studying Czech Church History, the Hussite Reformation as well as the fate of the German protestant church in the first Czech This attracted me mostly because of my teachers (among them Jakub S. Trojan and Peter Moré formative personalities. What came unexpectedly, but was very important for my future bound with the Czech Republic discovered pieces of my own family history in Prague. My great-grandfather in the years af World War studied classical music in Prague and worked as a coffee house pianist in Café L general, I started to reveal my Czech-German family history. Being overwhelmed with Czech history and culture, I started to be interested in to the Cze I enjoyed especially work by Lenka Reinerová and Bohumil Hrabal. It had such a big impact decided that even though I study Theology, I don’t want to become a pastor, but a writer. After I returned to Leipzig and finished my theological studies, I decided to study creati that is where I stand. In 2016 I published my first story, got a few scholarships, and I a first novel, which will be published next spring. I have been co-editor of an anthology of young German literature, contributed to several magazines. In addition, I became a literar focus on Czech literature for public broadcasting services in Germany. I owe this turnaround in my life to my time at the Protestant Theological Faculty in Pragu to learn the Czech language properly and one thing that I found out in my first weeks was word for Prague ‘Praha’ has its roots in the word práh, which means threshold. Maybe not j for you as well will be time in Prague a threshold to the new chapter in your life.”