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 Protestant Theology Faculty. I think what struck me the most right away was how much you can feel at home in such a big city and big thanks for that goes to the people in the International Department of Protestant Theology Faculty. They really made us students feel incredibly welcome, showed us around and helped us with anything we needed. For that I thank you! Not to mention all the other wonderful people I had the chance to meet during my studies.

And of course, Prague as a city itself is one of my favorite places in the world and I feel so lucky that I had the chance to live there for few months - the people, culture, restaurants, parks, events, Erasmus student networks, museums, different parts of the town, public transport, parties, student discounts and so on and so on... Prague and Czech Republic really is one of the best places where one could spend their Erasmus exchange semester or a year.

A huge chunk of my heart will probably stay there forever and I look forward to visiting Prague again in 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 beautiful and it still has a place in my heart and probably forever will have. The people at the International Department of Protestant Faculty are really friendly: they help you the best they can and show you some of the nicest places in Prague and its surroundings. They even organize a yearly reunion with all your fellow international students!

The things I learned here include the exciting history of Central Europe. When I left the Netherlands, I thought the Czech Republic was Eastern Europe, because Western Europe ended in Germany. But in the classes 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 student. The faculty is quite small and therefore the classes are as well. That really helps to feel welcome as an international student. We even got invited to visit a professor at their place, which is quite unheard of in the Netherlands!

The group of international students in my year was quite diverse: there were Germans, the English people, Finns and Hungarians. We had lots of spare time to talk with each other about our countries, so I got to 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 experience I very much 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 expect I fell in love with the beauty of the city, the culture, the art, the nature, the architecture and the history behind it all.

Getting to know Prague and settling in went really well with starting at the faculty. We, a group of Erasmus students, were welcomed with open arms and we were supported with everything we needed to. We got the opportunity to grow into the COMMUNITY which consisted of us Erasmus students and also of the people from the International Department.

I really appreciate the personal contact with the professors and the individual SUPPORT which they provided us. I also have to mention a great location of the faculty and the opportunity to ENJOY amazing food and 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 magnificent Gothic surroundings and the complex history.

Eight years later I came to study theology here and I had the best year imaginable. Prague is littered with history and the fantastic nature of the sites pays tribute to that – from the tomb where the assassins of Heydrich camped out, to Jan Hus’ Bethlehem Chapel, to the beauty of the Strahov Monastery library. It is the perfect student city – cheap (by Western European standards), easy, amazing transport, mesmerising architecture, fantastic pubs and nightlife and with many highly worthwhile places to visit in the city itself, the surroundings and for miles around.

The International Department at the faculty could not have been more welcoming and friendly. The Department organized an orientation programme for us, with a Czech language course in the mornings and trips in the afternoons. My fellow Erasmus students met regularly to visit new places in Prague and catch up over, what else but a beer (the national treasure). The teachers and lecturers have been great and really get to know you and are more than keen to help develop your knowledge with stimulating and enjoyable classes from the Bohemian Reformation to visiting to see first hand the effects of ‘Nationalism, Secularism and Environmental Destruction’ in Most, Northern Bohemia. This block seminar was part of the meeting of the Association of the Friends of the Protestant Theological Faculty, which I’m a part of since then.

Doing things beyond my usual experiences and the surprises that have come with this have been this year’s greatest pleasure. At my home university I study Philosophy and Theology thus underpinning my main interests. However, through the faculty I attended a course on Archaeology in Israel and this interest gave me the opportunity to go to Israel for two weeks through a trip sponsored by the Czech Ministry of Education and the EU. The mission was to excavate an Iron Age Temple just outside Jerusalem to give us a greater insight into the formation of religion in the First Temple Period. This was the most astonishing 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 has been highly 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 the unexpected results of this year. This underlines another brilliant thing about Prague: the number of opportunities 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 enjoy and many other places to explore; a great relaxed and easy lifestyle; and constantly learning, experiencing new things and building up foreign experiences which have in turn built up my confidence in taking on new challenges, experiences and opportunities. I would like to thank everyone at the International Department of the faculty for helping me to enjoy the best year abroad possible as well as my department back in 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 several reasons. First, I wanted to discover a new country, get closer to different culture and live in amazing and picturesque city. Czech Republic with its capital city Prague fit to this frame more than well. Secondly, I found the curriculum of PTF to be very interesting and promising. And finally, I was hoping to learn many 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 local sites (from Mělník and Brno, to Vyhlídka Máj and České Švýcarsko), to travel cheaply and to try local dishes. In all this, Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen. It offers so much: small cafes, parks for 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 the helpfulness of the PTF and the International coordinators. They made me feel like at home, always welcoming and ready 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 place, with its familiar atmosphere and friendly open-minded people. The international office put so much time and energy into us internationals to make us feel welcome. During the semester they were a great help, organised trips for us and took us to cool places. The international office even got me a flat as I struggled finding one.

The teachers are nice, and the courses are great. Because there is a small number of students you can learn a lot during the courses and the teachers lead active discussions with you. Choosing the courses (also at other faculties) was uncomplicated and you are pretty much free to choose whatever. So even though I study 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 many cosy cafes, clubs and pubs. I enjoyed discovering this city and its culture. There is something for everyone.

I can totally recommend studying in Prague and studying at the PTF. I had such a great time and I couldn’t 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 enough, I wanted to see more of this amazing city, which contained what I was interested in: history, religion and culture!

The International Department and also the teachers accepted me with kindness and open arms. That means that the faculty became very quickly my second home in Prague.

During the first two weeks, I studied Czech language along with the other international students. Besides of that we went on tours within Prague and saw the most famous sights. We learned about the history of the 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 especially important for the country's history and founding.

Studying at the faculty was exciting. Especially I enjoyed a course called ‘Bohemian Reformation’ with the Jan Hus, as a main protagonist.

The semester gave me so much, which I couldn’t get in Denmark at my study – developing my personality, my knowledge, making new friends…

I love Prague and thanks to the Association of Friends of the PTF who organize the annual meeting every 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 this, I had never been on a plane before, and had never spent more than a week outside the UK. This meant that my study abroad year was a massive change in my life. It meant (and means!) a lot to me, and gave me the chance to do many things for the first time.

I started to love Prague and its culture very quickly. I enjoyed going to the cinemas, restaurants and coffee shops in Prague, and the nightlife is really relaxed and inclusive - I think that it’s much more relaxed than the UK. Now that I’ve graduated from my studies, I have been returning to Prague so that I can 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 throughout the Faculty there’s a general sense of warmth and welcome, regardless of where you come from or what kind of theology you might have studied before. Before going to the Faculty, I’d never been to a place where it was so easy to make friends. I’d expected to mostly be friends with other international students, but one of my best friends from the Faculty was actually a Czech student.

At my home university, I did study theology, but mainly studied religious studies from a secular perspective. The Faculty in Prague gave me the opportunity to study completely different things, like Ethics, Introduction to Medical Ethics, Introduction to Archaeology/Archaeological Theory, and the Hebrew Bible. There are plenty of other subjects to choose from, and you might also be able to take a class or two from other faculties, depending on what your home university allows. The Faculty offers modules in Czech, German and English.

In terms of study and student-teacher dynamics, things were academically rigorous, but more liberal than my home university. When I was at the Faculty I was able to earn extra credits by agreeing an extra essay or presentation with my tutors - I would never have been able to do this back home, and it was also easier to discuss deadlines and essay length with tutors. Most of our assessment was done by presentation, so doing regular presentations helped build my confidence, and improved my public speaking skills a lot.

Although my study abroad year came to an end, my experience with Prague did not. This is because I have been back to Prague since my studies, including yearly reunion conferences, and because I always make plans to visit Prague and my old friends who are still there. In a way, I now love Prague even more than when I was a student there - I am always thinking of when I can go back. Beware: if you decide to study in Prague, this might happen to you, too! Prague never really lets go of you, once you’ve lived there. And I would 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 postgraduate from the University of Thessaloniki’s Department of Pastoral and Social Theology in the Protestant Theological Faculty, Charles University, Czech Republic.

Studying in Prague can be interesting for many reasons. As the ‘City of a Thousand Spires’, Prague is one of Europe’s architectural gems. From Gothic and Baroque to Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles, the city has been an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, Charles University belongs to one of the oldest European universities and Protestant Theological Faculty provides high level of education. Professors and staff are very friendly and helpful. The International Department will guide you in the best way from the very first moment.

Unquestionably, Erasmus is a unique experience. It can change your life completely. Living abroad, meeting new people, studying new things is something unforgettable.

What I can’t forget to mention is the reunion at the faculty which the International Department organizes every year! I join these meetings regularly since I finished my Erasmus in Prague. It’s always great to be 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 experience in my life. From the very beginning, I was positively surprised how much care the International Department took about us international students. From getting the right health insurance and the public transport ticket to finding the perfect accommodation in Prague - they genuinely cared for us and helped us with whatever question we faced. But even more than that, they offered multiple opportunities to experience Prague and the Czech Republic together.

We visited all of the well-known places in Prague and learned lots about its culture and history through the valuable insights of locals. The most I enjoyed a trip to Karlštejn castle beautifully situated on the rolling hills on the Czech countryside. Seeing such amazing places in a wonderful company of other international students, learning from locals, enjoying traditional Czech food and beer truly was a wonderful experience. I can highly recommend every student to study at the Protestant Theological Faculty 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 arrived in January I encountered a winter wonderland. The warm greeting I received from my fellow students in the 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 centrally located and close to all the local bars, restaurants and museums. The lecturers were friendly and engaging. Theological debates encouraged students to engage in the seminar and to cultivate our studying. I most enjoyed learning about the early reformer and martyr, Jan Hus.

Prague has many wonderful medieval streets and stunning architecture to be admired and enjoyed. There is much to do as an Erasmus student, especially at the weekends. One memorable weekend involved a skiing trip to Poland, another was heading off to Berlin and taking in the sights of this historical city.

There are too many things to mention, but what I will say is you will never be bored in Prague. They have great breweries, restaurants, museums, walking tours and baroque churches where beautiful concerts are played most days.

I would encourage anyone thinking of studying abroad for the year to choose Prague because they have a fabulous university for learning, and this wonderful medieval city is centrally located in Europe, which affords you the opportunity to visit other countries and gain a greater understanding of the historical 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 Prague. The city is so rich in things to see and to experience that I could only scratch the surface during my few months there.

The faculty is small but there’s a good selection of courses that cover many interesting topics. I had no difficulty finding enough courses that fit my needs. I also really liked the teaching style in all my courses, which relied heavily on discussions and debates on numerous topics. Not to mention that we were given the opportunity to study the Czech language for the entire semester. Learning at least the basics of the language really helped me settle in and get more familiar with Prague. I was happy to understand for example what advertisement posters say and to be able to order a coffee in Czech (in my most favourite 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 needed it. I was especially grateful that we were guided through a lot of the bureaucracy. We were helped with our 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. We visited for example a pastor who lives in a small town close to Prague, we went to the beautiful chateau and had a guided tour there, and we even had a wine tasting! There was also a trip to the former concentration camp Terezín which obviously was a much more sombre experience but absolutely memorable. We were also shown around Prague and taken to the places which are not in any travel guides and only locals know them.

With all these experiences and information I gained I was able to guide my friends who visited me in Prague very well. They were very impressed by all the things I could show them and the information and historical facts I told them.

And finally I add a great tip: if you have even a slight inclination towards music, join the University’s Chorus! It is a high quality group with a great leader and you’ll get to perform in all kinds of fancy events. The Chorus members even get really cheap tickets to different operas and ballets. And the practice 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 the seminars and teaching shaped my thoughts, views and opinions quite a bit.

The International department organised several activities to connect us to the faculty and to the other students. Also the matriculation process was very well prepared, helping us to get to know the big city.

The teaching was from the beginning very well organized and the lecturers were really friendly. In addition it was possible to visit seminars from different faculties. The studying was pretty much our own responsibility trough preparing the weekly meetings. This often led to critical and discourse orientated seminar meetings, which I liked very much.

I made many friends within local Czech students, I sang in the faculty choir and joined some discussions and student meetings at the faculty in the evenings.

Sadly, my second semester in Prague was interrupted by the Corona pandemic. Even during those first weeks, when the situation was unclear, I felt comfortable and therefore continued my studies in Prague online. A big thanks to the International Office at this point again. The staff is really nice and caring and helped 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 everything in this short entry, as the richness of this city is overwhelming. I enjoyed very much going to the museums and galleries in Prague, especially because as a student I had a reduced entrance fee or sometimes it was even free for me. Besides it is also possible to go to the National Theatre or Opera through the Charles 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 Erasmus student in this city truly made a difference in my academic career, and it was overall an incredibly enriching experience for my soul.

My study plan was varied, but well-structured and my lecturers were all experts in their respective fields. Some of the classes I took include: Aramaic reading, New Testament history and weekly Czech lessons. In terms of class size, we were a relatively small group and that allowed for much better interaction. I found very refreshing to be part of a demographically diverse class, where I could get involved with people of different ages and walks of life. I have met some truly remarkable characters with whom I am still good friends today.

Besides my regular courses, I got the amazing opportunity to spend two weeks working at an archaeological site in Israel as part of a research project organised by PTF and Tel Aviv University. I felt truly honoured to be given the chance to experience first-hand the work of an archaeologist, being a student of the subject! This was only possible thanks to the great people working at the faculty, who arranged for me and another Erasmus student to partake in this wonderful experience. We spent fourteen unforgettable days digging, laughing and travelling the country. We also got the possibility to attend specialised lectures and conferences with our great Israeli hosts. Our team was international and I personally learnt a lot about Israeli - as well as Central European culture from my Czech and Slovak teammates, who were all very knowledgeable and genuine people.

Besides Israel, Prague was - simply put - one the most beautiful European capitals I have seen. The city centre is just so spacious and lively, and feels very safe. I will never forget the sense of joy I felt seeing so many young people populating the streets on a summer night, walking along the Vltava river and having a good time. The architecture is stunning (go check out the Reading Room at the National Library and the Hall at the CU Law Faculty!) from the medieval art to Art Nouveau. The public transport is one of the best and most affordable in the world.

In terms of entertainment and free time, there truly is something for every taste. Cultural spaces are either free or discounted for students, and the list of music bars and restaurants is pretty long - my own includes: pizza at Kmotra, pub quiz at The Globe, jazz session at the Jazz Dock, pastries at Paul and coffee at Coffee and Riot! There are lots of parks (my favourite is Vyšehrad) where you can exercise. Czechs are truly outdoorsy people, so you will likely get involved in some kayaking or hiking sessions at some point of your stay!

Speaking of Czech people, I cannot be thankful enough to the PTF staff for making me feel so welcome from day one. Besides my lecturers, special thanks go to the International Office people. They planned a full week of orientation which included several tours of the city and university services, plus a few day trips during the semester, and went above and beyond to give us all the practical information and language support any time we needed. The fact that the entire experience was so personable is what truly made my Erasmus so special. The faculty is small and you really feel looked after. So if you are considering studying at Protestant Theological Faculty, do not think twice and just apply! You will not regret it.”

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 jewel.

The PTF in Prague had and has several unique offers. There is the possibility to select courses both in English and German. International students can also study Czech language and to visit Czech seminars and lectures.

There is a close contact between teachers and students, as most of the seminars are based on scholarly discussion. Therefore students can talk with their lecturers about any subjects they are interested in, and all this takes place in very open and attentive atmosphere.

The International Department organizes activities as trips or events not only for foreign students but they 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 in Prague organizes the regular meetings with diverse program every year both at the faculty and also outside the Prague.

Now, when it’s been more than twenty years since I studied in Prague, I can tell that my time at PTF had 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. Students are encouraged to make their own, theological and social views and opinions on any discussed matter. Also, at 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 of my children got 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 student from Western Europe should spend at least one semester at the faculty behind the former Iron Curtain and the PTF is the 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 only 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 place for me and I got there with almost no expectations of how much fun my experience would be and also of how many nice friends from all around the globe I would gain.

The International Department of Protestant Theological Faculty offered us a phenomenal orientation week, in which we got the chance to explore the ‘real Prague’ with locals and furthermore other important cultural hot spots in the Czech Republic. Before we started with our actual classes, we got a great, authentic overview on Czech language, history, food, humor, behavior and lifestyle. Since I am sometimes a concerned student when it comes to deadlines, organizational matters and administration processes, especially in a foreign country, I found it immensely helpful that our coordinators did not only take us to museums, parks and restaurants during the Orientation Fortnight, but also took us to get signed up for our student cards, to get to know the public transportation system and to show us different libraries and places of importance for our studies. After participating in the orientation program one felt really safe and definitely prepared to pick up own individual life as an Erasmus student in Prague. In general, the PTF with its’ familiar atmosphere and caring International Department offered us a space in which we could feel like being at home from our first day onward.

After adjusting to the culture during the orientation program and meeting the fellow students from my faculty, my own journey in and through Prague began by taking part in several Erasmus events through which you will get in touch with even more people from all around the globe, very quickly. For example I met two best friends from my stay in Prague on a random boat trip and since then we were inseparable and shared many adventures. Even if you are a rather shy personality or if you are scared to be exclusively bound to your faculty, you will definitely be able to meet friends and expand your horizon in this city in a 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 dance events, to art exhibitions, over farmers markets to vintage pop-up stores or the typical Prague nightlife. There is never a boring day or night in this city. My most favorite were probably the tons of beautiful art exhibitions I got to see during my time, which were never that accessible to me in Germany since my town is rather small and only has two good art galleries. Beyond the countless art pieces I got to admire some 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 city was super beautiful and offering, but also the experience of being an international student at PTF was a very smooth one. I will definitely come back to visit Prague as well as friends and faculty coordinators with a big 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 and these two 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 looking for the one which has the interesting theological heritage. And Prague, with Hussitism, seemed to be a place like 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 approaches. Whereas in Munich, where I studied before, was everything influenced by Cultural Protestantism, in Prague there was a wide variety of thinking. I visited a seminar about Eastern Orthodox Theology, and about the Bohemian Reformation. Besides, I attended a lecture about Karl Barth, read a book about Liberation Theology and heard about the connection between the Czech Brethren and the Mennonites. All in all, the faculty managed to put together a really good mix of courses for international students. And the great thing about that all was, that the lecturers were not only teaching about different topics because they had to, but each of them was really positive about the things they taught.

The other reason I wanted to study in Prague was that I already really liked Czech Republic as I have been there several times. It is a beautiful country with a lot of things to do. Of course, Prague is a city with endless possibilities. Not only as it is quite cheap, but mainly because there are so many museums, parks, activities, festivals, monasteries, bars etc., that even a year is not enough to visit them all. But Prague is not the only jewel in the Czech Republic. There is a breath taking countryside as well. Already inside of Prague there are hills, cliffs and rivers.

I went to see many places by train. I visited many beautiful towns and villages, baroque castles, churches and a lot of solitary forests, silent hills and blue rivers. I remember a great stay in a village called Radonice near Kadaň. I just went there by train one day, hoping to find a place to stay overnight. And, luckily, there was a pub which also had a room for rent. I didn’t bring anything to eat, so the bartender offered me a lunch, even though they normally don’t do that. I stayed there for two nights, did some 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 before my stay, but what turned out to be really great. I am referring to the people I met. The International Department tried and very much succeeded to form a group of the different people from different countries who were on Erasmus together. They offered us very helpful first two weeks of trips in Prague and surroundings, combined with an intensive Czech course. They even organized more trips for us during the year. Being also at courses together with other fellow Erasmus students, we quickly ended up to be a very tight group of friends.

But there were not only international students I was a friend with. By taking part in the faculty choir, I also met a lot of great Czech people. It was really this choir which opened up for me the world of the Czech students at the faculty. Not only did we meet to sing every week and had a few beers afterwards, but we were also singing on the Christmas party of the faculty, did a trip together and built friendships, that 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 want to have an 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 the International Department cared about us. They organized an Orientation week for us with many trips. Therefore we were able to spend lots of time together, and we happened to be a group of great friends very quickly.

The schedule of my studying was quite full, but I wouldn’t want to have it different way, as I enjoyed all the diversity of my courses so much! It was an amazing variety from learning about Czech history, to Bible studies, which made my semester incredibly rich. I still think a lot about the things I’ve learned in the few months, which were gone so quickly!

Faculty was actually a place where I spend so much time just sitting in the blue soft chairs in the foyer, 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 my heart in the very first week. Old, bearing tradition and history, it was lively and alternative yet calm, huge yet cosy, exciting and new yet familiar.

When my friends from home visited me, I could show them the touristy part of Prague, which is beautiful, but also the little hidden places I’ve collected from students, roommates or teachers, such as the small and delicious restaurants and cafés. Speaking about that, the food is one of the very main reasons why studying in Prague is an absolutely must-do! But there is much more than that. There are gorgeous spots on hills, in parks and castles. Or you can just strolling through little streets and ‘getting lost’ in this 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 and to love and this town where I could have my personal secret places to go to and rest, this all summed up to an amazing experience. I was so happy with the international students who formed a family for me, and I also met some really nice Czech students.

Prague gives you so many opportunities to meet people. I got to know many other internationals in the Anglican Church where I attended to the services, to carol-singing and the church coffee hour which followed every time after the service.

I can wholeheartedly recommend doing an Erasmus semester in Prague, to entrust in the Faculty doing so much for the quality of your stay and to just jump in the life of this amazing place in the world!”

Jonathan from Germany, student at PTF in 2007-2008

“Studying in Prague was very exciting for me. I enjoyed studying Czech Church History, the history of the Hussite Reformation as well as the fate of the German protestant church in the first Czechoslovak republic. This attracted me mostly because of my teachers (among them Jakub S. Trojan and Peter Morée) who were very formative personalities.

What came unexpectedly, but was very important for my future bound with the Czech Republic was that I discovered pieces of my own family history in Prague. My great-grandfather in the years after the First World War studied classical music in Prague and worked as a coffee house pianist in Café Louvre. In 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 Czech writers. I enjoyed especially work by Lenka Reinerová and Bohumil Hrabal. It had such a big impact on me that I 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 creative writing. And that is where I stand. In 2016 I published my first story, got a few scholarships, and I am working on my first novel, which will be published next spring. I have been co-editor of an anthology of contemporary young German literature, contributed to several magazines. In addition, I became a literary critic with a 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 Prague. Here I started to learn the Czech language properly and one thing that I found out in my first weeks was that the Czech word for Prague ‘Praha’ has its roots in the word práh, which means threshold. Maybe not just for me, but for you as well will be time in Prague a threshold to the new chapter in your life.”