Two months in the Czech Republic as a Canadian exchange student

My exchange in Liberec has already become an unforgettable experience filled with new friendships and adventures. My host family made me feel incredibly welcome from the moment I arrived, we explored the city centre of Liberec, and we went out for a nice meal.

I settled in quite nicely in my first week, and in my second week, my host family took me on a day trip to Prague. I visited the Charles bridge and the Prague castle for the first time. That same week, I went to my first soccer game in Liberec. Soon after, I began my first day of school at the nursing prep school. I made a few friends, and one of them kindly took me to a hockey game. My other friend also showed me where to get the best coffee and a good place to get gelato.

The beautiful view of my street

The hockey game I attended with my friend

I ended September with my first orientation weekend in Kroměříž, and met all the inbounds. I also got a nice tour of Kromeriz. What stuck out to me the most was the beautiful flower garden. It was wonderful meeting all the other students on a similar journey as me. My host family opened their Pasta restaurant the first week of October. I was quite lucky to have tried all the meals on their menu leading up to the opening of the restaurant.

I began my first hospital practice the second week of October, it was so cool to get a firsthand look at how healthcare works in Czechia.

I have also been able to meet a girl from Argentina named Iso, who lives in Liberec; however, she is on an exchange with a different program than Rotary.