Studying medicine in Europe, Czech Republic

"At UJOP we studied all the topics we needed for the entrance exams for medical faculties. For example, in Medical English, we practiced questions we can be asked at the interview. Thanks to that, at my university admission exam, I answered questions without hesitation because we had already covered such topics in our foundation programme. The teachers gave us valuable tips and showed us effective ways to respond to questions like this."

Dear students, dear teachers, dear guests,

It is a great honour for me to stand before you today in this historic hall of the Carolinum, where the stories of so many students begin. When I look at you, I remember my own beginnings at UJOP. Two years ago, I was exactly where you are today – full of determination, but also full of doubts.

I came from Uzbekistan to fulfill my dream of studying medicine at one of the most prestigious universities in Europe. And today I'm here to tell you that you too can achieve your goals.

Studying at UJOP meant much more to me than just language courses. It was a place that gave me a solid foundation and prepared me for the challenges I had to face. Czech was only the first step. It was the key to opening the door, but UJOP gave me something even more important – confidence, discipline and support.

I remember how difficult it was – a new language, a new environment, high demands. But it was in this environment that I understood that UJOP is not just about learning. It's a community that supports and guides you. You have classmates from different parts of the world around you who are going through similar challenges. You have teachers who not only impart knowledge to you, but also motivate you and believe in your potential.

The last days before the exams were difficult. But what kept me going was the experience from UJOP. I knew I got the best I could. UJOP has taught me that hard work and the right approach can achieve even the most ambitious goals. And that's why I was able to successfully pass the entrance exams and get into all 5 medical faculties of Charles University.

Today I stand in front of you as a second-year student of the 2nd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University. But more importantly, I stand before you as someone who once had the same fears and doubts as you. And if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this: believe in the power of the path you have embarked on. Believe me, what may be scaring or worrying you right now is just another step towards your success.

UJOP gives you not only knowledge, but also the tools to overcome obstacles. Every hour you spend here is an investment in your future. It's not just about learning Czech, it's about becoming a more resilient, confident person ready for all the challenges that await you in academia.

And I would like to tell you that I will not leave you alone. Although I am now a second-year student at the 2nd Faculty of Medicine, I am active at the faculty and try to help new students and applicants who want to get there. Whether you need advice, encouragement or just someone to listen to you, I will be here for you. I know very well how difficult this journey can be, and I want to help you overcome it.

All of us who have been through UJOP know that it is not an easy path, but it is the path that will prepare you for future success. And I can tell you today from my own experience: if you persevere, if you try and believe in yourself, you will achieve your goal. I am proud to have been and am part of this community now, and I believe that one day you will be proud of what you have achieved here.

Thank you and I wish you good luck and strength in the coming academic year. Believe that every step you take now brings you closer to your dream.

"I came to the Medical Prep course in UJOP Charles University because I did not cope well at the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University.

The preparatory year gave me enough time to revise as well as learn new skills to take care of myself.

In addition to the English language, I also improved the Czech language enough to travel around the Czech Republic.

I love the fact that the school is located in a spa town. When I realized I will study in a castle on the riverbank, it seemed pretty interesting to me.  

The school organizes lots of events like Christmas, Halloween, or St. Nicholas' day. It helps us to socialize with different people in our diverse community of students from both the English and Czech preparatory programs."

"First, I applied to General Medicine at Charles University directly, but unfortunately, I did not pass. This Pre-Medical course really helped me to prepare for the entrance exam – I can say it now, as I am actually accepted to the university now.

One of our teachers here is actually a professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University that I wanted to go to. This is a really big advantage. The teachers and curators are very supportive. They helped me also with my school reports, nostrification, and visa."

"I did not pass my entrance exam to Charles University, but I did not want to give up on my dream. My agency advised me of this Preparatory program.

The course did really help me, as now I have got to the university I wanted. I am confident; I do have more knowledge than I did a year ago.

I find medical ethics really useful, as this topic I have not really learned about previously. We covered practical situations that can happen in the everyday life of a doctor. Now I have the chance to consider different aspects, and I will be able to make a well-thought-out decision faster.

UJOP Charles University is really flexible - for personal reasons, I could not join the program at the beginning. The staff here is very caring and made sure I felt welcomed and settled down well. I feel UJOP is a safe place to be and express myself freely.

My initial expectation was that the preparation year would be long and sad waiting for my university, but I was wrong. It is funny, but I am grateful that I did not get to the university straight away. Now I have more knowledge, more friends that are coming with me to the university. This year was definitely worth it!"

"I applied directly to the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University one year ago. During the exam, I realized there were topics I had never learned at school. I did not pass the exam. I was recommended the preparatory program at UJOP Charles University.

Throughout this year, I have learned subjects and topics I had not covered in biology, chemistry, or physics so far. This knowledge gave me the foundation to pass the entrance exam, and I have been accepted for next year's studies.

Poděbrady is a nice and safe town. I recommend everyone to come here and study. During the year here, I visited many other places in the Czech Republic, such as Pilsen, Prague, and Hradec Králové. It is easy for foreigners to travel and navigate here. I also had time to go to other countries in Europe. Here we are in the center of Europe, so catching a train, bus, or plane is pretty cheap and easy. During the year, I found a group of new friends who helped me feel at home. We love watching football matches together and having a lot of fun in our free time."

"I was exploring my options to go to universities all over Europe. In the Czech Republic, I found the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in Hradec Králové. It seemed pretty interesting. But that time it was too late because the admission was closed. So, I was about to lose one year, but I continued my search on the website, and I found the Medical preparatory course at UJOP Charles University.

My main objective was to increase my knowledge and become more aware of the country.

Poděbrady is a small and pretty town; I familiarized myself with the environment: trains, buses, food, communication, banking system. Even though the Czech language is not that easy, with the support of the teacher, I acquired the basic knowledge and can get on with life here easily."