These days were at our Office for International Relations marked by pleasant meetings with our international students. We organized two events that combined the opportunity to experience the pre-Christmas atmosphere together and to share important information.
The first gathering was smaller and took place on the first Wednesday afternoon of December. By the Christmas tree on Horní náměstí, we met with international students enrolled in our master’s and doctoral programmes, the so-called degree students. We walked through the Christmas market and could not miss the popular Czech winter drink – at the charity stall Dobré místo pro život, we all enjoyed a cup of punch.
It was a very nice meeting; most of the students have been studying here for several years (some started with a master’s programme and continued to a doctoral programme), so they already know each other and us well. Since one punch was not enough to share everything, we moved to a slightly warmer environment under the Church of the Annunciation on Dolní náměstí, where we enjoyed a second round of Olopunč.
The second event was larger and had a slightly official character. On the following Wednesday, December 10, we invited all 76 international exchange students who spent the winter semester at the Faculty of Education, to the Dean’s meeting room. About 20 students and their two buddies from ESN Olomouc arrived.
In the opening part, we reminded them of important information before their departure, as several administrative steps are required to complete their stay. The students then filled out an evaluation questionnaire, sharing their experiences of studying at the Faculty of Education. The official part of the programme smoothly transitioned into an informal social afternoon. Students participated in several fun activities, and a delicious buffet in the spirit of Czech Christmas was provided. Students were able to taste traditional dishes such as potato salad with schnitzel or breaded carp, and as a sweet treat with coffee, there was Christmas cookies and vánočka.
Both pre-Christmas events created space for sharing important information, as well as informal meetings and a joint conclusion of the semester. All members of our office would like to thank all students for their participation, openness, and the pleasant atmosphere, and wish them a peaceful Christmas and a safe journey home.
