Taking part in the Fresher's Week was a wonderful way to make a smooth transition into studying in a foreign country. The Fresher's Week provided us with valuable information in regards to the medical studies, an excellent opportunity to discover the attractions of Prague, motivating speeches from the Dean, faculty members and AIMS, and most importantly a great way get to know our new classmates.
Each day started off with an intensive Czech course which focused on basic greetings and phrases. Small classes made this introduction to the Czech language much easier, and I am amazed of how much Czech I was able to learn in one week.
During the afternoons we had guided tours around the university campus, exhibition of textbooks and libraries and we got information on how to get a student card and tram pass. These activities were very helpful, as it could be both time consuming and difficult to figure out some of this information on your own. Several students from the upper years were always present and ready to answer all our questions. In addition, they gave us useful advice on how to be successful in medical school.
The evenings were filled with a variety of events, which made it easy to get to know our new classmates even better. It included Pub Quiz at the Red Room, games at the university hang out spot Dr. Voják, kick off at the Jet Set Lounge and dancing all night...
An absolute peak in the Fresher's Week was the White Coat Ceremony. Held in beautiful Břevnoský klášter, the ceremony symbolized the official beginning of our medical studies. It was an honorable moment to receive our first medical coat, and having friends and family attending both the ceremony and the following celebration dinner made the moment even more memorable.
Fresher's Week was a great preparation for medical school, so now – let the studies begin!
Elisabeth Rygvold Haugsten, 1st year, Norway
