My name is Min Khant Kyaw, widely known as Peter, and I am a Myanmar citizen. Supported by the EU Mobility Programme for Myanmar (EMPM) scholarship, I completed two years of study in International Relations at President University in Indonesia before being granted an opportunity to undertake a short-term exchange for one semester at Palacký University Olomouc in the Czech Republic. My academic journey originally began in 2017 in Myanmar, however, my studies were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent military coup. I subsequently joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and, during those turbulent years, worked as a primary school teacher in private schools across Myanmar.
Preparation and Visa Challenges
Upon receiving my official acceptance for the short-term mobility program, my primary concern shifted to navigating the rigorous Czech visa process. As my seniors accurately warned, securing a Czech long-term study permit is a highly demanding, document-heavy procedure. Essential requirements include official university acceptance letters, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient finances, and specialized travel medical insurance. The most challenging hurdle was obtaining a mandatory criminal clearance letter. For Myanmar citizens residing abroad, this document must be issued by their local police station back home. However, most stations require applicants to appear in person. Given Myanmar's current conscription laws, male citizens aged 18 to 35 risk forced military recruitment if they return. Consequently, many are forced to navigate systemic local corruption. For those refusing to support the military regime or corrupt local administrations, obtaining this legalized police clearance, which also requires an endorsement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is nearly impossible.
Further administrative hurdles included securing Czech sworn translations for all government-issued paperwork. Because Czech sworn translation services are unavailable in Indonesia, I had to coordinate with a translator based in the Czech Republic and ship the physical papers via DHL. Combined with mandatory travel insurance and visa application cost, the total upfront visa expenses reached nearly 900 USD. Because my scholarship operates on a reimbursement-after-arrival policy, these upfront costs presented a severe financial strain that I managed through loans from family and friends in Myanmar. Even after completing these lengthy administrative processes, the Czech Embassy took three months to issue my visa. As a result, I missed my original intake and had to postpone my exchange to the following semester.
Arrival and Adaptation
All anxieties faded upon my arrival in the Czech Republic, where I encountered a completely new environment, culture, and lifestyle. Arriving in early February, I experienced sub-zero temperatures reaching -10°C and saw snow for the first time, an exciting milestone, though it required careful health adjustments. My university dormitory proved excellent and cozy, equipped with fully functional shared kitchens, a piano room, a gym, a study room, laundry facilities, and vending machines.
Furthermore, the diverse international student community provided an ideal environment for socializing and networking. I frequently took advantage of the convenient bike-sharing services located right outside the dormitory to explore the city. While navigating the public transportation system was somewhat challenging during the first few weeks, it quickly became intuitive. I also observed that Olomouc residents are highly active, frequently utilizing local parks for exercise, walking, cycling, and running.
Adapting to Czech cuisine was also swift for me. Local meals are balanced with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, offering less salty, richer, and occasionally sweeter profile than Asian food. For an international student, meat is highly affordable here, and the communal kitchens in the dorm make cooking personal meals convenient.
Adapting to Czech society revealed distinct civic norms, particularly regarding strong public discipline toward pedestrian safety, waste disposal, queuing, and traffic regulations. Culturally, I found Czech citizens to be generally introverted and reserved in public spaces, classrooms, and cafes. While residents may seldom smile at strangers, a notable contrast to their global ranking as the 20th-happiest country according to the World Population Review, they are calm, helpful, and highly accommodating whenever approached for assistance.
Academic Experiences
Academically, the semester offered a rich pedagogical variety across my four selected courses, each utilizing distinct teaching methodologies. In the EU-China Relations course, I experienced a hybrid learning framework where students mastered foundational concepts via online modules before engaging in interactive, lecturer-led classroom discussions. The Czech Language intensive class implemented a communicative approach, utilizing structured pre-activities to encourage direct peer-to-peer foreign language engagement. Meanwhile, the Human Rights in Asia classroom blended active and passive learning, combining traditional lectures with collaborative group case studies and presentations. Finally, the International Relations in East Asia course featured a multi-lecturer format, where diverse regional experts shared insights drawn directly from their specialized fields of research.
The Myanmar Studies Centre provided exceptional avenues for institutional advocacy and cultural exchange. I actively engaged with academic and cultural events hosted by Palacký University and regional institutions, focusing closely on regional studies and advocacy. My attendance included the opening ceremony of the Landscapes of Refuge (Rohingya) exhibition by the Myanmar Studies Centre, the academic seminar Myanmar Five Years After the Coup featuring guest speaker U Soe Myint (Mizzima), and the documentary screening of Thabyay: Creative Resistance in Myanmar.
Cultural Exploration
I also competed in the traditional Dragon Boat Racing festival organized by the Palacký University Olomouc, celebrated regional diaspora traditions by attending Chin Independence Day 2026 in Poděbrady and the Thingyan Water Festival 2026 in Prague, and volunteered at the Burma's Peacock Film Festival 2026 in Brno.
To broaden my historical and cultural perspectives, I initiated independent travel to several European cities. In Paris, France, I observed local art and social institutions firsthand. In Dresden, Germany, I studied post-WWII architectural reconstruction and the integration of modern and historic urban design. Traveling to Vienna, Austria, and Krakow, Poland, provided valuable insights into Central European history, the legacy of the Habsburg Empire, and pivotal twentieth-century historical milestones.
Observing the distinct nuances among these European Union member states, ranging from varying currencies and standards of living to diverse languages, demographics, urban environments, and deep-seated historical backgrounds, deepened my cross-cultural understanding. Furthermore, I found that international travel remains highly affordable if managed efficiently through strategic planning and budgeting. This broader European exploration, combined with domestic regional travel to Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, significantly enhanced my comprehension of local Czech traditions, regional diversity, and the broader European landscape. Furthermore, domestic regional travel to Prague, Brno, and Ostrava deepened my understanding of local Czech traditions and regional diversity.
Conclusion
Olomouc is an exceptional student-centric city. Meeting peers from diverse international backgrounds highlighted how distinct yet fundamentally connected global student communities are. Participating in the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) facilitated meaningful international networking and socialization. Every historic street, architectural structure, and monument in Olomouc reflects a distinct era of Czech history. I am deeply grateful for every moment of this exchange program, and I express my sincere appreciation to the EMPM, Campus France, Palacký University, the Myanmar Studies Centre, President University, and everyone who supported my academic journey.
Farewell of Czech Language Intensive Class
At the opening ceremony of the Landscapes of Refuge (Rohingya) exhibition
At the dragon boat racing by ESN
At the Spring Festival Olomouc 2026