What is studying at CZU Prague like from an international student’s perspective? What surprised students during their stay in Prague, and how does life in the Czech Republic compare with their home countries? These questions were at the heart of Erasmus+ International Coffee, an informal gathering held at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ), Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, on 26 October 2026. Students from six countries shared their experiences, introduced their cultures and connected with fellow students and university representatives in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The event brought together students from Thailand, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Egypt, India and Moldova. Rather than focusing on formal presentations or academic discussions, the gathering centred on personal stories and experiences. Students introduced their home countries, shared insights into their cultures and traditions, and talked about studying and living in Prague.
The opportunity to discover different perspectives on university life and learn about everyday experiences in other countries gave the gathering its distinctive atmosphere. Such informal meetings help international students build connections, exchange experiences and feel part of the wider CZU Prague academic community.
Creating opportunities to connect
The gathering was attended by representatives of the FTZ and CZU Prague International Relations Offices. FTZ was represented by Vice-Dean for International Relations Petra Chaloupková, Zora Fídlerová, Erasmus+ Coordinator for European mobility (KA131), and Simona Tomanová, who coordinates Erasmus+ mobility outside Europe (KA171) at faculty level. Jana Mandíková, Head of FTZ Student Ambassadors, also joined the event.
Martin Richter from the CZU Prague International Relations Office represented the university-level team and coordinates Erasmus+ KA171 mobility across CZU Prague. The event was organised by Simona Tomanová from the FTZ International Relations Office.
The gathering provided an opportunity to connect students’ personal experiences with the support offered by the faculty and university during international mobility. In addition to coordinating exchange programmes, student initiatives such as FTZ Student Ambassadors play an important role in helping international students navigate their new environment, meet fellow students and become involved in faculty life.
Guests from Thailand highlight the importance of international cooperation
The event also welcomed representatives of Prince of Songkla University in Thailand: Assoc. Prof. Rungrat Sae-Yang, Ph.D., Vice-Dean for International Relations and coordinator of international cooperation and exchange programmes, and Asst. Prof. Chutima Tantikitti, Ph.D., an academic specialising in tropical agriculture and sustainable development who contributes to academic and research collaboration.
Their participation highlighted the value of long-term international partnerships and the opportunities they create for students and academic staff alike. Cooperation between CZU Prague and Prince of Songkla University also includes a Double Degree programme in Agricultural Development, which enables students to combine studies at two partner universities and gain experience in different academic and cultural environments.
Erasmus+ International Coffee therefore offered more than an opportunity for students to exchange experiences. It also created space for personal encounters with international partners and further exploration of academic cooperation.
International experience beyond the classroom
International mobility offers more than academic knowledge. Living and studying in another country helps students develop independence, language skills and the ability to understand different cultural practices and perspectives. Informal gatherings such as International Coffee provide an opportunity to share these experiences and build connections naturally.
For the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, where education and research are closely linked to international cooperation, intercultural dialogue is an integral part of academic life. Bringing together students from different parts of the world demonstrates how an international environment can enrich not only exchange students themselves, but also the wider university community.
We would like to thank all the students, guests and organisers who took part and helped create such a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere.
