Why did we study Czech studies?
Are you still undecided about whether Bohemian studies are right for you? Below, you can read or listen to the stories of two of our students and how they came to study at our institute. The first is Adéla Vodičková, who knew from the beginning that Czech language was exactly right for her. The second is Lukáš Žoha, who found his way to Czech studies by way of a detour through medicine and chemistry.
“Right in the first semester, I was captivated by almost every subject.”
Adéla Vodičková
A student of the follow-up master's program in Czech language and literature with a specialization Czech linguistic
My name is Adéla Vodičková, I am twenty-two years old, and I am in my third year of studying Czech studies at Masaryk University. When I was in high school, I was interested in everything. Every time I spent the first thirty minutes unable to decide which book to choose and what topic to focus on. I always had a relationship with the arts, including literature. It was our teacher in lower secondary school who introduced me to quality literature. In my junior year of high school, I realized how much literature and language in general interested me. That’s when I expressed my interest in studying Czech studies. My teacher then inundated me with countless pieces of information that might be useful in the future. They weren't. She also asked me questions that she herself had during her entrance exams. In my senior year, I was torn between two equally appealing options: scenography at JAMU and Czech language and literature at Masaryk University. Circumstances led me to start studying Czech studies in September.
Right in the first semester, I was captivated by almost every subject. I started enjoying the language-focused subjects. In high school, linguistics is quite neglected and not given enough time. Therefore, I was surprised when the door to linguistics opened for me, and I began to explore various intricacies and mysteries of language. Another big plus was, and still is, the helpfulness of all the teachers when something needs to be resolved. Today, I also appreciate the well-thought-out progression of the subjects, which guide you through complex issues step by step. At the faculty, I also met many wonderful people, now friends, who share my interest in language and literature. We can help each other, explain things, or support each other in challenging situations like writing a bachelor's thesis.
“I remember as if it were yesterday, in the first semester, looking with awe at the doctoral students and joking that one day we would be in their shoes.”
Lukáš Žoha
A doctoral student in the Czech language program and a linguist in body and soul
My name is Lukáš Žoha, and I am currently studying in the doctoral program of Czech language. Even though this field wasn't my first choice, it doesn't mean it won't catch and hold onto you. I've been interested in the Czech language for as long as I can remember. I've always enjoyed reading, although mostly translated literature rather than Czech, and I've also been writing and continue to write my own prose; although, so far, it's just for myself. However, it wasn't an area I wanted to pursue professionally. My dream was to become a doctor, specifically a pediatrician. I even tailored my high school subjects accordingly, focusing on biology and chemistry. However, my aspirations shattered when I failed to get into any medical school. Consequently, I enrolled in the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, majoring in Forensic Analysis. You might be wondering what that is. It's basically that super cool job in a police laboratory where evidence is analyzed. I thought it would be amazing to study that and imagine myself as Abby from NCIS. However, during the semester, I realized that this field wasn't what I wanted to do. So, after the first semester, I quit, and suddenly I had only a month to decide about my future. What next? Suddenly, I remembered Czech language and literature. I thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a try, even though it was a 180-degree turn. From a selection of three schools, I ultimately chose the Faculty of Arts at Masaryk University. I have never regretted my choice. I learned to think about language and literature in new ways. It's absolutely true that the more I know, the more I realize I know nothing. That was one of the reasons why I decided to continue with doctoral studies. I remember as if it were yesterday, in the first semester, looking with awe at the doctoral students and joking that one day we would be in their shoes. Who would have thought that five years would pass like water, and I would be exactly where they were.