More than three hundred international exchange students started the new academic year 2025/2026 at Palacký University Olomouc thanks to an intensive Orientation Week organized by the Department for International Cooperation in cooperation with ESN UP Olomouc.
Last week, more than 300 international exchange students gathered in Olomouc to begin their five (or ten)-month-long study journey at our university. Orientation week started on Monday 15th September 2025 with a presentation of Palacký University in Olomouc and its facilities. The welcome speech was given by the vice-rector for International Relations Ms. Ivona Barešová and the programme continued with presentations of Akademik Sports Center, Welcome Office UP, ESN UP Olomouc, Sustainable University, The Support Centre for Students with Special Needs and the Accommodation Office.
A very savvy presentation on the topic of Czech culture, history, politics, or stereotypes led by the head of the Office for Partnerships Ms. Tereza Kalousková, could not be omitted. At the end of the lecture, students could test their (newly) gained knowledge during a quiz and the three best ones could win a little prize.
On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, students coming from 5 different continents got the opportunity to learn the basics of the Czech language and to listen to practical information related not only to their studies at UP, but also to life outside the university in Olomouc.
The last item on the agenda of Orientation Week was a meeting with the Police of the Czech Republic, during which the students learned practical information regarding Czech laws or their rights and obligations in our country.
Like every semester, student volunteers from ESN UP Olomouc were a great help to us, as they showed their new "classmates" around university facilities and other practical places in Olomouc and prepared an unforgettable daily afternoon programme.
We would like to thank all lecturers and helpers for another successful Orientation Week and we wish all students as many pleasant and enriching experiences and newly established friendships as possible.
Photos: Office for Mobility of Palacký University Olomouc
