People generally
say “thanks” to express gratitude, acknowledgement or appreciation to others.
Even though cultures and languages differ around the world, people have similar
practice of saying “thanks”. This is one of the lovely practices of human beings
in communication. In my language, “Kye-Zuu-Tin-Par-Tae”
means “thanks”. “Kye-Zuu” means
“Benefit”. Whenever we get any benefits or advantages from someone or some
people, we acknowledge him/her/them and say “Kye-Zuu-Tin-Par-Tae”. In Czech language, děkuji is familiar for most of the
foreign students to say thanks. Some of them can use it fluently in
communication with Czech people. If we can say the word, “thanks” in native
language used with a particular country, it is emotionally beneficial and
satisfactory for people of that country.
First of all, I
would like to say, děkuji.
The opportunity to study at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic was
a great honour. During my studies at Masaryk University and
stay in Brno, I faced professional and social concerns. For the professional
ones, I was learning English language and teaching methodology at the same time.
I faced a lot of challenges in the professional field, because my education background
and language level were very different and low. For example, in exams,
pass mark is 40% in my country from primary schools to universities, but here
at universities the pass mark is a 65-70% depending on the individual courses. Studies,
supplementary materials and learning methods are different from my country.
Assessment methods (e.g. written and oral exams styles) are not familiar to me.
Theoretical and practical aspects are trained at the same time. I have never taken
more courses within one semester before.
Although I had little experience in my
part-time diploma
studies at ACU (Australian Catholic University) online program, the mechanisms
are not similar. For example, in online programme, we generally had to focus on
only one course or subject for around 1 or 2 months depending on the courses. In
my home university, I took 4 courses in one semester for Master Level. At Masaryk
University, I had to take 12 courses in the first semester, 9 courses in the second
semester and 8 courses in the third semester for compulsory courses (plus one selective)
from two departments. I really tried hard to pass the exams, to finish the
assignments and to arrange the presentations on time. On the other hand, I had
to go to schools for teaching practices. I obtained a lot of knowledge as well
as I had the practical experience. I know that I was improving professionally. Teaching
practices were wonderful experience, as well as the most difficult part for me.
It would not be possible to face and pass these challenges solely on my own
without help from professors, lecturers, supervisors and my classmates from the
departments. To them, I would like to say, děkuji.
As a foreigner, there were several difficulties in a new place for long
time staying. I have been facing many social concerns, especially in language
boundary. Whenever I had problem, I asked Czech friends. For example, once I
had to go to the immigration office to show my birth certificate for visa extension.
I did not bring it and I could not contact my parents on time. I had to explain
this situation in Czech language. One of my classmates helped with translation to
Czech, in order to explain the situation. When I had to send an official
package to an embassy in my country on time, my Czech friend went to the post
office with me and arranged for this. I could not speak even basic Czech and I
had no clue to communicate in the post office. I needed some services for phone
and computer problems, and sometime health problems and so on. In these serious
cases, I requested to help my student tutor or classmates and other Czech friends.
In addition, among the strangers, I sometimes felt lonely that might be
caused by homesickness or community differences. Because of this, I sometimes
wanted friendly, warm and kind environment. This was provided perfectly by my
Czech friend, Baclev, who invited me and some Asian friends to his home. His
family served us with traditional food such as chicken with potatoes, dumplings,
cabbage, cakes, different kind of juices and homemade wines. We (6 people
together) stayed one night and we also made barbecue party in his house. His
parents were also interesting and asked about our countries and cultures. My
friend interpreted for his family and us. We were really happy and felt warm family
life as well as community life. It would be impossible to face this
homesickness if the Czech people did not help and socialize with me. Therefore,
I would like to say, děkuji for above
all gratitude.
In conclusion, I struggled for many challenges in the professional and
social areas in Czech Republic. With the help of the people in my surrounding,
these difficulties were overcome. One or two pages are not long enough to
express the full extent of my gratitude. I heartily would like to say, děkuji.
Ywet Wai Aung, student of Faculty of Education
