Why I decided to study in Czechia
By Yasmin Felippe, February 2025
I knew I wanted to see more of the world when I was only eleven years old, and then it was a long and hard way until I discovered Czechia, Brno and Masaryk University. Believing that only education could lead me so far, I dedicated myself to it. I must say, the process of entering a high-level university in Brazil is not easy, and you have to go through a series of long exams, and then enter into a competition for spots based only on your grade, which I did. I was then accepted into the University of Sao Paulo, among the best in Latin America. Until this day, members of my family ask me why I turned it down. Here is why: You have to follow your dream, your passions, and your instinct.
If I hadn’t pursued my dream, I would’t even know that Brno is a city! I would never have met so many people from all over the world, let alone get to learn new languages (especially Czech), or travel Europe so easily. It takes at least a 10 hour flight to get from Brazil to the European continent…but from Brno to Vienna? 2 hours maximum, by bus! Just one year and seven countries visited, more than I got from all my life.
Most people I know from my hometown still believe that Czechia and Slovakia are one country (sorry Czechs and Slovaks), so I can say that coming to Czechia was not an obvious option, but in fact, the most positive surprising one!
Czechia is ranked among both safest and cheapest countries to live in, which makes a big difference in everyday life. You do not have to worry when coming late and alone from a party, nor is there a need to hide your phone in public, and coming from a rather unsafe country, this is a huge factor. More than this, high-level education is free for nationals, but even for international students, is cheaper than average (if you are currently doing research on your study abroad options, you know it is true). Living costs are also cheap depending on your preferences, like a wide range of dormitories with all facilities you can need.
With an amazing history, beautiful architecture, enriching culture and affordable studying and living cost, Czechia and Brno have won my heart. In order to follow a dream, you need to take action and make a plan. Sometimes, the path that takes you there is not the obvious one, but the one you secretly needed and had been waiting for since that dream was planted in you (and that might be studying abroad in Brno, Czechia!).