From Ecuador and Moldova to Prague: Why International Students Choose FIT CTU

Choosing to study abroad is a life-changing decision – one that combines academic ambitions with the challenge of adapting to a new culture and environment. Francisco Molina, a student from Quito, Ecuador, is pursuing a degree in Software Engineering at the Faculty of Information Technology CTU (FIT CTU), part of the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU). Bc. Daria Objeleanscaia, originally from Moldova, is currently studying the Master’s programme in Computer Science at FIT CTU.

Both chose to study in Prague at FIT CTU, and they share what motivated their decision and what life as international students at the faculty is really like.

What made FIT CTU stand out for you compared to other faculties you considered?

Francisco: FIT CTU stood out to me mainly because of its strong technical reputation and its focus on solid foundations in computer science and software engineering. I was particularly interested in the balance between theory and practical problem-solving, as well as the fact that the university is well recognized both in the Czech Republic and internationally.

Daria: I chose FIT CTU because I liked the idea of studying at a modern faculty that is part of one of the oldest universities in the Czech Republic. For me, it felt like a good balance between a strong theoretical background and a more practical, up-to-date approach to IT education. I was particularly impressed by how well the study materials are adapted for international students and by the fact that the English programme is fully equivalent in quality and depth to the Czech one.

In addition, the faculty provides access to modern equipment and technologies, which I believe makes FIT CTU one of the most progressive faculties. Moreover, I find that the study programme is closely aligned with the needs of today’s IT industry, so graduates of our faculty are highly employable. Finally, the strong reputation and public status of CTU gave me confidence that my degree will be both legally recognized and highly valued on the European and international job market, ensuring strong career prospects for its graduates. Plus it makes it so much easier to find your first job when you graduate from a top university.

Why did you choose Prague as the city where you wanted to study and live?

Francisco: Prague offered a unique combination of high-quality education, safety, and quality of life. It is a very international city, well connected, and more affordable than many other European capitals. I was also attracted by its history, culture, and student-friendly environment.

Daria: I chose Prague mainly because, from both an academic and practical point of view, it offers strong opportunities for international students. The cost of studying here is much more affordable compared to many other European cities, while the diploma is fully European and internationally recognized. I saw this as a good long-term investment, considering the career opportunities and salary prospects after graduation.

On a personal level, Prague also felt like a comfortable place to start living independently. It is relatively close to my home country, and the language and mentality are similar, which made the adaptation process easier for me. As a young woman moving abroad on my own, safety was another important factor, and Prague gave me a sense of stability and security in everyday life.

What do you think makes studying at FIT CTU attractive for international students?

Francisco: The combination of strong academic standards, English-taught programmes, and an international student community makes FIT CTU very attractive. The facultyencourages independent thinking and discipline, which is essential in technical fields.

Daria: I think FIT CTU is attractive for international students because it offers a strong academic programme in English that is on the same level as the Czech one, so students do not feel like they are getting a “simplified” version of the degree. The courses combine solid theoretical foundations with practical projects, which helps students understand how their knowledge can be used in real-world IT work. Moreover, FIT CTU is a good choice because IT is one of the career paths where you mostly speak English, so an international programme here is a good choice.

I also think the international environment and modern facilities make it easier for students from different backgrounds to feel comfortable and supported when adapting to a new country and academic system. FIT CTU in particular, and CTU in general offer a lot of communities, events and support for international students.

What do you personally enjoy the most about student life in Prague?

Francisco: I enjoy the balance between academic life and personal life. You can focus seriously on your studies while still having many opportunities to relax, explore the city, and meet people from different cultural backgrounds.

Daria: What I enjoy most about student life in Prague is the balance between flexibility and academic standards. The study schedule allows me to combine my studies  with part-time work, which helps me gain practical experience. I also really value the fact that there is a strong selection process and high academic expectations. Because not everyone is admitted and not everyone finishes, the degree feels meaningful and respected, and it motivates me to work seriously in my field rather than just “getting a diploma”.

On a personal level, I enjoy living in Prague because it is a beautiful and comfortable city for studying, with many libraries, quiet places to work, and very good public transport, which makes everyday student life easier.

Can you describe a moment when you felt you made the right decision choosing FIT CTU?

Francisco: There were moments during difficult exams and projects when I realized how much I had progressed both technically and mentally. Completing challenging courses gave me confidence and confirmed that choosing FIT CTU was the right decision.

Daria: One moment when I really felt I had made the right decision was when I was contacted by an international financial company directly through my LinkedIn profile and offered my first position in the field. While many students struggle for months or even years to find their first job, in my case, the employer reached out to me first. They already knew FIT CTU and had a strong impression of its graduates, which showed me that the university’s reputation truly lives in the minds of employers. That experience made me feel confident that choosing FIT CTU had given me a real advantage on the job market.

What aspects of the teaching or study environment at FIT CTU do you appreciate the most?

Francisco: I appreciate the clear expectations, the logical structure of courses, and the fact that consistent effort is directly reflected in results. The environment constantly pushes you to improve.

Daria: What I appreciate most is the approachability of the teaching staff. Many of the lecturers are relatively young and easy to talk to, and a lot of them also work in the industry, not only in academia. This means they understand what skills are actually needed in real IT jobs and try to reflect that in their courses. I also value the flexibility of the study system. We are able to choose a large part of our courses and build our own schedules, which helps students focus on the areas they are most interested in. Finally, I really enjoy the international environment. English is used naturally in classes and everyday communication, which makes it comfortable for students from different countries to feel included and confident.

How would you describe the atmosphere among students at FIT CTU?

Francisco: The atmosphere is focused and hardworking, but also supportive. Students often help each other, especially during exams and projects, and there is a strong sense of shared experience.

Daria: I would describe the atmosphere as genuinely warm and welcoming. I didn’t expect to feel “at home” so quickly, but I found people with similar backgrounds and even the same native language, which made the first months in a new country much easier for me. What I value most is that the community doesn’t stay in small groups. There are many student events that naturally mix people from different countries, and through them I made my first close international friends. That experience really changed how I see other cultures and helped me become more open and confident in social situations.

If you could give one piece of advice to future international students considering FIT CTU, what would it be?

Francisco: Be prepared to work hard and stay consistent from the beginning. FIT CTU rewards discipline and persistence, and keeping up with coursework makes the experience much more rewarding.

Daria: I would recommend FIT CTU and Prague because they offer a strong balance between academic quality, practical relevance, and affordability. At FIT CTU, students get a solid theoretical foundation while also working on projects that reflect real industry needs, which helps them feel more prepared for the job market.

Prague itself is a comfortable and safe city to live in, especially for students who are moving abroad for the first time. The international environment, good public transport, and relatively reasonable living costs make it easier to focus on studying and building a life here. Together, the university and the city create an environment where international students can grow academically, professionally, and personally without feeling overwhelmed or out of place.