INCBAC

INCBAC – Testimonials

TESTIMONIALS

Marco

UNICAMP – Membrain Research Center

Since I was a child, I always thought about a trip in Europe as a dream, something that could never happen. But in the last months, everything has changed.

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Dhiana

UFRJ – University of West Bohemia in Pilsen

I would truly recommend other students to participate in the UNIGOU program. In two months, not only did I get to contribute to a project.

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Guilherme

UFRJ – Technical University in Liberec

The opportunity of spending the Brazilian summer in the middle of the Czech Republic snow was an amazing adventure and life-changing experience.

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Taina

UNICAMP – Charles University in Prague

It was my first time in Europe and the expectations were high. Are the Europeans really cold people? What if they don’t like me? I think my English is not so good!

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Bárbara

USP – Czech Technical University

My experience in Prague was the best thing I could do after my graduation studies. It was really good for completing my knowledge

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Diogo

UFSC – Czech Technical University

Living in Prague was an amazing experience! The level of infrastructure at the university and the support given by the teachers were the best i could have asked for.

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Gabriela

USP – Charles University in Prague

Developing a project and being a part of the oldest Czech university was an unforgettable academic experience that every scholar would like to have

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Cintia

UNICAMP – University of Economics in Prague

Since I was a child, I always thought about a trip in Europe as a dream, something that could never happen. But in the last months, everything has changed.

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Pedro

UFRJ – Czech Technical University

My stay in the Czech Republic was very important for my personal and professional development. In the professional field, it was a great to stay

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Yan

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

The program was perfect! If you have any intention to spend your vacation in a very different, but beautiful and exciting place, you should definitely

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Benjamin

UNICAMP – University of West
Bohemia in Pilsen

UNIGOU provided me to live 3 months in Czech Republic, and that was the experience I was looking for.

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Alessandro

UNICAMP – University of West Bohemia

I´ve been looking for challenges and something that could improve myself. I can say that I found all of it during this amazing experience of working

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Mariana

UNICAMP – Membrain Research Center

I had the incredible opportunity to live for 2 months in the “big” Straz pod Ralskem. I was part of UNIGOU program in their partnership

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Maira

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

All the travelling starts before you arrive in your destination and it wasn`t different this time. The UNIGOU staff was so attentive to me

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Gustavo

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

I cannot explain how great the days that I spent in the Czech Republic were. I really enjoyed my stay in this amazing country, the university

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Marcelo

USP – Czech Technical University

My 3 months in the UNIGOu program, working at the „Laboratory of Photovoltaic Systems Diagnostics“ in the Czech Technical University of Prague

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Antonio

UFRJ – Czech Technical University

So there I was: bored of practicing math with letters, because let’s face it, it is just too much theory in these universities of ours. Then someday

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Lucas

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

At first I was unsure about going to Prague. I was afraid it would be a waste of my time, but now I can safely say it was worth it. The time I spent in prague

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Bianca

UNICAMP – Charles University in Prague

My experience in the UNIGOU program was amazing. Since the application for the program until my last day in Prague, the staff from the INCBAC

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Sergio

UFSC – Czech Technical University

I would like to say that my experience at UNIGOU was perfect! It is difficult to describe all these 8 weeks of the program in a short text.

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Daniel

UNICAMP – Technical University in Liberec

Well, let´s start with why UNIGOU. Last year I decided that I wanted to do any kind of exchange program, a lot of destination came to my mind.

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Renata

UNICAMP – Charles University in Prague

The experience doesn´t start when you arrive in Prague. It starts when you apply for this great opportunity. The staff from INCBAC starts helping

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Thales

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

My academic internship in the Czech Republic was completely different of anything I have ever experienced. It was of ultimate importance for my personal

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Marilia

UNICAMP – Membrain Research Center

As I didn’t know other people that had participated in previous years, I had no idea about how everything would unfold and I wasn’t bothered by that at any moment

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Marcelo

UNICAMP – Technical University in Liberec

It was a pleasure sharing knowledge, researching and working with my supervisor and colleagues, a unique experience. It’s incredible how much you can learn

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Egidio

USP – University of West Bohemia

Since I got in the university, I always wanted to have an international experience. And, the UniGou program seemed to me as the best option I could have. With an academical purpose

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Carlos

UNICAMP – Charles University in Prague

What is there to say about my experience? This here is but a hopeless effort of summarizing the time I spent in Prague, for in so many different ways

 
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Eduardo

UNESP – Czech Technical University

First of all, I didn`t know many things about Prague. When I did the interview and I was accepted, I said to my friends that I would stay three months over there. So,they said to me that it is a beautiful

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Patricia

UNICAMP – Mendel University in Brno

The UNIGOU Program is a good opportunity to spend the Brazilian three months of holidays. I developed two projects: the first about food oils and the second about biogas production.

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Bruno

UNICAMP – Charles University in Prague

UNIGOU program allows you to discover many faces of the Czech Republic and some cities in Europe, meanwhile developing your academical knowledge.

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Marco

UNICAMP – Membrain Research Center

Since I was a child, I always thought about a trip in Europe as a dream, something that could never happen. But in the last months, everything has changed.

Until last year, I didn´t know the UNIGOU program and I also couldn´t see any possibility to know the Czech Republic. When i was finally introduced to the program, I knew that I was face to face to the a opportunity that was able to change completely the way I see the world.

I was accepted for working in an MemBrain Research Centre’s internship, in the small town of Straz pod Ralskem. There were many questions, and I didn’t know what to expect about that. The UNIGOU organization made everything easier by introducing me to the Czech culture, and suddenly, those strange habits, that strange language and that hard cold become a part of my life.

How could I possibly forget about those beautiful cities that I’ve met? How to forget how was magestic the Prague night, with all those spears growing up to the sky, from the Charles Bridge, or, as they say, the Karluv Most? How was to get in an old castle, in front of the throne where Charles, the Fourth, used to sit, and to find out that the ancient people believed that a crocodile’s head was a dragon?

In Czech I was introduced to a rich culture and a proud people. It wasn´t always easy for me to be far from my family, far from my country, in a cold weather that sometimes made me think I would freeze. But now, a couple months later, I look behind and all I see was how much I grew since I took that flight to Europe.

In MemBrain I had my first professional experience in an environment of innovation and study. With all those great equipment, and of course, my supervisor Marie Novotná, and also the analitycal chemistry that used to work with us, Zdenek Marusak, I learned about the Materials Science and the Materials Engineering in a way that I could never imagine. With patience they tought me about many pratical principles about those sciences and also gave me the opportunity to handle very sofisticated equipments.I have also to give special thanks to my colegues Iva, Krystina, Arthur and Jaroslav, who always helped me and had many interesting conversations. And, off course, those great room mates, Aline and Jonatha, who were always there when I needed, who travelled with me, and helped me in a moment when I’ve got sick. Those great people made everything easier and without them, this experience wouldn’t be great as it was.

When I was going back to Brazil, and I saw all those pictures, I couldn’t believe it was me there. And I realized how much I lived and how great it was to see the world from the eyes of this great people, and all I wanted to do was to say Na Zdraví and celebrate once again with them.

Na shledanou, Czech Republic! I promise we will meet each other again.

Dhiana

UFRJ – University of West Bohemia in Pilsen

I would truly recommend other students to participate in the UNIGOU program. In two months, not only did I get to contribute to a project relevant to my graduation course, but I also learned new languages and met people from different cultures.

My life in Pilsen was surrounded by local friends and also many students from all over the world. Also, the city was awarded the title of Capital of Culture in 2015 and the winter was full of cultural events including video mappings, light festival, circus and traditional food. I have also travelled a lot to Prague for parties and concerts and I must confess I fell in love for both cities.

This was not my first experience abroad, but it was definitely the best! There is something magical about the Czech Republic that I can not precisely describe. It makes me want to go back, not only for a visit. If I can, I will make sure to live there again in the future!

And a little bit in detail:…

The winter – being in Europe in the winter is great! It was magic to be friends with people by walking in the streets and joining a snowball fight. Still, some say that in the summer it might be even better. I confess I wish I could enjoy summer walks in the riverside.

The team – the UNIGOU team was always helpful and nice. I have lost my passport and they helped me finding it, I have injured my knee and they arranged a reimbursement for a ski trip. They were the perfect combination of professionalism and kindness at the same time.

Plzeň – the city is of perfect size. Not so big, not so small. I bumped with people I know in the trams on a daily basis. It is also very near Prague, so it was cheap and quick to catch concerts and meet friends there. It’s worth mentioning it’s not only a beer city, it is also very technological. There are also great restaurants and pubs, a nice zoo and the central square is amazingly beautiful! It was also good for a better immersion in Czech language. Unlike Prague, it was really necessary to use some Czech in the city!

The dorm – my dorm in Plzen was great! The room was fit, the bathroom was good (better than the dorms I got to know in Prague) and there was a pub in the first floor! Not to mention a student restaurant with cheap meals! Most of the students in the dorm were locals. I have made Czech and Slovak friends in the pub!

Západočeská Univerzita – The university was very big! It was in the other side of the city but very quick to reach by tram. There was a nice student restaurant with 8 different cheap meals every day, the buildings were very nice and there was a huge supermarket with some shops and fast foods.

Nové technologie – výzkumné centrum – the research centre was modern and well equipped. There was a nice pre-wedding party with beer and food in the conference room and I could get to know many other researchers in the building. The coffee machine also had great coffee!

My supervisor – David was very interested in the exchange experience. He taught me a lot about czech language and culture and I could also share many curiosities about Brazil. He helped me getting to know the city and was very supportive when I had complications with my knee. He let me conduct the development of the project and was very helpful whenever I got stuck. He is a natural great supervisor!

ESN Plzeň – The Erasmus Students Network helped me have a true exchange student experience! They held a welcome dinner, trips, parties and assigned a local buddy to all students. I have also made many friends on such events!

Guilherme

UFRJ – Technical University in Liberec

The opportunity of spending the Brazilian summer in the middle of the Czech Republic snow was an amazing adventure and life-changing experience.

Adventure since the moment I stepped in Liberec and the snow came to say hello, passing through the first bus ride alone and finishing with that “exotic” food at the menza (student canteen).

Life-changing experience that opened the doors of a Czech university to learn and work with subjects in my area that were unknown for me. The opportunity to meet people from parts of the globe I could have never imagined, like Kazakhstan.

All UNIGOU people were very kind since the first contacts on Skype through all the moments in the Czech Republic. Helping and supporting in the first weeks until the last day. UNIGOU coordinators were always available and I just have to say thank you for them.

I went to Technical University of Liberec (TUL), where I researched about geopolymer based composites in the Center for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovation under supervision of Mr. Eng. Vladimír Kovačič. Despite some communication difficulties because of the language, I have nothing to say against TUL. The infrastructure was very good, new buildings and nice people. We had all the freedom to do our work, use materials and equipment of the lab. Menza was a challenge everyday only because the menu was in Czech, and we never knew what we would eat, but the food was good. The dormitories were new, built in 2009, with nice rooms and really close to the university. I was lucky to have so nice roommates.

Liberec was an outstanding city, nice and cheap PUBs, hockey games (Go, Tigers!) and skiing facilities. Again, the only difficulty was the language barrier, but I am sure it was a nice thing, even bringing a little desperation in the beginning. Overcoming it was a reason to be even prouder. If I have the chance, I will return to Czech for a new research, a masters or only to remember to good time I had there.

Taina

USP – Charles University in Prague

Developing a project and being a part of the oldest Czech university was an unforgettable academic experience that every scholar would like to have, even for a short period. It was an honour to work within the UNESCO Laboratory of Environmental Electrochemistry at Charles University in Prague.

Prague itself is an amazing city and I fell in love with it right away. So it was not difficult to adapt to the new reality, like the language barrier, what actually encouraged me to study Czech, and the cold winter, which was not so harsh this year, but it was easy to get used to, even for a Brazilian who likes summer and beach:)

I can say that the Czech Republic is an interesting country that preserves a lot of culture, traditional universities, beautiful sights, a lively nightlife and the best beer in the world. There is no reason to not go and try it out.

With the great help from UNIGOu and a few local friends, I was able to fully enjoy my stay at such a nice place.

Bárbara

USP – Czech Technical University

My experience in Prague was the best thing I could do after my graduation studies. It was really good for completing my knowledge in Environmental Engineering, as I could do a lot of practical work and visit experimental catchments even in the winter. Also, I could learn about how a research is lead in an international university, which I think will be helpful to pursue a Masters abroad and to improve my CV.

The UNIGOU program was better than I ever could expect, because they were really helpful when you arrive to your city in Czech Republic, helping with any arrangements you need, both in school or in dorms. They were also great in arranging group trips around Czech and small social events during the weeks.

One thing that I really liked about Czech is their culture, which is so different and full of amazing things and new stuff to learn, that any Brazilian couldn’t know without being there. The language is different of anything you have ever heard but also interesting when you start to learn the first words. Prague is a beautiful place and offers a lot of things to do, it is a very live city. And also not expensive to live, when compared to others European cities, what makes it much more attractive. Besides all these, Czech people can be very friendly with you and sometimes they are really excited to have Brazilians in their labs, what makes you feel welcome there. I also had the chance to meet other Erasmus students from a lot of nationalities and now I can say I have friends all around the world.

Don’t hesitate to join this program, for me it was full of benefits and the only thing I regret is that I could only stay for two months!

Diogo

UFSC – Czech Technical University

Living in Prague was an amazing experience! The level of infrastructure at the university and the support given by the teachers were the best i could have asked for.

Many face the problem of being alone and sometimes it may take some of your good mood away, but that is when the guys from UNIGOu come in handy (as well as many other times), the weekly meetings were a good point of balance between working hard and going out at night. These meetings were always amazingly fun!

If you wanna work hard, have fun and make new friends! You just uniGOu to Prague. Ahoj!

Gabriela

UNICAMP – Charles University in Prague

Developing a project and being a part of the oldest Czech university was an unforgettable academic experience that every scholar would like to have, even for a short period. It was an honour to work within the UNESCO Laboratory of Environmental Electrochemistry at Charles University in Prague.

Prague itself is an amazing city and I fell in love with it right away. So it was not difficult to adapt to the new reality, like the language barrier, what actually encouraged me to study Czech, and the cold winter, which was not so harsh this year, but it was easy to get used to, even for a Brazilian who likes summer and beach:)

I can say that the Czech Republic is an interesting country that preserves a lot of culture, traditional universities, beautiful sights, a lively nightlife and the best beer in the world. There is no reason to not go and try it out.

With the great help from UNIGOu and a few local friends, I was able to fully enjoy my stay at such a nice place.

Cintia

UNICAMP – University of Economics in Prague

I have no words to describe how much the UNIGOU program added in my life. In this program, I had the opportunity to work for two months in a major center of Economics studies of the Czech Republic, the University of Economics in Prague.

What interested me a lot in the program since the beggining is that they offer opportunities for various areas of knowledge, such as engineering, natural sciences, economics and humanities, among many others. This is very important because it shows that they do not exclude any course, if the project interests you, you can try.

My experience with the program taught me many things. The UNIGOU Program provides to people the kind of experience that we do not expect to have in life so soon. Initially, I have to admit that I was a little scared to try an exchange program outside the ‘standard places’ that people usually go, but now I can say for sure that this program it is the kind of opportunity that makes you grow a lot as a person and learn how to ‘think outside the box’ (it may sound cliché, but it is true).

Academically, the program gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in your field of study, working in important research centers in the Czech Republic. Professionally, you develop your activities with a professor/researcher, which teaches you a lot how to deal with a foreign supervisor, since we learn how to behave in another work culture, in which we are not used to face in Brazil.

Also, you have the chance to live for a while in a extremely beautiful country with a very different culture (and language!). For me this is very nice, because you can have the chance to be a local resident, and have experiences that you will never have as a tourist.

Furthermore, the UNIGOU coordinators are lovely, helpful and they really care about your stay in the country.

Overall, I certainly recomend this program for everyone who is looking for an opportuninity to do things differently than the normal and to grow as a person and as a professional.

Yan

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

The program was perfect! If you have any intention to spend your vacation in a very different, but beautiful and exciting place, you should definitely contact UNIGOu and go to Prague.

I arrived in Prague on 1st January and until the last day everything was great.

UNIGOU coordinators were extremely thoughtful and provided all the structure to enjoy the trip: accommodation, transportation, cell phone SIM card, documents for the university – nothing was left aside.

The academic part was very good, in my case I was at the electrical engineering faculty at CTU. I stayed at the Masarykova kolej (hall of residences), which is very nice and has complete structure for students.

But the really great part is the city: amazing views, intense nightlife, cheap prices and strategic localization: right in the middle of Europe. Traveling inside Czech Republic is also great: especially to the city where the best beer in the world is made: Pilsner Urquell!

So if you have any doubts about going, don’t. Doesn’t matter what your preferences are: studying, skiing, partying, sightseeing, traveling, meeting people… All of this can be done if you go to Prague with UNIGOu. So pack your bags, put some warm clothes and get ready to have a great experience!

Ahoj!

Benjamin

UNICAMP – University of West Bohemia in Pilsen

UNIGOU provided me to live 3 months in Czech Republic, and that was the experience I was looking for. I had a great professional and personal experience. I decided to use my last college summer vacation in Brazil to work in this project, and of course, that was the best decision. The project taught me how to work with computational simulation and how to do validation tests.

I worked at the New Technologies Research Centre, from the University of West Bohemia. The project was really interesting, and my supervisor taught me how to use the software and how to do all the validation tests. I also could fell the Czech student life living in a student dormitory, and meeting persons from all over the world (soccer matches with guys from Africa, Middle East, parts of Asia).

Czech Republic has a lot of history, so is possible to learn a lot about the country and famous people very easily. Plzen is an amazing city, over than 700 years old. You have everything you need as a big city, but you also can fell the Czech interior life. It’s possible to try amazing foods and drinks. Of course this program was the best experience of my life.

Alessandro

UNICAMP – University of West Bohemia

I´ve been looking for challenges and something that could improve myself. I can say that I found all of it during this amazing experience of working on the project arranged by UNIGOU. Two months passed away and I can clearly notice and feel that I learned a lot during this time. Not only because of the project itself (which carries a big responsibility) but also due to the huge contact with different cultures and people whilst I was traveling on my free time. It made me think bigger and hopefully open new horizons and have new ideas for future. I would like to thank UNIGOU team very much.

Mariana

UNICAMP – Membrain Research Center

I had the incredible opportunity to live for 2 months in the “big” Straz pod Ralskem. I was part of UNIGOU program in their partnership with Membrain Research Center.

I got to start saying that it was a short time, that actually seemed bigger due to all the amazing experiences I had, the growth that was possible to have, to all the incredible persons I’ve met, to all the great times, talks and laughs, and to how much I already miss my last “summer” vacations.

Although Straz is a small city, I had a great time over there, with incredible learning opportunities, very nice and improving environment to work, and people with big hearts and always ready to help you with whatever you might need.

The personal growth couldn’t have been bigger. I was working in a place where people live of their research and studies. My tutor had a huge knowledge in Membrane’s technology and was ready and open to share it with me, helping with everything I needed.

Also, personally, I was living in a 4 thousand people city, in the country side of Czech Republic. Therefore, my contact with Czech culture could not be deeper. I got to understand Czechs and learned how to love it.

And last, but not least, regarding UNIGOU program, I have only the best reviews. From the very beginning, since my Skype interviews, everybody was very thoughtful, helpful and supportive. No effort was saved to do the best for me and all the other interns. Besides all the support to come to the Czech Republic, to get the best positions, all the recommendations, tips and suggestions, they also took us to great places and organized fun trips. I can definitely say that you, future student, will be in great hands with UNIGOU. Not only they are completely responsible, professionals and organized, they are mainly good friends and people to trust on.

I can say this experience was the whole package! Studying, working, learning, learning a new culture, language, developing into your studying field, travelling, making new friends, and all of this followed by one important and awesome component: the amazing Czech beer ;)

Maira

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

All the travelling starts before you arrive in your destination and it wasn`t different this time. The UNIGOU staff was so attentive to me, when I said which kind of research I preferred to work they look for a project near to my specialization, after I had some problems with the embassy, they helped me all times. Although all the trips start before your arrival in your destination, the main part is after you arrive.

The hardest thing was the language. I stayed for 2 months in Prague. The city is pretty nice, the people are more closed than Brazilian, but you can find helpful and nice people like in Brazil. Sometimes, you can feel they are little bit rude, but, actually, they don`t understand you or something like that. So, don`t be afraid because it is possible to communicate in English almost everything you need, and when you have any problem the UNIGOU staff always tries to help you.

The city is so rich with history and culture. There are good theatres and not so expensive, so you can go every week. The cinema is a little bit expensive, but it is nice also, of course, the subtitles are in Czech or Slovak, but you can watch some movie in English. There are many museums, I have been in some and I liked so much Kafka Museum and Technical Museum, the second one is so, so, so big. There are many cities to visit around the Czech Republic and you don`t have enough time o visit all, so you need to choose. And there are also many famous cities near to Prague in Europe that you can visit – like Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow…

Other thing that I loved was my supervisor. She was so, so, so helpful. She tried to explain everything, so I could learn with her more than my research – both about Prague and the Czech culture. She also wasn`t native, but she had lived there for 9 years, so it is like a generation. She explained about the education in Czech and she recommended some places to visit. She was so nice.

Well, I have only one regret. I would want to understand more Czech. And, I intend to apply for the program again and as many times as I am able.

Gustavo

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

I cannot explain how great the days that I spent in the Czech Republic were. I really enjoyed my stay in this amazing country, the university was very good and good rated as well, the dorm was very good also with lots of conveniences such as ATM machines, a Gym, a game room and many others. I’ve made friends from all over the world while I was living there. Prague is an incredible city full of excitement with loads of cultural and historical attractions, a very intense nightlife (not to mention the best beer in the world) good options for shopping all with good prices.

The location of the Czech Republic in the heart of Europe makes travelling a very easy thing to do. I´ve visited five other countries while I was doing the program, and another cities in the Czech Republic. Finally the UNIGOU crew is very professional and very helpful, they create group activities (non-compulsory) such as dinners , ice skating and some trips also, creating a good environment for everyone that joins the program, so for me this program is very much recommended, and if I could I would certainly do it again.

Marcelo

USP – Czech Technical University

My 3 months in the UNIGOu program, working at the „Laboratory of Photovoltaic Systems Diagnostics“ in the Czech Technical University of Prague, was exactly the experience I needed to establish the bridge between my studies in Brazil and the career I always dreamed developing in Europe.

Although my studies at university provided me a strong theoretical baggage for my future career, it was only through the practical experience with photovoltaic systems and the real-world knowledge that I acquired by working with the laboratory team at the CTU, that I could improve my professional qualifications and CV to finally be able to conquer the job I dreamed about at a research institute in Germany. There is no doubt that the work experience I got during my 12 weeks in Prague played a key role for that!

Besides the great professional experience, my time at the „Golden City“ was also very good. I had already visited Prague several times before, but it was only by living there as one authentic Prague citizen, that I could experience a completely different and fascinating side of Prague, one that I would never be able to discover as just an ordinary tourist.

For the priceless work experience, the unique opportunity of living in one of the most amazing cities in the world, and for all the fun times and great friends I met there, I am very happy that I took part on this program.

Antonio

UFRJ – Czech Technical University

So there I was: bored of practicing math with letters, because let’s face it, it is just too much theory in these universities of ours. Then someday, on the internet, Unigou happened; this perfect opportunity to try to learn something and actually DO something for the world.

The project I was part was one of the many I’ve seen on their page and it caught my attention: it was something related to medicine and engineering. I thought: what a great experience that would be. I didn’t know a lot about anything actually. Let’s face it: engineering students aren’t experienced with anything.

And it was the most amazing experience of my life. Regarding the project itself, the accommodation, the city, the public transportation, the violent-free environment (if you are from Rio you know what I mean), the Czech friends I’ve made there, the food, the university infrastructure and so on.

It amazes me how much you can learn in 2 months.

PS: the beer there costs something like to 3,50 reais – 0.5 L

Lucas

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

At first I was unsure about going to Prague. I was afraid it would be a waste of my time, but now I can safely say it was worth it. The time I spent in Prague was very important for my personal and professional growth. I met lots of people from different cultures and made many friends.

In Praha I worked in the Department of Measures of Faculty of Electrical Engineering at CTU Prague, in the project “Small Satellite Platform”. Although my graduation was Computer Science, I was able to work on the project with excellent guidance of my mentor Dr. Pačes. He provided all the materials I wanted and taught me everything I needed to learn.

Praha is a beautiful city, with very advanced infra-structure and public transports. The food is very good, and so is the beer – or as they call it, Pivo :). I enjoyed every day of my experience, and would recommend it to anyone!

Bianca

UNICAMP – Charles University in Prague

My experience in the UNIGOU program was amazing. Since the application for the program until my last day in Prague, the staff from the INCBAC Institute has supported me and they were always welcome to answer any questions or doubts.

With the development of my project at the Charles University, I could improve my laboratory skills and my knowledge in chemistry. My supervisors always helped me with equipment, chemicals and answering my doubts.

Furthermore, the city is wonderful, full of historical buildings, stories, culture and there are many things to do there.

My only difficulty was the language, but if you learn some simple words in Czech and try to be polite with the people, you will get to communicate.

I would really recommend the participation in this program; it is a great opportunity for your professional and personal life.

Sergio

UFSC – Czech Technical University

I would like to say that my experience at UNIGOU was perfect! It is difficult to describe all these 8 weeks of the program in a short text. But summarizing, I did the project that I wished, “An utilization of Service FMEA in Flight Controls for Preventive Aircraft Maintenance”, the professor was very nice and assisted me whenever was necessary.

The project will be further applied, since I will continue to develop it in Brazil as my final project at my home university. I made good friends who I will take for my life, Prague is a beautiful city, a lot of places to visit, good public transportation, it is very safe, good to party, friendly people, a lot of foreign students, good Czech drinks, and it is cheap! The INCBAC coordinators were always close to support and solve all the problems from the entire group! I highly recommend UNIGOU Program, the students can do a good job, and also have a lot of fun!

Daniel

UNICAMP – Technical University in Liberec

Well, let´s start with why UNIGOU. Last year I decided that I wanted to do any kind of exchange program, a lot of destination came to my mind. Nevertheless, when I found UNIGOU exchange program, it was like a glove for an ice cold hand. The program had pretty much all the things that I wished for myself, a little travelling, working in a new field of technology, meeting new people and the most important of all, a lot of fun.

So, I decided to come to Liberec, “small” city in the north of Czech Republic. And believe me, this is a cold little city, but has a lot of qualities. The accommodation room is really big (one time we fit 4 people sleeping in the floor and 2 in the beds), people are friendly and always trying to help and the accommodation area has 4 pubs, 2 clubs and 1 bowling place.

The project I have worked on is different from what we work with in Brazil. Cold places have wooden houses and wood is very inflammable, and the geo-polymer that we are studying will be able to make people safer, giving them more time to evacuate the house in case of fire.

Renata

UNICAMP – Charles University in Prague

The experience doesn´t start when you arrive in Prague. It starts when you apply for this great opportunity. The staff from INCBAC starts helping you since the time you receive an email telling you that you were approved. They are always welcome for any questions and doubts.

When I arrived in Prague, I was afraid of the city, people, project and university. But after the first couple of days I could feel that it would be a great time. I really enjoyed my project at the Charles University, in which I could develop my laboratory skills and extend what I had learned at my home university in Brazil. I learned a lot and I could see another view of chemistry at a different university and in another country. My professors were always ready to help me with any doubts or equipment. The work environment was good too and you can learn a lot from all the people.

Besides the university, the city is breath taking. It is so beautiful and full of history, culture, castles…. You are going to fall in love with Prague. Moreover, of course there are lots of cities close that you can visit in your free time such as: Cesky Krumlov, Kutna Hora, Terezin, Karlovy vary, Karlstejn, Plzen and many others.

One recommendation that I think can help you, it is to learn some words in Czech as local people appreciate it even when they know how to speak English.

Living for almost three months in another country, with different culture, develops you academically and personally. It is a good opportunity. I do recommend this experience, it is certainly worth.

Thales

UNICAMP – Czech Technical University

ThalesUNICAMP – Czech Technical University”My academic internship in the Czech Republic was completely different of anything I have ever experienced. It was of ultimate importance for my personal, academic and professional life. In the personal field, I could meet people from all around the world, even people from my own university that I have never the opportunity to meet.

Another very enriching aspect was to see and live cultural differences, including habits, personalities, language, food etc. It was also quite good English training and improvement. The academic field was very nice too, the Universities have excellent infrastructure, laboratories and professors, what was fundamental to everything I learned. To the professional aspect, an international experience is in Brazil a differential in the job market, so the program helped me with that too. Finally, I could also travel in the weekends and know new places near the Czech Republic, such as Austria, Slovakia, Germany and Hungary.

Marilia

UNICAMP – Membrain Research Center

Developing a project and being a part of the oldest Czech university was an unforgettable academic experience that every scholar would like to have, even for a short period. It was an honour to work within the UNESCO Laboratory of Environmental Electrochemistry at Charles University in Prague.

Prague itself is an amazing city and I fell in love with it right away. So it was not difficult to adapt to the new reality, like the language barrier, what actually encouraged me to study Czech, and the cold winter, which was not so harsh this year, but it was easy to get used to, even for a Brazilian who likes summer and beach:)

I can say that the Czech Republic is an interesting country that preserves a lot of culture, traditional universities, beautiful sights, a lively nightlife and the best beer in the world. There is no reaso

As I didn’t know other people that had participated in previous years, I had no idea about how everything would unfold and I wasn’t bothered by that at any moment once the support we are given by INCBAC is fully committed and we are carefully assisted since the very first moment when we decide to make part of the program. I was very pleased with the organization and the engaged support from INCBAC coordinators provided us through not only e-mails, but also social media and meetings that were very important to make this experience very enriching and enjoyable for the students.

I was an intern at MemBrain, a research company that deals with membrane processes in Straz Pod Ralskem, a small town with around 4000 inhabitants close to the German border in the northern Czech Republic. There I was able to carry out a study on gas membrane separations with the attentive guidance of two supervisors and gained much practical experience besides a network that can help me in the future to possibly continue my work in this field.

The program and its partners offer much more than an internship. I would say that it is a lifetime opportunity that could lead to a wide range of study and work choices and help us to build our academic and professional careers. My sincerest gratitude and best wishes for INCBAC, MemBrain and all the Brazilian colleagues.

n to not go and try it out.

With the great help from UNIGOu and a few local friends, I was able to fully enjoy my stay at such a nice place.

Egidio

USP – University of West Bohemia

Since I got in the university, I always wanted to have an international experience. And, the UniGou program seemed to me as the best option I could have. With an academical purpose, I was part of a research in one of the most interesting subjects in my area: Steels and thermal treatment. Choosing to stay in Plzen also helped my experience to be amazing.

The city is smaller than Praha, but this made me to fell like at home. The one thousand years of history and traditions was one of the best parts of the trip. I made some good friends there and hope to come back to Czech Republic someday.

Carlos

UNICAMP – Charles University in Prague

What is there to say about my experience? This here is but a hopeless effort of summarizing the time I spent in Prague, for in so many different ways I’ve confronted the new, and I may lack the proper words to talk about it.

Who could have guessed that there is a lion at the heart of Europe? Prague is its pride and joy lying by the banks of Vltava, in nothing less than all others beautiful cities of the continent. There I’ve spent a little more than two wintery months, and I am already unable to forget the place.

The city itself is a beauty unique. Up from the hillsides of the castles you can see red rooftops of the quaint buildings, and the many spires and towers and bridges spreading along the river in tangled streets through which is so pleasuring to walk.

There I could feel the antiquity of the Old Continent and suddenly all those centuries of history described in books didn’t look so distant. From the tales of the kings of the Old Bohemia up to the soviet’s marching tanks, everything is there engraved, each quarter full of echoes of so much that has already passed.

There I was confronted by the winter, just to learn that one shouldn’t be afraid of the cold. It is just a matter of dressing properly. I was also confronted by the hissing and quivering sounds of the Czech language, pragmatic as its native speakers. Curiously, to deal with the barrier of the language seems teach us a lot about our own way of thinking, and how it could be so much different. For instance, one shouldn’t be intimidated by the straight, direct-to-the-point attitude of Czech people, because it is only their way of being and they intend no offence by it. Regardless, every time I tried some gentle silliness I was surprised by a warm smile breaking from serious faces. They might be reserved and long to trust, but once that’s through I found out I could make trustful, sincere friends.

As for my experience in the University, I could say it was one of great intellectual profit. More than just learning a lot, the project opened doors towards many different opportunities for my future, be it whatever it will.

Such is what UNIGOu provided me with thorough care and outstanding performance. No effort was saved when it came to making the duration of my stay be as smooth as possible, and thanks to that I could say that one with them is certainly in good hands.

I’m missing the friends I made there, the Czech beers, walking through the city, the scenario, the castles, the breads, the people from all over the world that the program allowed me to meet… Today my horizons seem wider than before.

Eduardo

UNESP – Czech Technical University

First of all, I didn`t know many things about Prague. When I did the interview and I was accepted, I said to my friends that I would stay three months over there. So,they said to me that it is a beautiful city and I certainly should go, besides that I got there during the European summer, thus that helped. Prague was really pretty.

I stayed in the dorms which have a good atmosphere. Enjoying such as bars, supermarkets, sports courts, knowing students from different countries and czechs too. You won`t have problems with public transportation. Bus,trains and metro are rarely late. Then, you can go to the University, you can enjoy your nightlife or somewhere else.

It is a great opportunity in regarding academic experience that`s why I could improve my knowledges and upgrade my project that I did at my university in Brazil about solar energy and power plant. I studied in the Department of Electrical Engineering with Ing. Martin Molhanec. He is a good teacher and also a friendly person. With him, I learned about FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) and ontology language.

Prague has a perfect location to travel around the Europe, mainly Eastern European countries. I visited many places when I had free time. Prague has also an interesting typical food and the nightlife with great beers and it is amazingly cheap. Is it all that you need, right?

I could learn a little bit of Czech language and thus I made some Czech friends too. They are friendly and they like Brazil a lot. I am quite sure that I recommend this program for other students. At the end, you will say: Děkuji, Česká Republiko!

Taina

UNICAMP – Mendel University in Brno

The UNIGOU Program is a good opportunity to spend the Brazilian three months of holidays. I developed two projects: the first about food oils and the second about biogas production. When I arrived at the Mendel University, I started with the biogas project, but I also decided to search for another topic more related with food and packaging. And I found two professors that help me a lot, one at the Chemistry Faculty and the second one at the Agriculture Faculty. I also started to attend two subjects: Development of Packaging and Food Process and I went to a fair about food and packaging and a conference about Safe Food with my professor.

In resume, I wrote three articles, I did two projects, I participated at two Congresses, I watched two subjects in my area and I made a beer!!! The teachers were nice and I travelled a lot, every weekend. Czech Republic is very close to Germany, Austria, Hungry, Slovakia and you can find very cheap tickets.

I did a special gym, crossfit. But, the best thing for me was: I made friends from Africa, United States and of course Czech Republic. And I tell you: this is the exchange program to do!

Bruno

USP – Charles University in Prague

UNIGOU program allows you to discover many faces of the Czech Republic and some cities in Europe, meanwhile developing your academical knowledge. I am still looking for all the words to describe my whole experience to my family, friends and even to myself.

The program sets you properly in your accommodation and in the research group, also giving you valuable information for your beginning abroad. The Charles University has a good infrastructure and resources, but these facts seem to extent to all universities in the Czech Republic.

As for the dormitories, you will be in touch with people from all over the world. This really helped me to open my mind, as living with people from different cultures is really interesting.

In the capital, as the buildings of the Faculties and the Dorms are not together, students have to move every day. This will probably make you feel like a local, as it did to me.

Prague itself is known for its historical content and for its nightlife (which does not stop even by Mondays!), but there is much more than that. There is a lot of smaller communities living there, even one that calls itself “Expats”, so you can see people from all around the world. Bazars and second-hand shops, street musicians that play from pop to jazz, coffee places and many other small details (Slavic candies and snacks are awesome!) gave me impression that I’d never thought the city could give. And the transport works very well, so you move fast and also go to places far from touristic area.

Czech Republic is a cheap place to live. The idiom is very different and interesting. It has many attractions apart from the classic touristic routes and the International Club can really help you to discover it, while meeting many cool people. Also, there are some very beautiful places to hike, with very well marked routes (a lot of locals do hiking). It’s uniqueness will definitely mark you. Other cities in Europe are very beautiful as well and it is amazing to see so many different cultures separated by some hours away.

I thought I was open-minded before going, but I figured there that you are never open enough and that everyone always have stereotypes ready to be deconstructed. I made some good friends and feel very different after this experience. I highly recommend it if you want to experience an international experience while discovering new people and things each single day.