From Australia to Hradec Králové: What a Journey to the UHK Summer School Can Look Like
This summer, the Faculty of Science University of Hradec Králové welcomed dozens of students from across the globe. Participants arrived from fourteen different countries, including the UK, Greece, Canada, and as far away as Australia. Over the course of four weeks, they immersed themselves in laboratory work, forged new friendships, and discovered both the Czech Republic and its culture.
The summer school offered three academic tracks: Mathematical Physics, Applied Biology, and Toxicology. Students could choose whether to dive into topics such as quantum graphs, black holes, or Yang–Mills theory; to explore cells, plants, and ecosystems out in the field; or to enter the world of toxic substances and analytical methods.
What participants valued most was the unique blend of lectures and hands-on experience. As one student put it: “The program was demanding but incredibly inspiring. The practical part gave me a completely new perspective on how science actually works.”
Of course, the academic program was only part of the appeal. Just as important was the chance to meet peers from different cultures and form lasting international friendships. Weekly excursions were another highlight: students visited the local observatory and planetarium, the historic fortress of Josefov, and the renowned Dvůr Králové Zoo. These informal moments outside the classroom created a genuine sense of community, making it easy for people from all over the world to connect.
The real treasure was the friends we made along the way.
The final day concluded with a diploma ceremony, followed by a farewell party that served as the sweet ending to an unforgettable month. It was not only a symbolic closure of weeks filled with study, but also a celebration of new friendships and experiences that every participant took home with them.
