There are several reasons why I decided to pursue a degree in Energy Security Studies in the Faculty of Social Studies at Masaryk University. First of all, I wanted to study a progressive field which deals with contemporary global issues and, in my opinion, modern dynamics of the​energy landscape meet this criteria perfectly. Besides the academic material, I also​ appreciated the option to study completely in English, which enabled me to grow not only academic​ally but also ​linguistic​ally. ​Finally, I chose ​this field ​in part because of the opportunity to spend ​a semester studying abroad, which ​lead to ​my time as an exchange student in the​ United States at the University of Tennessee ​at Chattanooga.  

Once I finished my bachelor studies in Bratislava, the next task was to think of a university that would best meet all my requirements for the follow-up MA programme. After much thought and careful consideration, I have decided to study European Governance at Masaryk University in Brno; and this proved to be the right decision! Despite the fact that we were “pioneers” of a newly opened study programme, I really enjoyed the courses as well as the approach of our lecturers. Compared to my previous experience, the lessons were rather interactive and, what is more, the professors treated us more like their equals rather that “ordinary” students. All these facts, combined with a truly international composition of our class, contributed a great flow ideas and resulted to a number of debates during the lessons.

Apart from studying, Brno also provides ample opportunities for socialising. It offers a great deal of restaurants, bars and clubs, which is appreciated by every single student. In addition, cultural events and sports play another important role in this city. So, in case you are interested in this kind of activities you certainly will not be disappointed.

Even though studying in the Czech Republic was not my first choice, I took to this lovely country, the vibrant campus and the program like a duck to water. Looking back, I don’t regret my choice for a second.

European Governance was a demanding and rewarding program at the same time. I considerably improved my academic English and expanded my knowledge in European affairs. The seminars I attended were quite small with around 15 participants, which gave everybody the opportunity to actively engage in class. Throughout the program, we received excellent support both by the faculty administration and the professors. Next to some mandatory courses, we were free to pick and choose seminars that matched our interests, which I appreciated a lot.

Brno is a cozy student city, with lots of nice and affordable places to eat, drink or for going out. Many international students populate the city center, which makes you meet interesting people all around. Despite the program being quite tough, I found some time to discover the Czech Republic and its neighboring countries. For people who are not familiar with this region, I would recommend to do so. Central Europe harbors quite some gems, like Prague, Krakow or Budapest. All in all, I spent both an amazing and productive year in Brno. 

Considering my time in Brno, I can say it has been good two years, I've learned a lot and enjoyed all at the FSS - from interesting teachers to good learning facilities (library, resources, even the building itself-as being very nice and representative) and overall positive atmosphere. I had the pleasure to meet many interesting people (at the faculty and generally), and spent time with them at many pleasant places that Brno has to offer (from clubs and restaurants to galleries, museums, great Spilberk complex and, of course, the lake). 

Jaroslav Němec maturoval na mezinárodním gymnáziu v Kuvajtu v roce 1996 a následně vystudoval inženýrské studium financí a obchodu na VUT v Brně. Na Fakultě sociálních studií vystudoval politologii a mezinárodní vztahy / evropská studia. Po ukončení studií v roce 2005 pracoval ve společnosti PricewaterhouseCoopers v Praze, Ernst&Young v Lucembursku a nyní se věnuje mezinárodnímu privátnímu bankovnictví v J&T Bance v Praze. Kromě profesionální činnosti ve finanční sféře se věnuje problematice Středního východu, lingvistice a numismatice.

It is easy to explain why locals are so proud of Brno: it truly is a great place to live. The same enthusiasm is met at Masaryk University when engaging with its staff, and rightly so. So it is perhaps not surprising that I miss the walk from my room to the faculty: 10 minutes through the historic city center turn into an hour for coffee (surprisingly, the Czech are as good at coffee as the Italians), breakfast, and a chat. Just like I miss the walk home, which often turned into half a day - but what can you do if your lecturers invite the entire class for drinks (best beer in the world) and snacks (or like it's on the menus: "food for with beer")? Try to grab as many opportunities as this great university and wonderful city have to offer, and the year will be over far too soon - in my opinion the best compliment there is.