Erasmus in Schools this time in Mariánské Lázně
What if you didn't have to travel thousands of kilometres to get a taste of the world? That's exactly what happened to students at the Hotel School in Mariánské Lázně, when the Erasmus in Schools project, organised by ESN UWB Pilsen, walked right through their classroom doors.
Spain in the Heart of Bohemia
Mireya and Vanesa, two students from Castilla-La Mancha, came to Pilsen to study as part of the Erasmus+ programme. Rather than spending all their time over textbooks, they decided to share their story with those who are still only dreaming about studying abroad.
At the hotel school in Mariánské Lázně, they unpacked everything Spain has to offer — from vibrant traditions and colourful festivals like Las Fallas, Feria de Abril, and San Fermín, to recipes for Pisto Manchego, Gachas Manchegas, and Migas Manchegas, all the way to the very personal experience of living in a foreign country with a different language, different currency, and a completely different rhythm of daily life. They shared the surprises that caught them off guard — from finding Kaufland instead of Mercadona, to navigating Czech trains and figuring out the ISIC card.
And what brought them to Pilsen in the first place? Travel, above all else. And then — the desire to practise languages, to understand how their fields work in a different environment, and most of all, to become truly independent.
Nevada Showed Its Wild Side
Alongside the Spanish sunshine, Vytis Etchegoyhen, a student from the University of Nevada in Reno, joined the English classes with a presentation that was direct, personal, and anything but forgettable.
Vytis showed students what it means to live in a state where Nevada is larger than the entire Czech Republic, yet 87% of it is federally owned wilderness. He took them to Lake Tahoe, introduced them to Burning Man, outdoor rock climbing in the desert, and diners open through the night. But he didn't stop at postcard-perfect images — he wasn't afraid to open up about a more sensitive topic: how Americans feel about immigrants, sharing his own story as someone from a Lithuanian-Basque family.
His message was clear: America is diverse, complicated, and fascinating all at once.
Erasmus+ — A Programme That Changes People
Both stories share one thing in common: the courage to step outside your comfort zone. The Erasmus+ programme makes that journey possible for every student at a Czech university — whether it's a semester at a foreign university, a work placement abroad, or simply the desire to see the world through different eyes.
Since 1987, more than 12 million students have taken part in the programme. And ESN — the Erasmus Student Network, the largest student organisation in Europe — exists to make sure every one of them gets the best possible start.
Why Do We Visit Schools?
ESN UWB Pilsen believes that inspiration can come at any time and from anywhere. That's why our members and Erasmus students travel to secondary schools to show that studying abroad isn't just for a privileged few — it's accessible, real, and absolutely worth it.
If you'd like us to come to your school, don't hesitate to get in touch. The world is bigger than you think. And it's waiting for you.