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The INTER program, thanks to which Václav was able to go abroad, allows students to literally travel all over the world and gain inspiration and experience there. After his return, we asked Václav what motivated him to go to Japan and why it makes sense to be interested in mobility programs.

How did you decide where to go?

I had been interested in Japanese culture and Japan itself for a long time, basically since high school. And why Kyoto and not, for example, Tokyo? Because Kyoto is the very essence of Japanese culture and history. Seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites and nearly two thousand temples and shrines speak for themselves. It’s also not as rushed as Tokyo. In addition, the local laboratory – the Motion and Vibration Control Laboratory – focuses on topics close to my dissertation, so I had come across some of their papers even before I had any idea that I might actually go there. For me, it really couldn’t have turned out better.

What are the biggest differences between a Czech and a Japanese university?

Since I didn’t attend regular classes, I can’t judge the lectures. But I had the opportunity to experience daily lab work at a university with a typically Japanese approach: an emphasis on detail, precision, and teamwork. As for the laboratories, I was struck by the fact that they weren’t just used by PhD students, but also by master’s and even some bachelor’s students. They were working there on their theses, taking part in all meetings, and fully contributing to the lab’s activities. Because they spent quite a lot of time there, I’d say project-based learning plays a significant role in their curriculum. In fact, at first glance you wouldn’t be able to tell who was at which level of study. I think this is something that would also be worth supporting at the University of West Bohemia – it might motivate more people to continue on to doctoral studies.

In what way do you see the greatest benefit of your stay abroad in relation to your studies?

First and foremost, it was the change of environment, which always stimulates the mind and becomes a source of new ideas and inspiration, both professionally and personally. I had the chance to see what projects my colleagues in the lab were working on and what technologies they were using. I also received valuable feedback on my own work, in an environment that places a strong emphasis on performance and precision. And of course, international cooperation is crucial in academia, so building and strengthening contacts that could benefit the University of West Bohemia in the future was another key outcome.

And from a personal perspective?

The INTER program offered me a unique opportunity to experience a country where tradition meets modernity, and where mutual respect and courtesy are rule number one. From the neon lights and constant rush of Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo to the Zen gardens and bamboo groves in Kyoto, every place in Japan has an incredible atmosphere that completely draws you in. The Japanese really are as polite and helpful as people say, even though the language barrier can be challenging at first (you can’t really rely on English). Going to Japan is an experience that not only broadens your horizons but also changes your view of the world – if you are open and willing to be enriched by another culture. I would definitely recommend anyone who is hesitant to go ahead and take the plunge.

Last year, Simona Svozilová from our faculty went to a university in Colombia, and as a result, a joint research plan between the two institutions was created. Do you see similar potential for collaboration with Doshisha University?

I believe I’ll stay in touch with several colleagues because we share similar professional interests. Since I plan to remain in academia after completing my doctorate, I will certainly strive for closer cooperation in the future. Moreover, for the Japanese, Europe is just as exotic as Japan is for us, so many of my Japanese colleagues expressed an interest in visiting Europe, and specifically the Czech Republic. And of course, I would be very happy to welcome them to the University of West Bohemia.

The INTER program is intended for stays around the world that are not covered by the ERASMUS+ program. It is approved on a calendar-year basis. The first opportunity to apply for INTER-26 will be on September 15, when the first preliminary round begins, with further rounds to follow in October, December, and February. For the latest information, follow the International Office Instagram, where all details will be posted.