07-08
- Jakub Hodbod
- Dominika Kantkova
- Tomas Kubinyi
- Mariana Svobodova
06-07
- Monika Haasova
- Jan Drahorad
- Lucie Fiserova
- Eva Velickova
- Pavel Mrazek
05-06
- Jan Vavrys
- Adam Vitkovsky
- Ilona Kohlerova
- Martina Fialova
- Jiri Tresl
- Tereza Hanusova
04-05
03-04
- Marcela Doubova
- Olga Kubova
- Jana Stavova
- Kamila Zlatuskova
- Matyas Zrno
02-03
01-02
00-01
- Richard Gluckselig
- Tomas Pirkl
99-00
98-99
97-98
- Petr Ondrusek
- Milan Stuchlik
96-97 (UNK)
Kristina Holubkova
2002-2003 Robitschek Scholar
Charles University at Prague, Department of Education, Psychology and Special
Education
The Robitschek scholarship is a unique opportunity to live and study in United
States. Since the time is limited, I tried to do my best to benefit from every
moment and situation
Here
is what I learned:
- To challenge myself. Challenge is a big term in U.S. You will definitely
hear it again, just in case you are not sure what I mean, here is how I understand
it: to face the problems not because I need to, but because I want to, to be
interested in the world around me, to discover my own unknown zones, to solve
with enthusiasm and to look for the creative solutions, to overcome my laziness
and to sacrifice a little bit of my personal comfort.
- The Robitschek scholarship enabled me to get new experiences, live through
adventures, meet great people, and get new knowledge and professional contacts.
On the other hand, not everything was easy. Sometimes I felt tired, sad, confused
or disappointed. I found important to learn how to cope with these sides of
life as well.
- Following are some more things I learned and did and I am pretty sure you
will have chance to experience as well:
- I learned that asking people is the fastest way to get the information.
- Fans of American football taught me that this sport indeed has regular
rules and that it is not impossible to understand them.
- I tried different part-time jobs. I learned that working at the dining
hall was much harder than working at the library. I found out that the salary
was pretty good at catering and that my schedule there was flexible (that is
a great advantage especially if you plan to travel). I found the job at the
very beginning of my stay and it helped me to develop skills I didn't have
before. Working is a part of student life in Nebraska.
- I learned that it is pretty easy to make friends with foreign students,
because they were in the same situation as I was. We had long discussions about
differences in the cultures....firsthand information about the way of life
in foreign countries...very fascinating.
- I realized that approaching Americans was little harder, one of the reasons
might have been that I didn't understand all the slang words they were using
and it was harder to catch the joke, or join the discussion. It is worth to
show initiative, to overcome the fear of making grammar mistakes, to ask questions
if you are not sure. After some time, I had great time talking with Americans,
playing games together, cooking together and spending some time in their families.
- I learned that instead of going for a walk to see who is out, young Americans
are going for a drive to see who is out....if you are not sure what I am talking
about....find an American friend.....he/she will give you an explanation....than
you definitely need to try it yourself....it is a great fun.
- I learned that American way of teaching is in most cases practically oriented
(as opposed to what I have found in Czech to be theoretically oriented).
- I didn't enroll just into the classes that were directly connected with
my major and I discovered the beauty of other subjects as well.
- Christmas in American family....celebration of Thanksgiving....Halloween
party...great memories :))))
- I learned to read the newspaper and to follow the current situations in
the world.
- I learned that a lot of extreme ideas (negative or positive) we have about
Americans or their way of life are prejudged.
- I met Americans with Czech heritage that were very interested in our culture
and while talking about our traditions, history, political situation etc. I
realized there are gaps in my knowledge about my own culture.
- I learned about the main trends in educating students with special needs,
which is what I am very interested in.
- I learned that the United States are much bigger than I thought they are
and that there are a lot of natural beauties worth seeing.
- I found out that traveling with friends or all by yourself is awesome and
affordable.
- I appreciated the diversity of people in the society and I learned that
everyone is precious and can contribute to his community.
- I learned that an internship is a great thing and if I could make a recommendation....start
looking for one very soon. I left the searching for the Spring Semester and
I needed to work very hard to get one. If you are not sure what an internship
is, or how to start searching, the Career Services center is helpful.
- I worked for three different organizations on the East Coast of the U.S.
and learned more than I could ever learn at school.
- I liked sharing the room with Japanese girl. It taught me to make compromises
and look closer at her culture and accept her habits. She taught me to be open
to the differences.
- I learned that Nebraska is flat and I realized that it has its own beauty
and magic, especially the sunsets over the curving river....the ones who know
about these places and will be pleased to show you one are Nebraskans.
- I learned to look at my strengths.
- I learned to drive an automatic car.
- I learned that it is worth to be enthusiastic and to accept challenges
that the life in Lincoln will bring you.
As you can guess, there were many more things I learned that enriched me....it
was an unforgettable experience that will have a permanent impact on the things
I will do and decision I will take.
Pavel Kadera
2001-2002 Robitschek Scholar
Masaryk University – Brno, Faculty of Economics and Administration
Master's in Finance (Ing. studium obor Financni podnikani)
It is hard to describe my experience briefly, because there was just so much
to do. Simply stated, my life in Nebraska was very exciting, and I always say
living in Lincoln was the best year of my life. I would like to thank Mr. Paul
Robitschek for providing his private funds to found this Scholarship program.
Even though I was too late to meet him in person, I am very grateful to him
and hope to repay my debt in a place where we must all meet. Participants should
know that they have a great opportunity to get to know new people and culture.
The advantage is that they are foreign students studying in a country with a
rich Czech heritage. “Young Robitscheks“ should take advantage of
this opportunity and participate in as many activities as possible and meet
as many new people as they wish. Play sports, coach, teach, be a member, work,
smile and have fun. Being a Robitschek scholar is not just about being a student.
It is life in different country, so enjoy and explore as much as possible!
Recommendations:
- You are going to meet many new people. Try to be open because the more people
you know the better you will understand the culture.
- If you are invited into someone's house, it is common to talk about differences
between our cultures, but please refrain from making judgments about the greatness
of your country and dull things that Americans do. There are always good and
bad things in different cultures.
- Let things influence you, discuss about them but avoid too much negative
comments. There are two reasons not to do it. First, your hosts might feel
offended, even though they would realize unpleasant aspects of the US culture.
Second, after some time living in Nebraska, you will change your opinions on
certain things and will realize that the differences are just differences and
one can't say if they are good or bad.
- Do not be shy to accept an invitation for a dinner into their house by your
friends. Living in dorms is fun, but it is always nice to have fun in a real
house with people who form a family. Even though I am a tough guy, I always
felt refreshed after visiting my friends and playing with their kids in a garden.
- Football: You should definitely see the Cornhuskers! Most of those who read
about it probably do not understand what I have just said, but believe me you
will figure this out once you get off a plane in Lincoln, Nebraska. Before
you see the game put on a red shirt and let Americans explain you the rules
of the game with a strange name: football.
- One more thing, live your life like you do at home. Do you play a musical
instrument? Take it with you! Do you play sports? Pack up your soccer shoes!
- You will be a guest in Lincoln and people around you will try to make your
life as pleasant as possible. Maybe it would be a good idea to think how you
could give something back into this community.
Lukas Pechman
2001-2002 Robitschek Scholar
Czech University of Agriculture in Prague - Technical Faculty
Master's degree, mayor: agriculture mechanization - design and management
of machine's operation 
I have to say that receiving a Robitschek scholarship was one of the best
things that have happened in my life. I had a really good time in Lincoln, and
met many nice people who showed me from their country as much as they could.
The classroom learning process is different than in my home university. At UNL,
I had more work during the semester, and less during exams. Exams last only
one week and most of them are just written tests. Students are required to do
lots of homework which, in my opinion, helped me to get familiar with English
much faster than if I would have used “study only for exams” style.
Studying at UNL is great cultural experience, which allows you to meet people
not just from US but from all over the world as well. This program also makes
you eligible to work on campus for about twenty hours a week, and I would like
to encourage all participants to do that. By working, you can experience life
in U.S. from a different perspective, meet different people than in the academic
environment, and of course earn money, which you can spend for traveling. Regarding
traveling, I have to suggest the possibility of buying an older car and selling
it again when you are ready to leave U.S. If you are not afraid to do that you
will be able to see places where you cannot go by public transport. You will
have your freedom, and I guess that is what “America” is all about.
So if you are willing to take the risk, this is the best way to discover such
a big country. It is hard to make some general recommendations about anything,
and especialy traveling, because everybody is different, and what was interesting
for me doesn't have to be interesting for others, but I think that there cannot
be single person who wouldn't like Yellowstone and Grand Canyon. In the end,
I would like to thank Mr. Robitschek for his idea, funds and effort he spent
for establishing this program. Except of him, I would also like to give my thanks
to all the people, who help to keep this foundation running, for providing such
a wonderful opportunity for young Czechs. I cannot even describe everything
I learned or experienced during this year, because it would be really long article.
So if you are considering yourself as a good candidate for this program, but
still have some doubts, don't hesitate to ask anything, I am sure people in
foundation will be happy to answer all your questions. And if you would have
some questions for me, just ask for my email, and I will do my best to answer
it.
TOMAS BALCO
Completed International Accounting qualification
Doctor in Law – International Law
Being
a Robitshek scholar opened doors to me, doors to make it a bit closer toward
realizing my dreams of study and work in International Law. Through academic
study, I managed to develop understanding of how law, economics and politics
play together on the national and international level. Through meeting my Lincoln
host family, I was able to get to know life behind the doors of an American
home. Through part-time employment, I was able to experience America from different
perspective and earn money for my travels almost all around the country and
save money to finance my internships in New York and DC. Through living at the
student dormitory, I was able to find American friends, see what we have in
common and learn from our differences.
I was lucky Paul Robitschek entered my life. He was a person who gave me this
opportunity as he did for many other former, current and future students. In
addition, I can prove his very human, frank and fair character, amazing sense
of humor, open mind and "always learning" attitude that I experienced
through discussions in person, on the phone or email.
I think the most significant gift I got from him was that he managed to teach
me to have a positive and optimistic attitude. Pessimism is paralyzing. I learned
not to stop and turn in front of an obstacle, but to look for ways to overcome
it and take the steps the pessimist would never take due to giving up the most
important - the dreams. Developing the optimistic attitude is the only way one
can keep the direction and achieve dreams whatever they are.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Keeping open mind - prejudice is limitation or disability that stops you
from learning and experiencing (leave that at home).
- No matter how old and how much you achieved - keep being humble and frank
to yourself to recognize when you are narrow-minded or prejudiced. Just pretending
you are open will be quite exhausting and will lead you nowhere. Such an attitude
will prevent you from learning more about the other culture and consequently
about your own culture.
- Meeting people is part of learning - class experience is only part of it.
Try to meet as many Americans as you can. It is more difficult than meeting
and being friends with foreign students. You will have to win and deserve friendship
of Americans. Foreign students are in similar situation as you are, so it may
be easier to get foreign friends, but this way you will keep seeing America
from the outside.
- Bring only limited amount of clothes and things. Most of them you can buy
in Lincoln for a reasonable price.
- Bring pictures of your family and favourite places at home. This will help
you to bridge the gap, and your new friends can relate you to places and people,
which helps.
- Travel as much as you can. You do not know when you will come back to visit
US. I was buying Greyhound bus passes that allowed me to cover huge distances
and discover places. Never had problems, but always stayed careful.
- Early on, try looking into possibility of getting an internship following
your study at an interesting place. This can allow you to earn some first practical
experience and experience living at different place in the US for one or two
months.
- If an alumni network exists, try to use it to get tips, contacts, ideas
on all the rest.
ONDREJ JURIK
The year in Nebraska was one of the best years in my life. University courses
were demanding, but extremely useful. State-of-the-art facilities made my stay
very pleasant. Our teachers were dedicated and always helpful. Being a Robitschek
scholar, I was welcomed and helped everywhere. My Czech origin opened many
doors for me as well.
My part time job in journalism field was very interesting and enabled me to
learn a lot. In one year, I made many great friends and was able to explore
many parts of the U.S. I know more about America after one year in Nebraska
than I would know after a couple years in New York or California.
If you are passionate about your field of study, ready to study on lecture
to lecture basis, open-minded and want to have possibly the most rewarding year
of your life, then I think Paul Robitschek would want you to apply for his scholarship.
Eva Kubesova
2004-2005 Robitschek Scholar
Department of Political Science and European Studies
Palacky University Olomouc
TOP
5 reasons to come and study at the UNL
- If you like a cup of good coffee, there are two of the greatest coffee
places I know only few blocks from the university campus.
- Being a real Czech person in Nebraska makes you a cherished celebrity (You
should consider getting a T-shirt saying “I am Czech and I am not afraid
to say it” or “Vitame Vas”)
- The skies are unbelievably beautiful in Nebraska.
- You can eat pizza at the library while studying for a midterm exam at 1a.m.
- You learn how to say “I love Cornhuskers” in 8 different languages
at least.
I consider my Nebraskan year one of the most fruitful years of my life. I
was taking interesting courses, learning new things, working, meeting great
people, making true friends, visiting new beautiful places.
The academic experience I got was an extraordinary one. I had the chance to
choose courses at the UNL based on my personal interests, which enabled me to
focus on things that I really cared about. I learned more in those courses than
ever before in my whole university career and it helped me realize what I really
wanted to achieve in my field of study. Also, all my fellow students and professors
were very encouraging and supportive. Many of them were interested in my Czech
background, Czech culture and our opinions on Americans. We shared some of the
greatest discussions I've ever had.
The only suggestion I would have for all future students is “be open
and friendly.” Try to get the most you can by taking challenging courses,
find a part-time job and travel. Don't be afraid to meet new people and go to
places you have never been before. Don't stay locked up in your shell; you risk
missing some good things without even noticing them.
I made true friends who made me feel like at home, who honestly cared about
me, gave me the strength to overcome my homesickness or any troubles I had,
and showed me the real side of living in America. Two days before I left Lincoln
for the Czech Republic after 12 amazing months, a local friend of mine wrote
me the following in his email: “…Lincoln has adopted you. Thank
you for choosing to come to the middle of the country where no one would ever
think of coming. I know how much you love it here. I believe it takes a special
person to understand how amazing Lincoln is. Lincoln has something that you
can't read about in travel magazines, you won't see glorified on television
or in the movies and you won't hear about from anyone but those who have lived
here. We have true and lasting friendships. The memories that are created within
those friendships are the gifts that we get to give and take and keep with us
for as long as we need them. It's hard to explain to people who haven't experienced
living here and knowing the people you have come to know. We are very lucky.
I am so glad that you are now a part of those memories.”
I couldn't express it any better. Lincoln gave me so much and I am grateful
to Paul Robitschek scholarship for it all. It only depends on you whether you
make use of all this opportunity offers. I would say grab it and take a chance.