Cart is empty 
Studying at a Czech university is a dream for many international students.
At the same time, it can quickly turn into a source of intense stress.
Not because students are not capable.
Not because they don’t try hard enough.
But because the Czech language suddenly becomes the main obstacle.
If you feel that Czech is the reason why you are struggling at university, you are not alone.
You Are Not Alone — And It’s Not Your Fault
Many international students start university with Czech that is sufficient for everyday life, but not for:
– understanding lectures,
– reading academic texts,
– writing papers and exams,
– communicating with lecturers,
– handling exams under time pressure.
The Czech university system often assumes that if you were accepted, your Czech is good enough.
In reality, this is often not the case.
Struggling with Czech does not mean that you do not belong at university.
Why Waiting for Things to “Fix Themselves” Is Risky
One of the most common mistakes students make is hoping their Czech will improve naturally over time.
In practice, weak Czech can lead to:
– repeated exam failures,
– conditional enrolment,
– loss of motivation,
– stress, anxiety, and burnout,
– or even expulsion from university.
The sooner you take action, the higher your chances of staying.
What You Can Do Right Now to Stay at University
1. Stop Hiding the Problem
Many students feel ashamed to admit they do not understand everything.
In reality, lecturers are often much more supportive when they know about the problem early.
– Ask questions about assignments.
– Ask for clarification.
– Ask about exam formats.
– Request additional materials.
Silence is your biggest enemy.
2. Focus on Academic Czech
Daily conversation or speaking with friends is not enough to pass university exams.
At university, you need:
– academic vocabulary,
– exam-related phrases,
– understanding of task instructions,
– structured writing skills.
This type of Czech is not learned accidentally — it must be trained intentionally.
3. Learn Czech Through Your Field of Study
General language courses often do not cover what you truly need.
The most effective approach is:
– learning Czech used at universities,
– working with lecture texts,
– practising real exam questions,
– simulating exam situations.
This approach saves time and brings faster results.
4. Use Preparation Courses as a Safety Net
A well-structured preparation course can make the difference between:
– repeating a year
or– successfully continuing your studies.
At ICJ, we work with students who:
– are already studying at Czech universities,
– are at risk due to language barriers,
– need fast, practical improvement — not theory.
Your Studies Can Be Saved — With the Right Strategy
Many students who once felt lost now:
– pass their exams,
– continue their studies,
– regain confidence,
– and successfully complete university.
The difference was not studying harder — the difference was studying smarter.
Do You Need Help Right Now?
If you feel that Czech is threatening your studies, do not wait until it is too late.
Learn more about our university preparation courses Get support tailored to your situation Stay at university and finish what you started
You are not failing. You are just missing the right tools.
Sign up for our university preparation course here.
