A Reunion After Twenty Years – Visit of Erasmus Alumni from the Academic Year 2003/04

On Friday, November 22, the Faculty of Law at Charles University welcomed a very special and heartwarming visit – nine international lawyers who had studied at the faculty over 20 years ago as part of exchange programs.

The group consisted of former international students from Germany (Regensburg, Berlin, Hannover, Munich, Würzburg), Austria (Linz, Vienna), Belgium (Leuven), and one graduate from Tsukuba University in Tokyo. The latter was the first Japanese exchange student at the faculty and made a special trip to Europe for just three days to attend this reunion.

The alumni were welcomed by Associate Dean for International Relations, Doc. Magdalena Pfeiffer, and Head of the International Office, Dr. David Kohout. They introduced the visitors to the current state of international study programs, showcasing the wide range of available courses, and gave them a tour of the faculty. During informal discussions, it became clear how much the study program for international students has evolved over the past two decades. None of the courses offered at that time seem to exist in their original form today. However, some professors who taught international students back then are still part of the faculty.

The former students, now renowned lawyers, notaries, and corporate legal counsels, fondly reminisced about their time at the faculty, recalling the warm welcome from then Associate Dean for International Affairs, Prof. Damohorský, the student office staff, and even the buffet near the cafeteria. Above all, courses in comparative constitutional law with Prof. Vojtěch Cepl left the deepest impression on them.

The visitors also shared their perspectives on the transformation of the Czech Republic and its society over the past twenty years. They remembered how they had to obtain visas before their arrival and endure long hours in line at the foreign police office for residency registration – an experience they all described as deeply traumatizing. On the other hand, those who stayed for the summer semester witnessed a historic moment: the Czech Republic’s entry into the European Union.

Most of their memories, however, revolved around positive experiences – the welcoming academic environment, cultural and social life in Prague, and trips around the country. They all agreed that their exchange program in Prague was a life-shaping and truly unforgettable experience.

This unexpected visit is the perfect testament to how Erasmus builds lifelong connections and friendships!