Double Degree at Prague University Of Economics

Sinem Eroglu completes her double degree at MCI and VSE in Prague

Due to the double degree agreement between MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® and Prague University of Economics (VSE), our student Sinem Eroglu pursued additionally to her MCI master’s degree in International Health & Social Management the VSE master’s degree in International Business – Central European Business Realities. She shares her experiences in a short interview:

Overall Experience:

Would you recommend the double to your fellow students and why?
Absolutely! The program not only enhances academic knowledge but also provides an invaluable international experience. It strengthens adaptability, intercultural competence, and opens doors for future career opportunities in an international environment.

Was there anything what outreached your expectations?
Yes, the level of intercultural exchange and networking opportunities exceeded my expectations. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds, engaging in deep academic discussions, and experiencing the professional environment in both Prague and Innsbruck enriched my perspective far beyond what I had anticipated.

What was your biggest challenge?
Balancing the academic workload across two institutions while adapting to different teaching styles and expectations was a challenge. However, this pushed me to develop strong time management and problem-solving skills.

What was the most exciting or unexpected experience you had during your semester abroad?
The incredible people I met along the way! Some of them have become lifelong friends, and we still stay in touch almost daily. The connections I made during this experience truly made it unforgettable.

Academic Experience

In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of your double degree program? Experiencing so much, both culturally and academically, in just two years—from the mountains of Innsbruck to the beautiful city of Prague. The combination of health, social, and business management gave me a well-rounded perspective that is truly unique.

Is there any course / faculty member that influenced your life positively – if yes, why?
Yes! Assoc. Prof. Ayman Fouda, PhD, from MCI was an outstanding professor, and Ing. Petr Král, Ph.D., my Marketing Professor at VŠE, made a lasting impact. His engaging teaching style and real-life marketing examples still stick with me—even in my current job in marketing!

What skills or insights did you gain that might positively impact your academic or professional future?
I’ve learned to approach business topics with a social perspective and view health and social issues through an economic lens. Often, we tend to see things from just one perspective, but having a foot in both worlds has shown me how valuable a multidisciplinary approach can be in finding innovative solutions.

Student life:

Which cultural differences or challenges surprised or impressed you the most during your stay?
Despite their shared border and intertwined history, Austria and the Czech Republic have developed in different ways due to historical and political influences. Living in Prague gave me a deeper understanding of how a country’s past—especially under communist rule—shapes its present.

Is there any specific advice or tips you would give to other students?
Make the most of your time! Prague offers a huge variety of activities—from museums to restaurants and bars, to ice skating and hockey matches. I also took part in an ESN-organized trip to Poland, where I visited the Auschwitz memorial. It was my first time in Poland, and the experience was deeply moving.

Can you tell us about a special friendship or encounter you had while abroad that left a lasting impression?
During my first week at university, I met three amazing people—two of them also in the double degree program from France—who quickly became my closest friends throughout my year in Prague. Being in a new country and navigating the same challenges and experiences brought us even closer together. The bond we formed was truly special, and I cherish the incredible memories we made along the way.

Can you describe a typical day as a student in your program?
A typical day involved attending lectures, having lunch at the university cafeteria, and then going for a walk in Riegrovy Sady Park with friends. After classes, we’d head back to our dorms together, and in the evenings, we often met up at Magneto Bar to unwind.

What support services do you find most helpful for managing student life?
The most helpful resources were Ivana Krejčí, the IB program coordinator, and students from previous years who gave me invaluable advice on housing, courses, and settling into life in Prague.

Destination:

Please compare the destinations of your home and host institutions.
Innsbruck is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, offering a peaceful and nature-focused lifestyle, while Prague is a vibrant and historic city full of energy, culture, and opportunities. Both places have their own unique charm, and I’m grateful to have experienced them both.

Did you discover any locations (hidden gems) which you would like to share?
Letná Park in Prague became one of my favorite places—a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a stunning view of the city skyline. In Innsbruck, the hiking trails around Nordkette were absolutely breathtaking.

Why would you recommend your host destination for international stays abroad? Absolutely! Prague is the perfect city for everything. If you love art, there are incredible museums and street art. If you enjoy nightlife, there are endless bars and clubs, each with a unique theme. If you’re into nature, there are beautiful parks and hiking trails. Plus, the city is full of cozy cafés, thrift stores, historical landmarks, and a fantastic international atmosphere. It truly has something for everyone!

Are there any aspects of the local life that surprised you?
One thing I noticed right away was that Czechs take great pride in their brewing traditions. It’s a common part of social life, whether it’s a casual meetup with friends or a relaxed evening at a traditional pub. Even in class, the topic came up—our marketing course involved a competition where we had to prepare a marketing strategy for Pilsner Urquell, making it a truly unique and hands-on experience!

Highlight:

Please formulate the most outstanding highlight of your double degree experience in one sentence.

The double degree program was a transformative journey that broadened my academic and cultural horizons, introduced me to lifelong friends, and created unforgettable memories—all while experiencing the best of two incredible cities in the heart of Europe!