The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law Overseas Study Assistance Scholarship (BFOSAS) holders are now well and truly ensconced in their host countries and news of their exploits is slowly starting to filter back to the land of Oz and the Faculty.

One of out first adventurers to report in is Kendall Seccombe (BBusMan/BA) who is spending this semester studying at the University of Economics in Prague. Kendall appears to be thoroughly enjoying her time in the Czech Republic and has sent the first instalment of her Overseas Study Diary:

"Prague - A city of beauty and the University of Economics."

It was great to meet up with my buddy at the airport. Kamila was really helpful in arranging a taxi for us back to the dorms. I didn't really get time to settle in as Cara's buddy, Adela, invited us to her house in Moravia (near the Slovakian border) for the weekend. It was a great weekend filled with home cooked, traditional Czech meals, visits to castles and wine cellars and bowling at the local two lane bowling alley. We headed home Sunday night to organise and decorate the "plain" dorm rooms.

Our orientation week was great with excursions and a huge welcome dinner at a local hall complete with traditional Czech dishes and folk dancers. It was very impressive. We had city tours and walks and some introductory lectures of the history of the Czech Republic, basics of the language and how to survive in the city. This was really helpful and gave us all the basics.

The coordinator and her fellow colleagues are so helpful and always interested in what they can do for you. The dorms have been a great way to meet new people and we have made a lot of friends from all parts of America and Europe. There is a pub down stairs right under our dorm so most congregate there every night.

My classes so far have been small - which is a nice change from UQ! The university here in Prague consists of three buildings so it is really easy to find your way around.

You can order lunches on a swipe machine for a dollar or pick one up (called a quickie) for two dollars on the day. So, student living here is really quite cheap - and even cheaper outside the city centre.

I think the next three months will be a great experience for me personally and culturally. There is so much to learn about this country and I can't wait. I would definitely recommend Prague for an exchange - it is like no other!!!"

BFOSAS provide financial assistance to students enrolled in BEL Faculty undergraduate or dual degree programs and allow students to pursue their studies in business, economics or law at an overseas university for one semester. Scholarships to the value of AUD2,500 will be awarded annually by the Faculty on the basis of an applicant's academic record and supporting statement. Applications for study in non-English speaking countries are encouraged.