Tomas Bata University in Zlín

Erasmus+ Trip to Huelva, Spain

Mgr. Eva Fuxová, currently a lecturer at the Centre for Language Education, completed a teaching stay at the University of Huelva in Spain during the winter semester of 2023 as part of the Erasmus+ programme.

Having already travelled extensively across much of the world, including numerous European countries, Eva Fuxová chose the smaller Spanish city of Huelva for her stay, as she had not visited it before. Much like Zlín, Huelva has been predominantly an industrial city since the late 19th century. The local mining company Rio Tinto even built a neighbourhood (known as Barrio Reina Victoria) to house its employees, mirroring Baťa’s provision of housing for his workers. These homes are now admired for their distinctive architectural style and remain popular visitor attractions.
At the Universidad de Huelva, there is only one English lecturer, Joss Pinches, a native Briton who has lived in Spain for more than twenty years.
At the Institute of Modern Languages, he teaches optional English courses at levels B1–C2, catering to students from all faculties preparing for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam, as well as university staff.
During her stay, Eva Fuxová gave presentations to study groups about the Czech Republic and cultural differences. Students quickly expressed keen interest not only in the Czech Republic, its traditions, typical foods, and music but also in Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín and the courses available there.
Interestingly, lessons in Huelva run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then resume from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. During the midday siesta, students pursue personal interests or, if the heat is too intense, simply take a nap. Compared to our university, lecturers in Huelva far more frequently use traditional chalk on blackboards rather than whiteboard markers. Students, too, more often use notebooks and pens to take notes rather than laptops or tablets.
Since Huelva is near Seville, the location of the nearest airport, the trip naturally included a visit to the city. Eva managed to visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary, home to Christopher Columbus’s tomb and the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. She also saw Las Setas, a large wooden structure shaped like mushrooms, and the famous Plaza de España, with its mosaics representing each region of Spain. In early October, the city streets feature impressive religious processions celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, along with flamenco dancers seemingly everywhere.
Other essential stops during the stay in Huelva included nearby beaches along the wild, cold Atlantic coast and the adjacent town of Palos de la Frontera. This town was the departure point for Christopher Columbus’s voyages of discovery over five centuries ago, and visitors can see functioning replicas of the ships he sailed on.
Despite the University of Huelva’s Institute of Modern Languages bearing the inscription “Mañana es tarde” – meaning “Tomorrow is too late” – local life seems to reflect the opposite. Eva Fuxová summarised her stay by saying: “Life is slower there but all the more pleasant. There is noticeably less stress in daily life than here. People know how to enjoy life. Even though it is a small city, cafés are on every corner, and they are always full.”