Stephen Sabanbia’s journey began in Ghana, where he completed his high school education and earned his first master’s degree, establishing a strong academic foundation. Seeking further growth, he applied for his second master’s degree at the University of Ostrava. Although the admissions process presented some challenges, his perseverance helped him to successfully complete the process and become a student at the University of Ostrava.

As a family man, Stephen skilfully balanced his family responsibilities, studies, and work. Despite the language barriers – since Czech is a difficult language to learn – he found a teaching job at one of our local international schools. The city’s friendly people and welcoming atmosphere made his time in Ostrava both challenging and rewarding.

Today, Stephen is a dedicated teacher at Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati, USA, with his master’s degree making it easier for him to find this position. The University of Ostrava is proud to have such a remarkable alumnus, who continues to spread the valuable knowledge he gained here. We wish him many more successful years of teaching in the future!

Read about Stephen’s decision to study at the University of Ostrava, his experiences, and advice for future applicants in the interview below.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Ostrava?  Was there something specific that drew you to our university?

I chose to study at the University of Ostrava for several reasons. First and foremost, the university has a reputation for having excellent lecturers, including renowned professors like Professor Jaroslav Hancl, whose expertise in the field was particularly appealing to me. Additionally, the low cost of tuition fees, combined with the availability of flexible payment plans, made the University of Ostrava an ideal choice for me, as it allowed me to focus on my studies without financial strain.

Congratulations on your master’s degree! Looking back on your studies at the University of Ostrava, how would you sum up your overall experience?

Thank you for the congratulations! Looking back on my studies at the University of Ostrava, I would describe my overall experience as enriching and transformative. One of the highlights was the international exposure I gained from interacting with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, which broadened my perspective. I also appreciated the support of certain lecturers who genuinely understood the challenges students face, especially when it came to balancing coursework and thesis writing. Their willingness to help was invaluable. Despite the challenges, my time at the University of Ostrava was a rewarding experience that contributed to my growth significantly.

After graduating from the University of Ostrava you moved to the USA. Where did you get the idea to move there? Did the university play a role in it?

After graduating from the University of Ostrava, I moved to the USA because I won the American lottery, which granted me a Green Card and permanent residency. In a way, the university did play a role in this transition. By offering me admission, the University of Ostrava opened the door for me to gain international exposure and further my education. This experience ultimately contributed to my personal and professional growth, making it easier to embrace new opportunities, including my move to the USA.

What is his advice for future applicants?

My advice to future applicants would be to stay focused and stick to their plan. Once you have set your academic goals, it’s essential to remain committed and disciplined, especially when challenges arise. Additionally, they shouldn’t hesitate to communicate with the international student coordinator if they face any difficulties. They are there to help, and letting them know their situation early can make a big difference in getting the support they need.