Program Description

Offered through the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE), this program in the Czech Republic is co-sponsored with UW-Madison. The Prague CIEE Study Center, hosted by Charles University in Prague, has two main goals: to provide a rigorous academic program that gives students the opportunity to learn about subjects related to the region, and to provide the experience of immersion in the setting on which their studies are focused. The program offers students a series of specially designed courses in such fields as history, political science, culture, social issues, literature, art history, and communication arts (film).

As a newly joined EU member, the Czech Republic is a perfect example of the tumultuous and steady development of a society. The CIEE Study Center in Prague has its own facility in the historic Vyˇsehrad neighborhood of Prague that sits atop one of Prague’s highest hills and within medieval castle walls in a beautiful park-like setting. The location is close to the center of Prague and about twenty minutes from other faculties of Charles University.

Academics

The program offers students a series of specially designed courses in a wide range of academic disciplines taught in English by local faculty at the CIEE Study Center. Although there is no language prerequisite for participation in the program, students are required to take a Czech language course in order to better immerse themselves in local culture. In addition to language study, students take four additional courses taught in English. CIEE classes are attended only by CIEE program students. In addition to CIEE program courses, students have limited access to area studies courses at Charles University where students study alongside other international students.

Students also have the opportunity to enroll in courses at FAMU: The Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of the Performing Arts. FAMU is the oldest film school in Central Europe and one of the most respected in all of Europe. FAMU classes will have host country nationals, Americans, and other international students

Housing

Housing is included in the program fee and students have several housing choices: a homestay with a Czech family, a single (for an additional fee) or double rooms in a Charles University student dormitory, or an apartment shared with fellow CIEE participants in addition to at least one Czech student. For the homestay option, breakfast and dinner are included. For students in the Charles University dormitory, breakfast is included. Students living in apartments do have kitchen access, but do not have meals included.

Excursions and Activities

A two-week orientation session and intensive language program conducted in Prague at the beginning of the program introduces students to the country, the culture, and the academic program, and provides practical information about living in the Czech Republic. During orientation, students spend five hours per day in Czech language classes and are able to take advantage of several afternoon activities.

The program includes visits to sites of historical and cultural importance in Prague such as Prague Castle, Old Town, the historical halls of Charles University, theatre, and opera. In addition, academically coordinated field trips to locations in Bohemia and Moravia are arranged, allowing participants to gain a wider perspective of the region and a greater understanding of studied academic topics and Czech culture. CIEE also organizes optional guided field trips to Berlin and Vienna with CIEE professors at an additional cost.