Summary

Co-sponsored by UW-Madison and Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA), students on the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences program at the Anglo-American University will choose from a wide array of classes in the liberal arts and social sciences. They will also have the opportunity to develop their languages skills with basic courses in Czech language acquisition.

Largely unspoiled by the ravages of time, and widely recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Prague has recently re-emerged as one of Europe's leading cities. Serving as a major economic and cultural center of the Czech Republic, cobblestone streets, medieval towers and aged church spires integrate into the landscape of a contemporary social and cultural scene, making it a perfect location for a truly rewarding study abroad experience.

Academics

The Liberal Arts and Social Sciences option is offered at the Anglo-American University (AAVS). Anglo-American University in Prague is an English-language liberal arts college which was founded in 1990. Accredited by the Czech Ministry of Education, it was the first institution in the Czech Republic to offer a full curriculum taught in English after the fall of communism. The Anglo-American University is located in the beautiful 18th century Palace of the Knights of Malta, amidst the baroque architecture of Prague's historical Mala Strana quarter. The College is surrounded by the city's main historical attractions and is just a few minutes walk from Old Town Square over the famous medieval Charles Bridge.

Small, interactive classes are taught in English by Czech and international faculty to a current student population of 350-400 students. With a diverse student body made up of Czech and international students from more than 25 different countries and a unique small-college environment in the heart of the city, AAVS offers an educational experience that is unique in Prague.

Students choose courses from a wide variety of subject areas such as Business & Management, History, Journalism, Politics and Sociology, Mathematics and Art History as well as Czech Language & Literature. By taking electives in English students can immerse themselves in the Czech culture and earn credits with no previous knowledge of the language. While not required, students are encouraged to take a Czech language course which will focus on listening, comprehension, conversation, and grammar. No matter which classes students choose, the intimate class size and caring staff at the Anglo-American University provide a great atmosphere for students to study, socialize and discover the Czech Republic.

Students on the semester program must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits. Students on the summer program must enroll in 6 credits.

Cost

Program cost information includes not only program fees, but out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Accepted students receive cost sheets with confirmed program fees in their acceptance packets.

Summer 2008-09 Cost Estimate Sheet Fall 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet Spring 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet Summer 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet Year 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet

Location

Largely unspoiled by the ravages of time, and widely recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world, Prague has recently re-emerged as one of Europe's leading cities. Serving as a major economic and cultural center of the Czech Republic, Prague is a modern city that still retains the original allure of a former age. Cobblestone streets, medieval towers and aged church spires integrate into the landscape of a contemporary social and cultural scene, making it a perfect location for discovering a truly rewarding study abroad experience.

The Velvet Revolution of November 1989 saw the overthrow of the communist regime and Soviet empire. On January 1, 1993, the Czechoslovak state was peacefully divided and the independent Czech and Slovak Republics were founded. The formerly centralized state system has since been transformed into a parliamentary democracy and market economy, with the Czech Republic joining the European Union on May 1, 2004.

Prague really is alive with history! Imagine walking through a UNESCO World Heritage site every morning on your way to class! You can't avoid it in Prague. You will love the location of the Anglo-American University, in the Baroque Mala Strana quarter, which has an abundance of great cafés and restaurants where students can relax between classes. For a truly romantic stroll, Mala Strana is even better after dark, with fairytale views of the Prague skyline which is dominated by the magnificent Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Not only do you have the Frank Kafka museum and the John Lennon Wall nearby, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock are no more than five minutes walk from the College on the other side of 13th century Charles Bridge.

Student Life

Orientation:  All students will participate in a pre-departure orientation at UW. Once you arrive abroad, CEA will hold an in-depth group orientation, where you will explore your new host city and your host university, as well as learn more about local customs, extracurricular activities, CEA policies, and health and safety information. In addition, you will have the opportunity to get to know other CEA participants as you begin to adjust to life in your new environment.

Housing:  Students have the option of living in centrally located CEA apartments. All apartments are located approximately 30 minutes by public transportation from the Anglo-American University. Meals are not included with this option. Students also have the option of arranging independent housing, but students must first request this through CEA.

Excursions and Activities:  Several weekend excursions are included in the program fees. Past destinations have included Krakow and Budapest. Students also have the opportunity to apply for volunteer and non-credit internship opportunities. Examples of past opportunities have included teaching English at an elementary school, volunteering with the Prague Tiskova Press Agency and volunteering with a member of the Czech parliament. CEA staff can arrange for students to meet with Czech language exchange partners to practice Czech in a real life context. Most partners are regular Czech university students who are studying English or other languages.