Description

CESTA is a new Charles University semester program for American undergraduates; a small liberal arts program within a large university that shares its prestige, recourses and faculty; a journey from the U.S. to Europe, and from general education courses at home to individual integrative projects abroad; a home away from home where you can share dinners with your professors.

CESTA is an active program that will put you on track, show you the course, prepare engaging activities for you along the journey and provide space for your own path; it will challenge you and won't let you remain passive in the process. CESTA 'path, way, journey, road, track...' Central European Studies, Transitions and Alternatives

CESTA Courses explore Prague as it lives today and draw you to participate in its life:

During the semester students take 3 (or 4) courses in English and Czech. All the courses explore the concepts of identity, and change in space and time from the perspective of politics, history, ecology, architecture and spirituality. We will guide you to experience Prague on the Go and integrate what you've learned in culminating projects in oral history, research paper, and others.

* Czech on the Move: Ceska Cesta
* Arts and Architecture: Creative Experience
* History of Prague and its Spiritual Traditions
* Czech Politics: From the Periphery of Totalitarian Regime to the Centre of Democratic Europe
* Jews and Judaism in Central Europe: Re/constructing One's Identity
* Ecology: Memory of the Land

Application Deadlines:
To study in Prague in Spring 2012 your application must reach us by November 15, 2011. If you plan to study here Fall 2012 apply by May 1, 2012.

** All courses are also opened to Czech students.

Highlights

Credits:
CESTA classes meet once or twice per week in a seminar setting (160 minutes each week for 14 weeks), are taught at the 300 level and worth 4 credits (or your institution's equivalent). Credit transfer is facilitated in consultation with participating universities and colleges. Each student's course load in Prague corresponds in credits and courses to a term at the home institution. A typical course load is four courses.

Accommodation:
Students are housed in student apartments or in a small hotel/dormitory where they also take classes. The apartments and hotel are centrally located and near Charles University.

To design your Prague semester please answer the following questions that will help us match you with a faculty advisor:
* What role do you expect the Prague semester to play in your undergraduate education?
* In what specific ways should the program help you reach your academic goals?
* What project would you like to work on while in Prague?
* What are you looking for in an ideal Study Away semester?

Calendar:
Jan 19: Arrival in Prague
Jan 20-Jan 23: Orientation
Jan 25: Classes begin
March 2-4: CESTA to German Harzland
March 14-18: Spring break
March 30-Apr 1: CESTA to Eastern Bohemia
April 9: Easter
April 13-15: CESTA to Cracow, Poland and Auschwitz/Osvtim
April 27-29: CESTA to `umava
May 3: Last day of classes
May 7-11: Finals
May 12: Departure

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

8,700

Program Fees Include:

* Tuition
* Accommodation
* Cultural and travel program in Europe and Czech Rep.
* Prague public transport pass
* 24-hour emergency contact
* Prague airport pick up
* Orientation

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 20

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Charles University, Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies's Mission Statement

To provide liberal arts education to Czech as well as foreign students

Year Founded

1348