Description

The Central European Studies summer program exposes students to the rich cultural and social heritage of Prague, the Czech Republic, and Central Europe through the exploration of its art and architectural roots, local societies, and dynamic history. This journey gives students a unique opportunity to witness the force of a society that embraces its transition from a communist past to the ever-changing political and social present, along with the opportunity to learn about Prague's development.

Academic Program
This program exposes students to the rich cultural, historical, and social heritage of Prague through the exploration of its art, film, architectural roots, society, and dynamic history. This journey gives students a unique opportunity to witness the force of a society that embraces its transition from a communist past to the ever-changing political and social present, along with the opportunity to learn about Prague's development. Students choose to enroll in either one or two three-week summer sessions.

Academic Culture
There are significant differences between the U.S. educational system and the Czech system. This new academic environment is part of the challenge of studying with Charles University professors and learning about the Czech Republic. Students must be aware that a high degree of self-motivation and self-discipline is required, and that independent learning and active participation in class are necessary for achieving satisfactory academic performance. Resources such as library holdings in English and Internet access may be limited, and students may need to seek these resources outside of the CIEE Study Center in public libraries and other Charles University faculties.

Classes are focused on the Central European region, especially Prague and the Czech Republic. Professors use both the classroom as well as the city as a direct resource for their teaching. Lectures are supplemented with class excursions and guest lectures related to class topics. Students should be prepared to spend two-thirds of each weekday in class or in class-related activities.

Highlights

• Spend your summer in one of Europe's most exciting cities and learn about a variety of Central European issues and Czech perspectives
  
• Participate in experiential activities linked with coursework
  
• Explore the city and study in one or two three-week sessions
  
• Live with Charles University students in an apartment in one of Prague's authentic neighborhoods; get help acclimating to the city through CIEE Flat Buddies - local Charles University students; partake in cultural activities and day/weekend excursions that augment class material

Session I Excursion - The weekend excursion during Session I includes visits to Terezin, a holding camp and prison where Czech Jews and intelligentsia suffered during World War II; and Litomerice, a town with the Ploskovice castle and historical structures reaching back to the 13th Century. Students also visit Northern Bohemia, rich with castles, fortresses, and beautiful scenery, and hike through the sandstone mountains.

Session II Excursion - The weekend excursion during Session II includes visits to Plzen, Karlovy Vary, and/or Jáchymov. In Jáchymov (the former Gulag work camp for political prisoners), students visit the uranium mines with a survivor of the work camp. The excursion also provides the opportunity to visit Karlovy Vary, one of the Czech Republic's UNESCO world heritage sites. The Plzen tour starts with a visit to Europe's second largest synagogue and includes a trip to the monument of the Victims of Evil and a tour of the George Patton Museum. Field trip destinations are subject to change each year and are based on individual faculty members and their course design and content.

CIEE Flat Buddies
CIEE arranges for local Charles University students to live with CIEE students in apartments. These Flat Buddies share day-to-day issues, help CIEE students better understand local cultural norms and standards, and assist students with immersion into the Czech culture and Charles University student life.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, local transportation pass, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

Overall GPA 2.75

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947