Why Study Abroad in Prague?

When you hear about someone studying abroad in Europe, there’s like an 80% chance they’re headed to London, Paris, or Madrid. Now don’t get us wrong, there are reasons these places are iconic—but wouldn’t you rather spend what’s potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity somewhere a bit more unique? Maybe somewhere with just as much (if not more) historic beauty and opportunities for adventure, at a fraction of the cost? Paris, London, Madrid, Berlin, Rome, and others better czech themselves because Prague is really where it’s at.

Why study abroad in Prague? Do we really need to spell it out for you?

Study abroad in the capital of Bohemia to experience one of the richest cultures and histories in Europe...without the crowds! Prague is one of Europe’s fastest-growing study abroad locations, and has long been known as an artistic, modern haven surrounded by deep history. Prague’s rebellious and young spirit mixed with its traditional architecture make it a truly unique place, and everyone who comes here falls in love. Viva la vie boheme and discover Prague study abroad programs!

9 reasons for studying abroad in Prague

Prague’s famous orange rooftops and spired cityscape quickly capture tourists’ hearts, but its people, lifestyles, academics, and art are what really make visitors fall in love with the city. Despite the fact that the region has been overcoming decades of communist rule, it has quickly become a top study abroad location and home to thousands of international students from all over the world. Why study abroad in Prague? Czech out some of our top reasons if you need a little convincing.

1. There’s a variety of unique programs

Prague has a reputation as an academic capital of Europe. Throughout its history, Prague has been home to some of the best universities on the continent, with top scholars, artists, and rulers alike flocking here to study.

To this day, Prague still attracts unique minds from around the world, and boasts three leading universities consistently ranked among the world’s best. There are a myriad of highly-ranked Prague study abroad programs offered through these universities, including CISabroad, ISA, AIFS, and USAC. Be sure to read Prague study abroad reviews to help you narrow down your options!

Our top studying abroad in Prague tips involve checking out the best program providers around!

2. It’s central to Europe

Prague is smack-dab in the middle of Europe, making it an awesome starting point for adventures! Prague itself has a great public transportation system, international railway connections, and international airport, all making it extremely easy and affordable to travel around the area.

Hop a high-speed train to a neighboring country for a weekend of fun, or grab a cheap flight with Ryanair or EasyJet to areas as far-off as Morocco, Israel, or Egypt. One of our top study abroad in Prague tips is to travel, travel, travel!

3. It’s not super touristy or overrun with international students

Hang out on the Charles Bridge all day and you may find that, overall, Prague isn’t dripping with tourists like many other European cities. A large majority of students and travelers flock to other European capital cities, making it sometimes feel like you’re around more international students and tourists than locals. In Prague, if you step one block away from the Astronomical Clock, you’ll be a world away from tourists!

Prague is the best of both worlds when it comes to being a popular, beautiful, and highly-developed European city that’s somehow still under-the-radar and authentic. Despite it being a large city, it maintains its historic and charming vibe, with quaint cobblestone streets leading the way to world-renowned restaurants and bumping multi-level nightclubs.

4. It’s drop-dead beautiful

No picture does Prague justice. Most regions in Europe boast themselves as historic and charming, but Prague truly does feel like something out of a storybook. Its icons like the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and Prague Castle are marvels, but the real beauty of Prague is found in its smaller details and artistic ambiance.

Above all, Prague is famous for its art. Everything from music to literature to fine arts to architecture is renowned in Prague. There’s no other place on Earth quite like it, where you can wander along sculpture-lined bridges and graffiti-decorated streets to attend a Dvořák or Mahler concert in a painting-clad baroque basilica or royal palace. Prague is bursting with fine arts and performing arts around every corner, with its famous castles and cathedrals barely scratching the surface of the city’s beauty.

The beauty of studying abroad in Prague is best seen in person.

5. You’ll find unique historical context

Everyone knows the basics of WWI and WWII European history, but what about the years leading up to it and the aftermath for small countries like the Czech Republic? While the Czech region is steeped in thousands of years of history based on power and riches, the Czech Republic itself is one of Europe’s newest countries. Founded as an independent nation in 1993, the Czech Republic battled decades of harsh communist rule, after already suffering from WWII, to become the thriving country it is today.

Living in a former communist area will give you a unique outlook on modern European history. It might seem like WWII was a long time ago, but it launched major political upheaval in many countries that has just settled within most of our lifetimes. Being able to live in an incredibly safe and peaceful area like Prague that has a darker recent history is the perfect way to experience first-hand what it takes for a region to overcome its conflicts. Experience true living history!

6. It’s a four-season paradise

It doesn’t matter what time of year you study abroad in Prague—the city and surrounding region is amazing during all four seasons! Summer is definitely Prague’s busiest season, with a lot of people assuming it’s too cold the rest of the year. So not true! Prague is obviously super enjoyable in the spring, summer, and fall with tons of outdoor events and natural recreation only a short bus or train ride away, but winter is when the city really comes to life.

From November onward, Prague becomes a true fairytale. It features unrivaled Christmas markets in the Old Town Square and around the city from November through January, and tons of fun seasonal events. One of our top studying abroad in Prague tips is to schedule your jaunt during Christmastime! Beyond just yuletide, Prague is even more beautiful after it snows. Experiencing the City of a Hundred Spires cloaked in white with fresh snowflakes dancing around the lanterned streets is truly something to behold.

7. World-famous writers, historians, and academics call it home

What better place to bring your education to life than the home of Franz Kafka, Johannes Kepler, Václav Havel, Antonín Dvořák, and not one, but TWO, Holy Roman Emperors? Even people as groundbreaking as Einstein and Mozart called Prague home at one point, and it’s long been believed that the city inspired some of Mozart’s best pieces. Take your education outside of the classroom by living in a place as historic and inspirational as Prague!

Prague study abroad is bound to be a magical time in your life.

8. It offers affordable cost of living

If you’re trying to study abroad on a budget but want to experience the glamor of historic Europe, Prague is your answer! There aren’t many capital cities in Europe that are truly affordable to live in without having to spend a half hour on public transportation. Prague has a lower cost of living than most other large cities in Europe (even in the city center), meaning you’ll have more koruna to spend on Pilsner.

9. It’s the best of all worlds

What’s so unique about Prague is that while it’s a bustling city, it truly maintains its cozy character and accessible infrastructure. You’ll love being able to adventure around the stunning Czech countryside and then boogie down at a five-story nightclub all in the same day.

And, even though Prague has been a center of power for centuries, it remains somewhat undiscovered in the mainstream tourism world while still being highly-developed and predominantly English-speaking. Studying abroad in Prague is an excellent way to have diverse and life-changing experiences without needing to be fluent in another language and bombarded with tourists.

[Check out ALL Prague Study Abroad Programs]

Next steps to Prague study abroad

Don't pack your bags juuuust yet. There are a few items on your study abroad to-do list that you should check off first.

Your major courses or something more fun and experiential? You don't only have to take classes that pertain to your major back home (though it never hurts to knock out some credits towards graduation). Look at your course options and decide what combination of required classes and just-for-fun or because-you-want-to-learn-it classes are out there. Choose from literature, the sciences, education, psychology, and more!

Choose from the best study abroad programs in Prague. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and your ease of getting credits. Some schools or providers may even provide contact info for student ambassadors or past international students if you want the REAL dirt. Here’s our guide to choosing between study abroad programs.

Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and travel splurges (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your study abroad program will cost. Check out scholarships for study abroad in the Czech Republic too!

Talk to your home university. Getting all your ducks in a row is largely dependent on what your home university requires. Talk to a study abroad advisor or the equivalent at your university to see what choices are available to you.