prague bridges at night
Prague, Czech Republic

Film Studies

Study Program

Dates

-

17 weeks

Costs

Credit

17 semester hours

25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

17 semester hours

25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

17 weeks

Credit

17 semester hours

25.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

What better place to study film production or screenwriting than Prague? A city renowned for its rich filmmaking tradition, Prague is often selected by major international film producers, making it one of Europe’s top 10 filming cities. Prague is home to many breathtaking historical sites that have become world-famous filming locations. Can you spot Prague in Spider-Man, Mission Impossible, or James Bond movies? Its urban center, rich cultural offerings, and constantly developing social scene are just a few elements that make Prague one of Europe’s most intriguing capitals. 

Designed for students with experience in film production or screenwriting, the Film Studies Program provides plenty of opportunities for students to develop and polish their skills under the mentorship of professionals in the field. Choose from a wide variety of core courses and electives at the Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU), one of the preeminent film schools in Central Europe. Students will gain hands-on experience shooting short films and writing screenplays.

All classes are taught in English and include a two-week intensive Czech language course to facilitate cultural immersion. Outside the classroom, courses are complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

WORK

with American and international film students at the preeminent Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU)

LEARN

to shoot, direct, or write with mentoring from European film professionals

GET INSPIRATION

from visits to Prague Barrandov film studios and guest lectures by European directors, producers, cinematographers, and screenwriters

30,000

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS STUDYING IN PRAGUE

143

KILOMETERS OF TRAM LINES IN PRAGUE

1.3 M

RESIDENTS

Experience
  • Prague group of students standing in front of Astral Clock
  • prague old town aerial

Your Destination

Cobblestone streets, ancient bridges, and a hilltop castle help lend the City of a Hundred Spires its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful. Prague is unique in Europe, having shed its Communist past and brimming with carefully preserved monuments from every period and style in its millennial history. There’s plenty of quirky, too, like the Zizkov Tower adorned with climbing babies and the distinctly nontraditional Dancing House. Easy to explore on foot, the city boasts a rich cultural life that includes concerts, festivals, operas, and more – many of which you can access on a student budget. 

CIEE Prague is located in the central neighborhood of Vyšehrad in a beautiful park-like setting atop one of Prague’s highest hills about 15 minutes from the Old Town area.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Prague.

The Culture

prague national theater

Other Excursions & Activities

  • Take part in CIEE-organized excursions to learn more about the Czech Republic and Central Europe.  
  • Cheer on a local sports team at a hockey game  
  • Sample local Moravian wines at a sommelier-led wine tasting  
  • Bike along the paths along the Vltava River and see another side of Prague  
  • Watch an opera in one of the amazing baroque opera houses  
  • Take part in a Czech cuisine cooking class and participate in many other Prague-based activities organized by local staff to spark your interest in local art, film, music, culture or sports.
Prague student tour group

Projects

  • Learn from industry experts.
  • Practice your language skills with weekly Prague-based activities organized by local staff, including bouldering sessions, glass making workshop and pedal boating on the Vltava River.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Lights. Camera. Action! Film Studies in Prague

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Are you a wanna-be Spielberg who likes to view life through the lens of a camera? Or a budding writer with ideas for a feature-length screenplay? Then bring your talents... keep reading

From CIEE

Fall 2017 Issue II

By Alicja Nemoudry at CIEE

TRIP TO SOUTH BOHEMIA In order to get away from a daily rush in Prague, students of CIEE Film Studies have left Prague in October for one weekend. They spent... keep reading

From CIEE

Fall 2017 ISSUE II: Prague

By Alicja Nemoudry at CIEE

A FRESH START IN PRAGUE! The last August Monday has started the exciting one-semester-ride for students of the Film Studies and Global Architecture and Design Programs. Coming from great distances... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "Truly one of the best experiences of my life! Not only was the experience of living abroad in Prague a great time in my life, I was able to meet incredible people and fall in love with the natural beauty of this city. CIEE also makes it so easy to feel at home quickly with their endless resources for students who need them."

    William H., Tulane University of Louisiana

  • "Loved studying at FAMU, loved the community our cohort created, loved the cultural experiences CIEE brought us on, etc."

    Greta P., Columbia University in the City of New York

  • "I loved my experience with CIEE. I felt very supported and cared for the whole time!"

    Isabella P., University of Colorado-Boulder

  • "Wonderful guidance and support, amazing extracurricular opportunities!"

    Zac B., Whitman College

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Film Studies program is designed for students with some experience in film production, screenwriting, or film studies to hone their production and writing skills. Students choose either the production track or the screenwriting track. In the production track, students create a 16-mm film, including pre-production, production, and post-production. In the screenwriting track, students begin a feature-length screenplay, completing its full treatment and writing about half of a first draft. (Note: CIEE reserves the right to combine tracks in the case of low enrollment.) 

The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) is the preeminent film school in Central Europe and the 5th oldest film school in the world. Many influential filmmakers and screenwriters are FAMU alumni, including Stanislav Barabas and Oscar-winners Miloš Forman and Agnieszka Holland. FAMU is located in the city center on the banks of the Vltava River.

GPA

Production Track: 2.5

Screenwriting Track: 3.0

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Production track: Overall GPA of 2.5 in an art-related major, preferably film. Demonstrate formal or informal experience with directing and use of digital/video camera. Portfolio sample of recent work via Vimeo/YouTube link (maximum 15 minutes in length). Sample should demonstrate a complete narrative and ability to develop a story. One or two storyboards/treatments for a short film to be shot in Prague.  

Screenwriting track: Overall GPA of 3.0 in art-related major. At least two courses in screenwriting or creative writing plus an original screenplay and proposals for two additional screenplays.  

Final acceptance to the program is determined following a review by FAMU faculty; please note that while CIEE’s conditional acceptances are made on a rolling basis, FAMU’s decisions are typically made after the application deadline.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students are required to take: 

  1. Intensive Beginning Czech Language course for 3 U.S. credits. 
    The two-week intensive (3-5 hours per day) course provides students with basic skills needed to communicate daily. The course focuses on grammar, conversation, listening, and reading comprehension. The class continues on a weekly basis until the start of the pre-production period. 
  2. Two required CIEE courses taught by FAMU faculty following a specific track (Production or Screenwriting). 
  3. Six credits of FAMU Electives (to be selected during your on-site orientation).

Program Credit

Total credit: 17 U.S. semester/25.5 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
  • FAMU courses: typically 1.5-3 U.S. semester/2.25-4.5 quarter credits; 24-45 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

This intensive program requires both evening and weekend sessions, film screenings, and production work. Because of the intensive production and post-production period, travel outside of Prague in the last seven weeks of the program is not allowed for students in the Production track.

Class Format

The Film Studies program includes both practical hands-on and traditional university courses. The production track has eight weeks of instruction, two weeks of guided pre-production, two weeks of production, and two weeks of post-production. The screenwriting track follows a more traditional schedule and culminates in the creation of approximately half of a feature-length screenplay. Classes are small and include both theoretical and practical exercises. With the exception of the Intensive Beginning Czech Language course, all classes are taught by FAMU faculty. Required CIEE Czech language and production and screenwriting courses include CIEE students only. FAMU elective courses include CIEE and international students. Students are guided by FAMU faculty member and Film Studies Academic Advisor Mary Angiolillo, who is also the liaison between CIEE and FAMU. An American, Mary is a longtime resident of the Czech Republic.

Grading

Assessment is varied and includes midterm and final exams, faculty assessment of final production or screenwriting projects, and participation in seminars, workshops, and other program activities. Courses are graded A–F.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

Czech and English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Production Track
All students enroll in Topics in Production and Filmmaking Practicum and Mentorship courses.

Screenwriting Track
All students enroll in Feature Screenwriting and Script Analysis courses.

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

FAMU ELECTIVE COURSES

Not all courses listed are offered every semester. The following is a representative sample of course offerings though FAMU and is subject to change.  

  • Acting Theories   
  • Central European Cinemas within the Context of the World Cinema  
  • Cinema Dance  
  • Circulating within the Modern Cinematic Image  
  • Essential Elements of Film Sound 1Film Style and Form 1 
  • Filming the Unfilmable 
  • History, Development and Characteristics of Genres 
  • Script Analysis 1 
  • Short Film Practical Analysis: Directing 1 
  • The Realm of Montage  
  • Visual Theory

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 17 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Spring 2025 17 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,956**

Housing = $3,500

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $506

International Airfare = $1,000††

Local Transportation = $45†††

Books & Supplies = $45

Visa Fees = $114

Personal expenses = $250††††

Other = $0

Total Costs = $1,960

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program.

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,956**

Housing = $3,500

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $476

International Airfare = $1,000††

Local Transportation = $45†††

Books & Supplies = $45

Visa Fees = $114

Personal expenses = $250††††

Total Costs = $1,930

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $307 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Will Barnard

DIRECTOR

Will Barnard heads CIEE Prague. Originally from the U.S., Will has lived and worked in the Czech Republic for over twenty years. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University...

Michaela Neužilová

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Michaela has been a Program Coordinator with CIEE since 2016. She earned her degree at the University of Sheffield (UK) and studied abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia and Rennes, France.

Peter Mistrík

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Peter is the Program Coordinator at CIEE Prague. He is responsible for the development and leadership of the part-time semester internship programs, full-time summer internship program and a growing number...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application 
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info