Information for term Central European Studies
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
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Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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MAKE YOUR VISIT
official by traversing the Charles Bridge, constructed to cross the Vltava River in 1357.
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LIVE IN PRAGUE
like a local college student and partake in the city’s vibrant cultural and social scene as you learn more about the local customs.
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HEAD TO CLASS
with a fairy-tale castle and hundreds of church spires as your backdrop.
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football fields would cover the area of Prague Castle
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first year beer was brewed at the Benedictine Břevnov Monastery
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residents in Prague
1.2M
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Cobblestone streets, historical bridges, and a castle overlooking dozens of churches, squares, and green spaces all contribute to the “City of a Hundred Spires” being recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Having shed its communist past and brimming with carefully preserved monuments from every period and style in its millennial history, Prague is a truly unique European city. But there is plenty of modern architecture too, such as the Žižkov Tower, the Dancing House right by the Vltava River or the National Library of Technology, to name but a few. Easy to explore on foot and on a student budget, the city abounds with festivals, live music, galleries, food markets, cafés and much more.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Explore the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town, the Charles University historical buildings, or Prague¢s theaters and opera venues.
- Take part in CIEE-organized excursions to the Bohemian or Moravian region to get a sense of what life and culture are like outside of Prague.
- Participate in cultural activities organized by local college students to spark your interest in local art, film, music, sports, or cuisine, and see how Czech college students are similar and different from U.S. college students.
- Join the Tandem Program, a language exchange program, or the Meet Czech Families Program, which invites students to get to know a local family and see how they live.
PROJECTS
- Volunteer your time and skills helping teach English at local schools and pre-schools, assisting with projects at local NGOs, writing for a local blog, and more.
- Gain international experience with valuable internships, working 8-10 hours per week. Following an interview, students are selected by internship providers. The internship includes a related seminar (15 hours of class time) and attendance at meetings and other events with program staff. Opportunities include internships at vibrant start-ups, advertising agencies, media outlets, think tanks, and other organizations. Don‘t miss the opportunity to boost your resume while studying abroad!
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestay: Live with an English-speaking Czech family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s culture. Each student has their own room and internet is provided. Whether you’re placed with an individual host or a family with children, breakfast and dinner on the host’s schedule are included.
Student Residence Buildings: Students live in buildings dedicated to housing students – other CIEE students or also international students. Students have shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and common area. The buildings may be dormitory-style or traditional apartment buildings converted to student residences.
Neighborhood Apartments: Students live with other CIEE students in an apartment in a residential building. There is usually one CIEE apartment per building, with one or more CIEE apartments in other buildings in the same neighborhood. Students have shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and usually a common area. Each apartment is different but they have similar market value.
A neighborhood apartment is a good choice for independent, resourceful students who can be good neighbors and who want to experience residential living in the city.
Czech Buddies: CIEE students can request a “Czech Buddy” as one of their roommates – a local university student who assists with student activities and can serve as an informal guide to local resources.
Location: Student Residence Buildings and Neighborhood Apartments are within 30 minutes of the CIEE Center by tram, metro, and walking. Homestays may be up to 45 minutes from the CIEE Center.
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MEALS
Homestay: Breakfast and dinner, on the family’s schedule, are included.
Student Residence Buildings and Neighborhood Apartments: Meals are not included.
Prague, Czech Republic Where You'll Study
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CIEE Prague
Vyšehrad – 15 minutes from Old Town.
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CHARLES UNIVERSITY
Buildings all over Prague and beyond, CIEE students attend classes downtown.
Academics
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The Central European Studies program is designed for students to gain an in-depth understanding of the Czech Republic with coursework in English across a wide range of academic areas. Students begin the program with an onsite orientation that introduces them to various aspects of life in Prague as well as useful Czech language basics to help facilitate cultural immersion. Students choose from classes at CIEE Prague, Charles University, and the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU).
CIEE Prague is located in Vyšehrad in a beautiful park-like setting at the top of one of Prague¢s highest hills about 15 minutes from the Old Town area. Courses are taught by faculty affiliated with Charles University, University of Economics, Czech Academy of Science, and the Academy of Performing Arts.
Charles University was founded in 1348 and is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic, ranking in the upper 1.5 percent of the world’s best universities. The university consists of 17 colleges and enrolls more than 50, 000 students. Students can take up to six semester credits in the Eastern and Central European Studies Department (ECES) at Charles University, which is located in Prague’s Old Town.
The Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) is the preeminent film school in Central Europe and the 5th oldest film school in the world. Most courses are in Czech but FAMU offers courses in English to CIEE students. Students with an interest in cinema and performing arts can take up to six semester credits at FAMU, which is located in the historical district right by the Vltava River.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Program Requirements
Students are required to take a minimum of five courses (15 credits), of which at least three must be CIEE courses. In addition to these, students may enroll in courses at our partner institutions, Charles University or FAMU, for up to six credits. Alternatively, students can take only CIEE courses.
Program Credit
Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
- CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours
- Charles University courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- FAMU courses: typically 1.5-3 U.S. semester/2.25-4.5 quarter credits; 24-45 contact hours
Academic Culture
Students are expected to demonstrate a pro-active and independent approach to study. Active participation in class as well as outside of class is essential for a satisfactory academic performance and attendance is strictly enforced. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Students are encouraged to use public libraries and take advantage of Charles University resources.
Class Format
CIEE courses are primarily offered to CIEE students, however, they are also open to Charles University students and the Erasmus Program students studying in Prague. Classes meet twice a week for 90 minutes, or once a week for three hours, with class size ranging from five to twenty students. In addition to CIEE courses, students are encouraged to take classes at our partner institutions, including Charles University’s Faculty of Arts, and the Film and Television School at the Academy of the Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU).
Grading
Students receive numerical grades which are converted to the U.S. letter grades. Assessment is continuous and is based on overall performance, including class participation, homework assignments, papers, presentations, projects, and exams.
Language of Instruction
English
Courses
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Course Notes
- All students are strongly encouraged to take an optional Czech language course while studying in Prague.
- There are many volunteer opportunities available to students in Prague. A catalog of available opportunities is provided to students prior to the beginning of the program.
Spring 2021 CIEE Courses
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Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Psychology
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenFAMU CINEMA STUDIES COURSES (1.5 SEMESTER CREDITS UNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED) – TENTATIVE COURSE LIST
Participants with an interest in cinema and performing arts may take up to 6 semester credits (up to 2 courses of 3 semester credits or 4 courses of 1.5 semester credits) at FAMU. A final list of FAMU courses is available at the time of enrollment. Some FAMU courses have prerequisites. Following is a representative sample of FAMU courses that have been available in past terms.
Acting Studio
Acting Theories
Central European Cinemas within the Context of the World Cinema (3 credits)
Cinema Dance (3 credits)
Cinematographer’s Influence
Circulating within the Post-Modern Cinematic Image (3 credits)
Film Style and Form
Filming the Unfilmable
History of Animation
History of Avant-garde Film
Introduction to International Film/TV Production
Photographic Imaging
Script Analysis
Short Film Practical Analysis: Directing
The Realm of Montage (3 credits)
Visual Theory
CHARLES UNIVERSITY AREA STUDIES COURSES (3 SEMESTER CREDITS EACH)
Students have limited access to a select group of elective courses at Charles University. Participation in each course is limited to a few CIEE students. CIEE students may take a maximum of six semester credits outside of CIEE courses. Classes are taught at Charles University and allow CIEE students to study alongside other international students. The following list is a sample of courses that may be available to CIEE students. A final list of available courses is distributed during orientation.
Central Europe in the Context of European Integration
Comparative Politics: Transformation of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic
Consumption and Every Day Practices in State Socialism
Czech Culture and Civilization Course: A Field Trip into the Czech Psyche
Czech Republic: An Urban Perspective
Edges of Photography: Techniques, Artistry and Czech Photographers
From Thoreau to Havel: Chapters in Czech and American Struggle for Social Justice
Humor and Czech Culture
Psycholinguistics
Selected Topics in Social Psychology: Soft Skills
Sociology of Food
The Fiction of Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera
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.
Scholarships
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CIEE offers more than $8 million in 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:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2021 14 weeks | Oct 1, 2020 | Jan 26, 2021 | May 7, 2021 |
$20,450
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $17,058 Housing = $2,925 ** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $20,450Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,850 † International Airfare = $1,200 †† Local Transportation = $50 Books & Supplies = $100 Visa Fees = $125 ††† Personal expenses = $2,200 Other = $145 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $5,670Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** Meals vary by housing choice: Includes two meals per day for homestay students. No meals are included for students in apartments or residence halls. Additionally, students who opt for and are placed in single-occupancy rooms will be billed a supplemental fee of approximately $1000, 4-6 weeks after the program starts † For students in apartments. Students placed in homestays are provided with breakfast and dinner; additional meals for homestay students are estimated at $550 per semester. Additional meals for students in apartments or residence halls are estimated at $1,850 per semester. †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† average cost †††† Required Czech insurance |
| Fall 2021 14 weeks | Apr 1, 2021 | Sep 7, 2021* | Dec 17, 2021* |
*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.
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What's Included
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Our Staff
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Will Barnard
Director
Will Barnard heads the CIEE Prague Center. Originally from the U.S., Will has lived and worked in the Czech Republic for over twenty years.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
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START AN APPLICATION
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CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
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Contact Us
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