Information for term Central European Studies
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenRanked among the top 10 cities for students to live in, Prague is a go-to destination for an unforgettable study abroad experience. Come and discover life in a modern European capital on the backdrop of stunning architecture and more than a thousand years of turbulent history.
The Central European Studies program is designed for students to gain an in-depth understanding of the Czech Republic with coursework delivered in English across a wide range of academic areas. Students have the choice of studying at CIEE Prague, as well as at CIEE's partner schools, Charles University and the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU). Diverse out-of-classroom activities, such as a field trip to Auschwitz, a street art workshop, and attending a bubble soccer match, are great ways to learn and experience Czech Republic's culture.
And, if you are interested in gaining real-world, hands-on work experience while living and learning abroad, CIEE Prague offers optional for-credit internships. On-site staff will help you find the right match with the companies that fit your unique needs and professional goals.
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
993 AD -
residents in Prague
1.3M
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Cobblestone streets, medieval 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. Easy to explore on foot and on a student budget, the city abounds with festivals, live music, galleries, food markets, cafés and much more.
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
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Explore Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square, the Charles University historical buildings, or Prague’s theaters and opera venues.
- Take part in CIEE-organized excursions to learn more about the Czech Republic and Central Europe.
- Participate in cultural activities organized by local college students to spark your interest in local art, film, music, sports, or cuisine.
- 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 to help teach English conversation classes at local schools and pre-schools, assist with projects at local NGOs, write for a local blog, and more.
- Gain international experience with valuable internships, working usually 8-10 hours per week. Following an interview, students are selected by internship providers. The credit-bearing 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! Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
All housing is within a 45-minute commute to CIEE.
Homestays: Live with a Czech family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s culture. Each student has an individual room.Apartments: Students can live in apartments shared with other CIEE students. If local health and safety regulations permit, most students live in double or triple rooms. Each apartment will have shared common spaces, including kitchen and bathroom.
Residence Halls: Students usually live with a mix of CIEE students, local and international students in dormitory-like buildings. If local health and safety regulations permit, most students live in double or triple rooms. Students usually share kitchens and common areas.
Housing is tight in Prague. If we can’t accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive. -
MEALS
Homestay: Breakfast and dinner, on the family’s schedule, are included.
Residence Halls and Apartments: Meals are not included.
Prague, Czech Republic Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE Prague
Štulcova 89/1, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Charles Bridge
Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia
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Prague Castle
Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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, the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU), and, as of the Fall 2023 semester, the Architectural Institute in Prague (ARCHIP) and ART & DESIGN INSTITUT (ADI).
CIEE Prague is located in a beautiful park-like setting atop one of Prague’s highest hills in the Vyšehrad neighborhood, about 15 minutes from the Old Town area. The CIEE Prague Center features classrooms, a library, a student lounge, staff offices, a café, and a large garden and patio area. Courses are taught by faculty affiliated with Charles University, Prague University of Economics and Business, the Czech Academy of Science, and the Academy of Performing Arts, among other institutions
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 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) of the Faculty of Arts or at the Institute of Communication Studies and Journalism of the Faculty of Social Sciences(FSV), both located in Prague’s Old Town.
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. 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 by the Vltava River.
The Architectural Institute in Prague (ARCHIP) is the only school of architecture in Central Europe offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in architecture and urban design taught entirely in English. Students can take up to six semester credits at ARCHIP.
ART & DESIGN INSTITUT (ADI) was founded in 2014 and offers degree programs in visual arts and art direction in both Czech and English with the goal of enabling its graduates to earn a living in the art market or in the creative industries. Students can take up to six semester credits at ADI.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
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.
Program Requirements
Students are required to take a minimum of five courses for 15 semester credits, of which at least three must be CIEE courses. In addition to these, students may enroll in courses at our partner institutions for up to six credits. Alternatively, students can take solely 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 at the Faculty of Arts (ECES): 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- Charles University courses at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSV): typically 1-3 U.S. semester(2-6 ECTS credits)/1.5-4.5 quarter credits; 50-150 notional hours
- The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) courses: typically 1-1.5 U.S. semester (2-3 ECTS credits)/1.5-2.25 quarter credits; 50-75 notional hours
- The Architectural Institute in Prague (ARCHIP) lecture/seminar/workshop courses: typically 1-1.5 U.S. semester (2-3 ECTS credits)/1.5-2.25 quarter credits; 14-22 contact hours
- The Architectural Institute in Prague (ARCHIP) studio courses: typically 5 U.S. semester (10 ECTS credits)/7.5 quarter credits; 68-75 contact hours
- ART & DESIGN INSTITUT (ADI) lecture/seminar courses: typically 1-2 U.S. semester (2-4 ECTS credits)/1.5-3 quarter credits; 14-30 contact hours
- ART & DESIGN INSTITUT (ADI) studio courses: typically 4-4.5 U.S. semester (8-9 ECTS credits)/6-6.75 quarter credits; 53-67 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
Students are expected to demonstrate a proactive 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 Erasmus Program students studying in Prague. Classes meet twice a week for 90 minutes, or once a week for three hours, with class sizes ranging from ten 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 (ECES) and Faculty of Social Sciences (FSV), the Film and Television School at the Academy of the Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU), and, new for Fall 2023, the Architectural Institute in Prague (ARCHIP) and ART & DESIGN INSTITUT (ADI).
Grading
Students receive numerical grades which are converted to U.S. letter grade equivalents. Assessment is continuous and is based on overall performance, including class participation, homework assignments, papers, presentations, projects, and exams.
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
English and/or Czech
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
Click to OpenCourse Information
Course Notes
- All students are strongly encouraged to take an optional Czech language course while studying in Prague.
- CIEE students may take a maximum of six U.S. semester credits from course offerings at host institutions.
- The following host institution course lists are a representative sample of course offerings available to CIEE students through partner institutions and are subject to change. Not all courses listed are offered every semester, and some courses have prerequisites. The final list of courses is made available prior to the start of classes.
- Final examinations and/or course deliverables for host institution courses will be arranged on a course-by-course basis in consultation with the course instructor and CIEE Prague. Course content and any final deliverables should be completed prior to the program end date.
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Biological and Physical Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Health Professions and Related Programs
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenCHARLES UNIVERSITY COURSES
Students may choose from selected courses offered by two Charles University faculties, Faculty of Arts (ECES) and Faculty of Social Sciences (FSV). Participation in each course is limited to a few CIEE students. Classes are taught at Charles University and allow CIEE students to study alongside other international students.
Faculty of Arts, East and Central European Studies Department
All courses are worth 3 U.S. semester credits. Syllabi for ECES courses may be found on its website. Please note that the website may only include some of the courses taught and that the list is subject to change. 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.
- Nationalism: Origins, Theories and Consequences in Central Europe
- Politics of Song: From Folklore to Hip-Hop
- Construction of Czech National Identity and its Symbols
- Kafka in Critical Context
- Economic Decline of European Empires
- Alternative Culture
- Jewish History in Central and Eastern Europe
- Kundera’s Fictions
- 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
- Urban Semiotics: Contemporary Czech Literature, Art and Culture
Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Communication Studies and Journalism
Course offerings through FSV are worth typically 1-3 U.S. semester credits (2-6 ECTS credits). 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.
- Audiovisual Interpretation of Reality
- Comics as a Medium
- Communication and Politics
- Czech Media System in European Comparison
- Emotions in Marketing
- History of Computer and Video Games
- Media and the Children
- Media and Sustainability Communication
- Media Sociology
FAMU COURSES
Participants with an interest in cinema and performing arts may take course offerings through FAMU. The courses are worth typically 1-1.5 U.S. semester credits (2-3 ECTS credits). A final list of FAMU courses is available at the time of enrollment. The following is a representative sample of FAMU courses that have been available in previous semesters.
- 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 1
- Film 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
ARCHIP COURSES
Students with an interest in architecture, urbanism, and sustainability may take course offerings through ARCHIP. The courses are typically worth 1-1.5 U.S. semester credits (2-3 ECTS credits). A final list of ARCHIP courses is available at the time of enrollment. The following is a representative sample of ARCHIP courses available to CIEE students.
- Art 1 (DRAWING)
- Art 3 (MODELS)
- Art 5 (PRODUCT DESIGN)
- History of Architecture and Art 1
- History of Architecture and Art 3
- Fundamentals of Urbanism
- Modern Architecture and Art
- Master Planning
- Landscape Design
- Monument Preservation
ADI COURSES
Students with interest in art may take course offerings through ADI. ADI offers two types of courses; studio courses and lecture/seminar courses. Studio courses are worth 4-4.5 U.S. semester credits (8-9 ECTS credits) and lecture/seminar courses are worth 1-2 U.S. semester credits (2-4 ECTS credits). Please note that students who want to enroll in studio courses must submit a portfolio of their artwork at the time of course selection. Students may not be permitted to enroll in studio courses if their work does not meet ADI criteria. A final list of ADI courses is made available at the time of enrollment. The following is a representative sample of ADI courses available to CIEE students.
Studio courses
- Creative Studio: Painting
- Creative Studio: Printmaking/Drawing
- Creative Studio: Photography
- Creative Studio: Intermedia
- Creative Studio: Graphic Design
- Creative Studio: Space/Interior Design
Lecture/seminar courses:
- History of Art
- Marketing and Trade of Artwork
- Museum and Gallery Studies
- Philosophy of Artistic Expression
- Cultural Anthropology and Art
- Psychology of Art
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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
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
Click to OpenDates & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 5, 2023 | Dec 16, 2023 |
$19,950
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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 = $16,528 Housing = $2,925 ** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $19,950Estimated 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 = $1,770 † International Airfare = $1,000 †† Local Transportation = $45 ††† Books & Supplies = $45 Visa Fees = $114 Personal expenses = $1,520 Other = $35 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,529Financial 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 residing in shared apartments; homestay students should budget $1,000 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program †††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
| Academic year 2023-2024 35 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 5, 2023 | May 4, 2024 |
$38,900
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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 = $31,978 Housing = $6,425 ** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $38,900Estimated 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 = $1,770 † International Airfare = $1,000 †† Local Transportation = $90 ††† Books & Supplies = $90 Visa Fees = $114 Personal expenses = $1,520 Other = $35 †††† Expenses during break = $1,500 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $6,119Financial 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 residing in shared apartments; homestay students should budget $1,000 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program. †††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required ††††† Students who wish to stay during the break between the two semesters (5 weeks) are responsible for finding their own accommodation and buying local tram pass and all meals during this period. |
| Spring 2024 15 weeks | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 23, 2024 | May 4, 2024 |
$19,950
Click to Close
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 = $15,956 Housing = $3,500 ** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $19,950Estimated 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 = $2,085 † International Airfare = $1,000 †† Local Transportation = $45 ††† Books & Supplies = $45 Visa Fees = $114 Personal expenses = $250 Other = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $3,539Financial 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 Residence Hall/Apartment. Students at Homestays should budget $950 †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program. |
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
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Will Barnard
Director
Will Barnard heads CIEE Prague. Originally from the U.S., Will has lived and worked in higher education in the Czech Republic for over twenty years.
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Petra Key
Academic Director
Petra Key is in charge of CIEE Prague course portfolio. She manages the CIEE Prague faculty and courses, and is responsible for the cooperation with academic partner institutions.
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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.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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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.
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