Information for term Film Studies
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenLocation & Culture
Click to OpenThe Culture
FEATURED EXCURSION
Day Trip to Pilsen - The day begins with a train ride to Pilsen, the fourth-largest city in the Czech Republic. In the morning, we explore the city with a professional guide and visit all the important sites, such as the Thank You America Memorial (which was erected in honor of the U.S. forces that liberated Pilsen in May 1945) or the Great Synagogue (the fifth-largest synagogue in the world). After lunch, we visit the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery, which was established in 1842 and comprises three brew houses from three different centuries. The day finishes with a tasting of the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell beer in one of the cellars – a special type of beer you cannot get anywhere else.
OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Participate in a guided tour of the city to see many sites of historical and cultural importance, such as Prague Castle or the Charles Bridge.
- Paint your own unique Prague souvenirs at an enamel or glassblowing workshop.
- Get to know fellow program participants and interact with the local community while paddling along the Vltava River.
- Learn to cook traditional Czech meals at a cooking class facilitated by a professional chef.
- Go on a day trip outside of Prague to discover what life and culture are like outside the capital city.
- Choose to visit Kutná Hora, a UNESCO-protected medieval town with a 14th-century Gothic cathedral, Bohemian Paradise, a protected landscape home to out-of-this-world sandstone rock formations, or Terezín, a former Jewish ghetto and Nazi concentration camp.
Projects
- Learn from film industry experts.
- Practice your language skills with weekly Prague-based activities organized by local staff, including bouldering sessions, a glass-making workshop, and pedal boating on the Vltava River.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
Click to OpenAcademics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 Prerequisites
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.
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:
- 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.
- Two required CIEE courses taught by FAMU faculty following a specific track (Production or Screenwriting).
- 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: 1-1.5 U.S. semester/1.5-2.25 quarter credits; 50-75 notional 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
English and 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
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.
Spring 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenLanguages and Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenLanguages and Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenFAMU 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 17 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 17, 2023 | May 13, 2023 |
$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 = $16,558 ** Housing = $2,925 *** Insurance = $167 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 = $1,910 International Airfare = $1,000 † Local Transportation = $45 †† Books & Supplies = $45 Visa Fees = $114 Personal expenses = $1,635 Other = $0 Total Estimated Costs = $4,749Financial 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 ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** 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 † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure †† cost of taxi to airport on departure; local transportation pass included in program. |
| Fall 2023 16 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | Aug 29, 2023* | Dec 16, 2023* |
$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 = $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 = $1,910 † International Airfare = $1,000 †† Local Transportation = $45 Books & Supplies = $45 Visa Fees = $114 Personal expenses = $1,635 Other = $35 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $4,784Financial 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 ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** 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 ††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
*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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
-
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.
-
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 a Program Coordinator at CIEE Prague. He studied at the Charles University in Prague and graduated with a Master’s degree in Western European Studies.
You might also like
-
Business, Arts + Sciences
Prague, Czech Republic
New for Fall '23 Explore on foot and on a student budget, the city abounds with festivals, live music, galleries, food markets, cafés and much more.
-
Central European Studies
Prague, Czech Republic
-
Communications, New Media + Journalism
Prague, Czech Republic
-
January in Prague
Prague, Czech Republic
-
Summer Central European Studies
Prague, Czech Republic
Against the backdrop of Prague’s rich culture and society, students explore Czech art, film, architecture, society, and history.
-
Summer Communications, New Media + Journalism
Prague, Czech Republic
