tower arch in downtown prague czech republic
Prague, Czech Republic

Art-Making in Prague's Creative Studios

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$5,750

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$5,750

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Make your mark in the Czech Republic, a burgeoning hub of contemporary art, design, and innovation.

Amidst Prague’s old-world backdrop, dive into the Czech “maker culture” and create gems of work in the Visual Arts. Each week, using both traditional and new techniques, you’ll focus on a different medium—Painting, Graphics, or Photography—through coursework developed in concert with the world-renowned Art & Design Institute.   

After classes, take your learning to the streets where the architecture, colorful life, and exhibits are sure to inspire your work. Participate in workshops at galleries and museums. The end result? Your own portfolio of diverse artwork—abstract and portrait paintings, linocut and dry point prints, creative photography, works of crushed glass, creations with stencils and spray paint, and more.  

Soak up the culture, too. Window-shop in edgy design and fashion boutiques. Get your fill of elaborate pastries in bakeries and cafes. Meet up with local teens and compare notes on life. See the animation at the medieval Astronomical Clock and step back in time to appreciate the scale and details of Czech castles and cathedrals. 

The Take-Aways

Real-World Experience

Create a wide array of visual art in the inspirational, innovative culture of Prague and develop skills in traditional and new techniques. Come home with a creative portfolio of diverse works.

Credentials for Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a portfolio to document your increasing artistic literacy and to showcase your work in varied media and techniques.

Life Skills and New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

45

Hours of Expert Instruction

3

Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-Changing Experience

The Destination
  • Prague Charles Bridge at night
  • prague Charles Bridge archway
  • Prague

The Destination

Welcome to Prague, a magical place of castles and cobblestone streets with a modern buzz.  

Set on both sides of the Vltava River, Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the world’s most exquisite cities. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it's best known for its Old Town Square, with Baroque buildings, Gothic churches, and its medieval Astronomical Clock. Every day is a history lesson. And yet, Prague is a colorful mix of old and new, a center of innovation in one of the fastest-growing countries in the region. 

A walking tour of Prague takes you past architectural gems—look up onto the grounds of Prague Castle, look out at the panorama—past street musicians and installations of contemporary art, into bustling cafés and the exceptional greenery of Prague’s many gardens and parks. 

Prague’s galleries and museums boast offerings to suit a range of artistic tastes. From museums for Medieval and Classical art to the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art housed in a former factory, these creative spaces will inspire you to generate artistic ideas and work.  

Cultural Awareness

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.

Weekly Learning Goals

Settle into your new community and participate in the Painting Studio. Explore working with color, composition, perspective and proportion and start your Portfolio with abstract painting.

In the Graphic Studio, learn and apply two graphic techniques (drypoint and linocut) as you transfer your visual ideas to paper. Add the works to your Portfolio. 

In the Photography Studio, explore techniques using a digital camera or mobile phone to experiment with light and exposure. Play with theme, motif, perspective, and style in outdoor photography, making more art for your Portfolio. Present and discuss your Portfolio. 

Daily Life

Daily Life

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at the hotel 
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and artists 
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators at a local restaurant 
  • Out and about for a Cultural Activity or Workshop 
  • Dinner at local restaurants 

Weekends 

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends 

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.  

Housing

Hostel/hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Weekend in Cesky Krumlov

By Allison Aubry at CIEE

This last weekend we traveled to Cesky Krumlov for the weekend and got to witness the beauty of a preserved medieval town. Upon our entrance into the town, we were... keep reading

Summer In Prague

By Nicole L.

I have already been in Prague for a week for the HSSA Global Navigator program Art-Making in Prague, and so far it has been nothing short of wonderful. This past... keep reading

From CIEE

First 24 Hours In Prague

By Allison Aubry at CIEE

Wow, it is hard to believe I am writing this blog post and we have completed our first 24 hours in Prague. I feel extremely lucky to have the 14... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

Prague

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Participate in a paint-by-enamel workshop, make unexpected friendships with Czech students. Then, enjoy a karaoke night together!
  • View abstract paintings at Kampa Museum. Make your own artwork to communicate a social statement. 
  • Prepare (and eat) Czech classics—beef goulash, potato pancakes, and sweet apple strudel—in a fun-filled cooking class. 
  • Get dressed in your best for a performance in one of the many historical concert venues in Prague. See opera singers and ballet dancers in full costume—a beautiful mix of so many art forms!  
  • Rewire your creative mind through your sense of touch, sound, and scent! Experience the interactive Invisible Exhibition and see the world through the eyes of visually-impaired people.

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

What People Are Saying

  • “I met so many amazing people and had so much fun exploring Prague. At the end of this program, I didn't want to leave.”

    Chloe H., Global Navigator Alum

  • “It was an experience that I will never forget! It has given me the freedom to navigate a city on my own, which has given me confidence in life! One of my goals was to expand outside of my comfort zone and the friends I made have allowed me to do just that.” 

    Yasmin A., Global Navigator Alum

  • “The invisible exhibition was by far the most amazing and educational experience I’ve had. I got to dance in the dark completely blind and it really got rid of a lot of my fears.”

    Harmony L., Global Navigator Alum

  • “My son had a fabulous trip. He was challenged in so many ways and grew socially, intellectually and artistically. He matured and learned to take care of himself. He made good friends from around the country. It was an excellent experience!”

    Parent of Global Navigator Alum

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.   

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2024 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $5,750
Program Summer Session II 2024 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $5,750

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our 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...

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