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Study Abroad | Prague

Czech Republic | Charles University, Prague | Fall 2023
A student on a bridge in Prague, Czech Republic.
Sunset in Prague.

Select Your Program Option:

  • Fall 2023

  • Spring 2024

  • Fall 2024

  • Spring 2025

Overview

Spend a semester or academic year in the picturesque capital city of Prague, Czech Republic, with AIFS! Choose from a variety of course options at Charles University, the largest and most prestigious university in the Czech Republic. Currently hosting more than 20,000 undergraduate and 25,000 graduate students, Charles University boasts notable alumni such as renowned writer Franz Kafka.

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    Up to 18 semester credits

  • Courses

    Wide variety of courses available; taught in English

  • Housing

    Student residence hall

  • Meals

    European-style cold breakfast included Monday through Friday

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    2-day excursion to Moravia and day trips to places like Plzeň, Kutná Hora, Terezín, Český Krumlov and Lidice

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    A wide range of AIFS-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience

  • On-Site Program Director

    to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance

  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network

  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

  • AIFS Flight Package

    Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways

    Airport transfers to and from campus

  • Optional Excursions

    Kraków and Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland (3 days)

    Hiking in Northern Bohemia (2 days)

    Czech Spa Town Experience (2 days)

Program Details: Study Abroad | Prague East and Central European Studies

Program is closed

Dates

August 28, 2023December 8, 2023

Term

Fall

Institution

Charles University, Prague

Application Deadline

May 10, 2023

Inclusive Fees

$15,090

Stay for a year to save on cost

Eligibility

Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Minimum of 3.0 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

A visa may be required for this program. Please contact your advisor or log into your portal for more information.

Areas of Interest

  • Anthropology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Czech Language
  • Economics
  • Film Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • History
  • Literature
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Theater

Global Themes

  • Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
  • Health Sciences and STEM
  • Language, History and Culture
Learn More About Global Themes

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

Charles University is the oldest university in Central Europe having been founded as Prague University in 1348 by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and of the Romans. Currently hosting more than 20,000 undergraduate and 25,000 graduate students, it is the largest and most prestigious academic institution in the Czech Republic with a reputation for international research and the creativity of its teaching.

Fairfield University

Academic credit for the internship program is awarded by Fairfield University. Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university founded in 1942 in Fairfield, Connecticut, well known for their commitment to international education. Fairfield is a fully accredited university and member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

  • Anthropology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Czech Language
  • Economics
  • Film Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • History
  • Literature
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Theater

This program is designed for students wishing to gain insight into the history, culture and development of Eastern and Central Europe by taking courses taught in English across a range of subject fields.

The program begins with a required orientation program in Czech language and culture. This includes Czech language instruction, cultural activities and excursions throughout Prague to help you to adjust and make the transition to living in the Czech Republic as smooth as possible. Classes are held for 5 hours per day, 4 days a week for the first 2 weeks of the program for a total of 52 contact hours. Two all-day field trips are also included. The orientation component carries a recommended 3 credits.

ECES students take a minimum of 4 or a maximum of 5 courses. Each course meets for 52 hours per semester, for 12 or 13 weeks and is recommended for 3 credits. You can therefore earn up to 18 credits (including the 3-credit orientation component). Courses are taught in English.

*2.7 GPA and above will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Working side by side with locals is an ideal way to gain insight into another culture, to understand different approaches and to prepare for the realities of working in a multicultural and interdependent world. AIFS Abroad has designed the Full Curriculum/Multiple Career Fields Program to combine a traditional academic learning experience with a unique opportunity to study working life in the Czech Republic firsthand with placements in Prague-based organizations. Interns will be engaged in different fields ranging from production, marketing, IT and administrative assistant placements to teaching English in a local elementary school.

Full Curriculum/Multiple Career Fields students earn up to 15 U.S. credits for the semester plus 3-credits for the orientation component. The internship is accredited by Fairfield University and offered for 3 credits. In addition to the internship students take up to 4 courses from the East and Central European Studies Program (ECES) at Charles University.

In a competitive world, practical experience is an invaluable addition to classroom learning. The internship provides vital insight into a career field, experience in the global workplace, practical exposure to the demands of specific jobs and development of professional and personal skills. International work experience helps students test a potential career path while exploring interests and abilities in new ways.

This program is designed for students wishing to gain insight into the history, culture and development of Eastern and Central Europe by taking courses taught in English across a range of subject fields.

The program begins with a required orientation program in Czech language and culture. This includes Czech language instruction, cultural activities and excursions throughout Prague to help you to adjust and make the transition to living in the Czech Republic as smooth as possible. Classes are held for 5 hours per day, 4 days a week for the first 2 weeks of the program for a total of 52 contact hours. Two all-day field trips are also included. The orientation component carries a recommended 3 credits.

ECES students take a minimum of 4 or a maximum of 5 courses. Each course meets for 52 hours per semester, for 12 or 13 weeks and is recommended for 3 credits. You can therefore earn up to 18 credits (including the 3-credit orientation component). Courses are taught in English.

*2.7 GPA and above will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Working side by side with locals is an ideal way to gain insight into another culture, to understand different approaches and to prepare for the realities of working in a multicultural and interdependent world. AIFS Abroad has designed the Full Curriculum/Multiple Career Fields Program to combine a traditional academic learning experience with a unique opportunity to study working life in the Czech Republic firsthand with placements in Prague-based organizations. Interns will be engaged in different fields ranging from production, marketing, IT and administrative assistant placements to teaching English in a local elementary school.

Full Curriculum/Multiple Career Fields students earn up to 15 U.S. credits for the semester plus 3-credits for the orientation component. The internship is accredited by Fairfield University and offered for 3 credits. In addition to the internship students take up to 4 courses from the East and Central European Studies Program (ECES) at Charles University.

In a competitive world, practical experience is an invaluable addition to classroom learning. The internship provides vital insight into a career field, experience in the global workplace, practical exposure to the demands of specific jobs and development of professional and personal skills. International work experience helps students test a potential career path while exploring interests and abilities in new ways.

View All Courses For East and Central European Studies
Jasmin Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE PRAGUE

Meet Jasmine, a college student from the University of New Hampshire, who took over the AIFS Abroad Instagram story recently to answer questions about what it’s like to study abroad in Prague, Czech Republic during her fall semester! Watch as Jasmine highlights what a typical day in the life looks like there.

A group of students in front of a wall of graffiti.

Living Abroad

Student Residence Hall

Live with other AIFS and international students conveniently located within easy reach of stores, restaurants and public transport.

  • Shared double rooms (some single rooms may be available on request; contact the AIFS Program Advisor for details)
  • Shared bathroom and kitchenette
  • Full-sized common kitchen on each floor
  • Dormitory Assistant
  • 24-hour security
  • Laundry facilities, gym and piano room on-site

Meals

European-style cold breakfast included Monday-Friday

Wi-Fi Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Prague.

CELL PHONES AND TRANSPORTATION PASSES

All AIFS Prague students receive a Czech SIM card for use while in Europe and a travel pass for use on Prague’s excellent public transport system. Basic cell phones are provided if needed.

Architecture

Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is known for its Old Town Square which is at the heart of its historic core. The city is lined with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and is home to the largest castle in the world.

HistorY

Dating back to the ninth century, the Prague Castle spans an impressive 18 acres and is home to stunning cathedrals, chapels, royal palaces and gorgeous ornamental gardens.

Attractions

Two famous attractions you’ll find in Prague include a graffiti wall devoted to John Lennon and the famous Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Square.

AIFS in Prague Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Renata Sluneckova

Hello everybody, I am sending you my best wishes from Prague, my home for more than 20 years. I received my Masters degree from Palackého University in Olomouc, Czech Republic and before joining AIFS in 2014 I worked for the Open Media Institute in Prague, the partner organization of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, making local arrangements for BBC film crews and for journalists based in Prague.

My experience of living in different parts of the Czech Republic means I am a great resource for you when you are in Prague. You will find me in the AIFS office, right in the center of the city, a short walk from the university classroom buildings and the main attractions of this most beautiful city.

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

In addition to excursions, a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Czech life. Typical activities, tours and visits may include:

  • Prague city walks focusing on different neighborhoods
  • Visits to the Jewish Museum, synagogues and cemetery
  • Opera, theater, ballet and concert visits
  • Sports events such as hockey and soccer games
  • Climbing
  • Visits to famous Prague cafés
  • Czech Buddy program offered through the university’s International Club for Czech language practice and exchange in addition to AIFS Buddy Program
  • Czech cooking class
  • Events such as concerts, festivals and markets which take you off the tourist trail to venues attended by Czech locals
  • Castle trips and day trips to other towns in the countryside including hiking trips
  • Czech related and seasonal events such as Easter craft or Halloween activities, Czech Christmas cookie baking and folklore crafts

Some events may require a small supplementary fee.

The AIFS Office is right in the heart of the city in one of the oldest parts of Prague conveniently located within walking distance of the university. There is a student center, library, and a computer lab in the office, with PCs for college work or leisure. Free printing is also available, making it ideal for students to print their projects and essays on their way to class. Staff are always there to help with any issues that might arise.

AIFS can arrange volunteer activities across a variety of fields and within a range of organizations. Recent offerings have included: 

  • English/Spanish tutor with Jedlička Institute and schools for physically disabled people
  • English assistant in school for visually impaired students
  • Teaching English in elementary schools in Prague
  • Crafts and sport with kids from SK HOPO, a shelter for displaced families 

Interested students should contact the Program Director directly once they have been accepted into the program. 

Excursions

This program offers a range of excursions that will take you outside Prague and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of the Czech Republic. 

Buildings in Moravia, Czech Republic.

Moravia

Tour a seasonal selection of the following: Napoleon battle site in Austerlitz, wine country, central Mikulov town, Lednice park and castle, Brno, Gregor Mendel’s Garden and Museum, the Ossuary at St. James’ Church, visit to Mucha’s Slav Epic Paintings at Moravský Krumlov, and the Moravian Karst cave complex. Dinner at Vinný sklep U Vrbů, a family-run winery in Hustopeče. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, and select entrance fees.

  • Czech Republic
  • 2 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
A horse carriage on a street in Kraków, Poland.

Kraków and Auschwitz-Birkenau

Sightseeing tours of Market Square, Wawel Castle, Podgorze District, Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz. Guided visit to the former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, now a memorial and museum. Free time to explore Kraków. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, daily breakfast, lunch and entrance fees.

  • Poland
  • 3 Days
  • $375
A student standing on a cliff overlooking Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Hike, visit scenic viewpoints, reach the highest peak in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains (Děčínský Sněžník), and hike at Tisa rocks, the filming location of Narnia. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, breakfast, lunch, and entrance fees. 

  • Czech Republic
  • 2 Days
  • $275
Czech Spa Town Experience.

Czech Spa Town Experience

Spend a weekend exploring the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad). Fee includes accommodations and transportation, breakfast, access to an indoor pool, tours of the ancient spring and Becher museum, and more.

  • Czech Republic
  • 2 Days
  • $275
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Closed

Program is closed

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    May 10, 2023
  • Deposit Deadline
    June 1, 2023
  • Scholarship Deadline
    April 20, 2023
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    August 27, 2023
  • Program Begins
    August 28, 2023
  • Program Ends
    December 8, 2023
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    December 9, 2023
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Students can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS programs. Students who choose to book their own flights should meet up with group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed in your account 6 months prior to departure. (Program fee is guaranteed.)

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $1,560
  • Boston
    $1,540
  • Buffalo
    $1,400
  • Charlotte
    $1,560
  • Chicago
    $1,620
  • Cincinnati
    $1,540
  • Columbus
    $1,400
  • Dallas
    $1,620
  • Denver
    $1,800
  • Des Moines
    $1,600
  • Detroit
    $1,540
  • Houston
    $1,720
  • Los Angeles
    $1,760
  • Miami
    $1,520
  • Minneapolis
    $1,540
  • New York
    $1,480
  • Newark
    $1,480
  • Orlando
    $1,540
  • Philadelphia
    $1,460
  • Phoenix
    $1,640
  • Pittsburgh
    $1,400
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $1,520
  • San Francisco
    $1,640
  • Seattle
    $1,820
  • St. Louis
    $1,600
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,620
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in Prague?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com