Czech Republic
Qualified St. Lawrence University students have the opportunity to spend the fall semester in Prague at the CIEE study center. Please note that the number of students attending this program is limited and admission is highly competitive.
The CIEE program offers students a rich educational and cross-cultural experience in Prague. On this program, you will learn about the rich cultural history, the turbulent past, and the exciting future of the Czech Republic, a recent member of the European Union. This program offers students the opportunity to enroll in courses at prestigious local universities – FAMU (the Prague Film and Television School at the Academy of the Performing Arts) and Charles University. CIEE offers many cultural activities for students on the program, including volunteer opportunities, field trips to sites of historical and cultural importance in Prague as well as field trips to locations in Bohemia and Moravia, and the International Students Club, which brings Charles University and CIEE students together.
- Based in Prague
- Fall semester
- Enrollment capped at 12 students per semester (a backup option is encouraged for competitive programs)
- Pre-requisites: 3.0 GPA and one European Studies course OR a course with significant European content (preferably with a focus on Central Europe)
- Wide variety of course offerings
- Live with homestay families or in shared dormitories/apartments
Apply to Study in the Czech Republic
Location Academics Co-Curricular Housing Calendar Orientation Program Contacts
Location
With a population of 1.2 million, Prague boasts a rich cultural life and is best known as the "City of a Hundred Spires." The EU member state is an ideal case study of a society transitioning from and grappling with its communist past. Walking through the cobblestoned streets in the historic center, you'll see the medieval Astronomical Clock, multicolored baroque buildings, and the John Lennon Wall-- where graffiti is legal and the artwork changes on a daily basis. The CIEE Study Center is located in Vysehrad, a historic and centrally located walled fort.
Academics
St. Lawrence students will enroll in one of CIEE's programs in Prague:
CIEE Prague – Central European Studies
CIEE Prague – Business, Arts, and Sciences
CIEE Prague – Communications, Journalism, and New Media
Students choose from a wide selection of courses and subjects on Czech culture and society including history, media, art, religion, literature, and politics. Additionally, there is an internship-focused course that provides students with intercultural work experience and professional development. All CIEE courses are held at the CIEE Study Center and taught by faculty from various Charles University faculties and institutes. Participants have the opportunity to take some classes outside of CIEE, enrolling directly into courses at the Charles University campus or FAMU, Central Europe’s preeminent film school.
Students should be aware of the fact that the Czech educational system is quite different than the one in the U.S. To be successful, students must be self-motivated, willing to learn independently and participate actively in class.
St. Lawrence University students must take at least 5 courses for a total of 15 credits:
- Enroll in a required Czech language course (CZEC 1001 PRA)
- Enroll in four additional courses depending on the program track selected by the student.
- One suggested course: Intercultural Communication and Leadership (COMM 3301 PRAG)
Course credit from CIEE's Czech Republic program transfers back to SLU, provided you have received course approval from the department chair of the particular academic department in question. Some courses in the Czech Republic have been pre-approved by St. Lawrence and can be found on APR2. Please keep in mind that these are the courses that have been pre-approved, but students may enroll in other courses as well, and seek approval (as described above) after acceptance to the program.
*Note: The Film Studies program requires a separate application process including a portfolio of prior film projects. The Film Studies program includes an intensive screenwriting or film-making component. CIEE and FAMU can only admit a small number of students to this program; students accepted to study off-campus in Prague by SLU may not admitted by CIEE to the "Film Studies" program. In that case, they may shift their application to CIEE's "Communication, Journalism, and New Media" program.
Co-curricular
The program includes site visits to a number of locations in Prague as well as field trips to Bohemia and Moravia. The International Students Club organizes additional activities to promote cultural exchange between CIEE and Charles University students.
Students who venture out of the city center can explore miles of walking and hiking paths. CIEE offers periodic guided hikes throughout iconic locations such as Bohemian Paradise, one of the first nature reserves in the Czech Republic.
Housing
Students have two options that are spread around Prague: homestay or a shared room within a dormitory/shared apartment. Living with a host family is often the best way for students to become immersed in the local culture, to practice their newly acquired language skills, and to get to know Prague as locals do; however, homestay placements may be limited. The shared apartments are in apartment buildings within a 30 minute walk or 5-15 minute tram ride. Students share an apartment with other CIEE students and at most one Czech buddy. Dormitories come furnished, including kitchen utensils, dishes, and cooking implements. Students in dormitories and shared housing will be responsible for preparing their own meals.
CIEE currently offers Standard or Select/Select Plus housing that has an additional fee. Students should select the "Standard" option and then prioritize either the shared dormitory space or homestay. Individual payment for specialized, preferential or upgraded housing is not allowed on any program. If there is an approved special needs housing accommodation certified by SAS, CIIS will work with local providers to facilitate approved accommodations whenever possible.
Calendar
See the CIIE website for program dates.
Orientation
Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in-depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the student's participation in the program. This includes a program specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session led by the CIIS office on culture shock, what to expect, as well as safety and security while abroad. You will also participate in an online orientation provided by CIEE through Canvas.
On-site: During orientation, the CIEE Prague staff will provide a structured introduction to the country, the culture, and the academic program. They will also give you lots of practical information about living in Prague, including:
- Health, Safety, and Security information
- Detailed information on health, well-being, and emergency procedures
- Academic information relating to the program and university
- Information regarding your housing arrangement
- Local tours and guided visits in order to help with adjustment,
- Internships (if applicable)
Program Contacts
If you are interested in learning more about the Czech Republic program please contact one of the following people.
CIIS Office: Kim Longfellow, Assistant Director of Off-Campus Programs - Questions about eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.
Faculty Coordinator: Kim Longfellow - Questions about program academics.