Location:

Prague, Czech Republic

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Arts, Economic Development, Education, Social Services

Duration:

4-6 months

Program Overview

Program Description:

The East and Central European Studies (ECES) is an interdisciplinary program at Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Arts, Central Europe’s oldest and most respected university. The program offers courses in six academic fields during the fall, spring, and summer terms. Since 1992, ECES has provided a dynamic learning environment for international undergraduate students in the heart of Europe. Studying abroad for a semester allows students to become immersed in a new culture, while earning up to 21 U.S. credits. Students may choose to spend one or two semesters in Prague.


Courses:
Students may enroll in up to seven courses, including Czech in the orientation, for a maximum of 21 semester hours of credit. All courses are worth three U.S. credits and meet three times per week. Courses are offered in the following fields: history, politics, language, art and culture, film, and literature. Courses are taught in English.

Pre-Semester Czech Language and Culture Course: (mandatory)
The Czech Language course meets for ten days before the semester begins for five hours a day, in morning or afternoon sessions. The course is a combination of Czech language instruction, cultural activities, and short excursions throughout Prague. Students will be evaluated in the same manner for both courses and it will consist of the following: midterm test, final exam, homework, and participation. It is worth three U.S. credits.

Please check our web-site for the detailed list of courses as well as the course descriptions offered during the spring semester.


Volunteering:

Make a difference while studying abroad! Students will have the opportunity to volunteer during their stay in Prague. ECES offers both one-day activities and semester-long opportunities.

One-day volunteer opportunities are ideal for students who would like to volunteer, but cannot commit to a semester-long activity. Some of these excursions include, planting trees for a local environmental NGO or taking part in a community cleanup for a socially excluded group of people, such as the Roma.

Semester-long volunteer options include: editing personal memoirs about life during Nazism and Communism for the Czech Radio’s human rights project; assisting Charles University professors on various activities such as editing, research, and writing in English; and serving as native speakers for conversational English classes at one of the top high schools in Prague.

Setting Description:

Admission Requirements:

Must be at least a university sophomore (2nd year student) G.P.A. (grade point average) must be at least a 3.0 (students with a 2.70 -2.99 may still apply, but must submit a grade explanation along with the application materials)

Must be fluent in English (Non-native English speakers are required to submit a recent (not more than two years old) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. A minimum score of 550 PBT / 213 CBT / 79-80 IBT is required for admission. Other certifications may be accepted upon review

Cost:

6999 EUR
Included in the Program Fee:

Tuition (up to 7 courses)

Visa assistance and study documents

Airport assistance and transport (to the Komenského dormitory only) on the official arrival day

24-hour telephone emergency assistance provided by ECES staff

Permanent dormitory assistance provided by the Residential and Cultural Coordinator

Charles University student ID card, whi