CIEE Prague: Central European Studies
- Location: Prague, Czech Republic
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors and seniors
Introduction
COVID-19 Protocols and Travel Warnings
- You can read about this program’s COVID-19 safety protocols at this link and this link, then read the CDC Travel Warning and U.S. State Department Travel Advisory at the respective links. For more information about Haverford College Study Abroad and the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak, read the Study Abroad homepage here.
- CIEE requires all study abroad students to be fully vaccinated before they can participate in any CIEE program.
Prague is one of the best-preserved historical cities in Europe. Since the 9th century, when it became the capital of Bohemia, Prague has passed through several distinct transformations which have inscribed it with its unique character. The original Romanesque city core was expanded considerably in Gothic style, especially during the reign of Charles IV who also established the University of Prague in 1348. The Counter Reformation of the seventeenth century and eighteenth century added a thick Baroque layer to the physiognomy of the city. Because of its innumerable characteristic steeples, Prague is called the city of a thousand spires. With a population of only 1.2 million, Prague has an unusually rich cultural life—festivals, operas, concerts, and cultural programs, many of which are accessible on a student budget. Study abroad students experience life similar to that of Czech students and make use of numerous neighborhoods in the city like native Praguers.
- Visa:
Required. Non-US citizens should consult with CIEE and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition to Haverford College. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting payment to the program. Students pay room and board fees directly to CIEE.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Previous Czech language study is not required. Study abroad students are required to take one Czech language course and four area studies courses. One semester of college-level European (especially Central European) studies is recommended (i.e., history, sociology, economics, political science, language, or literature).
Academic Credit
Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above. The Beginning Czech Language I language course will fulfill the language requirement. Students can enroll in up to six credits outside of CIEE courses at FAMU or Charles University.
Curriculum
Art History, Anthropology, Central European Area Studies, Cinema, Communications, Cultural Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, History, International Relations, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, and Theater. Students may take courses at Charles University (CU) and the Prague Film and Television School of the Academy of the Performing Arts (FAMU).
Course Highlights
Art History, Anthropology, Central European Area Studies, Cinema, Communications, Cultural Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, History, International Relations, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, and Theater.
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
Students participate in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation before departure. A mandatory three-week orientation session, which includes an intensive language program, is conducted in Prague at the beginning of the program and will introduce students to the academic program, country, culture, extracurricular options, and program faculty as well as provide practical information about living in the Czech Republic. Students receive ongoing orientation on aspects of Czech culture through the elective course and individual appointments with the resident director.
Number of Students
Approximately 150 students
Housing/Meal Plans
Students pay housing fees directly to CIEE. Provision of meals depends on the housing option. Students are encouraged to choose housing wisely as the costs differ for each option.
- Homestay with a Czech Family—This is the best option for students looking to fully immerse themselves in the Czech culture. Dinner and breakfast, on the family’s schedule, are included as is a single room. Homestays are typically located in residential areas, so students will have up to a 45 minute commute to the CIEE Study Center.
- CIEE-Administered Apartments—CIEE apartments are located in the buildings where other tenants/citizens live. Students are sharing the apartment with a flat buddy who is a local Charles University student. The flat buddy is responsible for apartment maintenance and also helps with Czech immersion while organizing activities for students. Internet is provided. CIEE apartments are located in various neighborhoods. Students on the Film Studies track must choose this option and are housed with other CIEE as well as local film students.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Gain Travel Grant – The CIEE Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grant helps cover airfare to and from CIEE program locations for students who demonstrate financial need. Pell-eligible students are guaranteed a GAIN Grant if they submit their CIEE scholarships application by October 15 for spring programs, or by April 1 for fall programs. GAIN Grants are available on a first-come first-served basis to students with a wider range of need. Students can be awarded $750-$2,000 toward airfare. The award amount depends on CIEE program location.
Additional Resources
Options
- Semester
- Fulfills Language Requirement
Dates
- Semester I: Early September to mid-December
- Semester II: Late January to mid-May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 15
- Semester II: October 1